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大类Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)
CAS Number: 77-86-1
Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₁NO₃
Molecular Weight: 121.14 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ether
pKa Value: 8.1 (at 25°C), providing excellent buffering capacity within the physiological pH range
Melting Point: 168-172°C
What is Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane?
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, commonly referred to as Tris, is an organic basic compound widely used in biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine due to its excellent buffering properties. It is primarily used to prepare biological buffers that stabilize pH, particularly in the range of 7.0-9.0. This makes it ideal for applications in cell culture, DNA/RNA research, protein electrophoresis, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Tris is highly water-soluble, has low toxicity, and maintains stable pH under physiological conditions, making it one of the most commonly used laboratory buffers.
Functions of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane
1. Used as a Biochemical Buffer
Tris is one of the most widely used buffering agents in various experiments and applications:
Protein Research: Tris is a key component of SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) buffer, aiding in protein separation.
DNA/RNA Research: It is commonly used in TAE (Tris-acetate-EDTA) and TBE (Tris-borate-EDTA) buffers for gel electrophoresis to separate nucleic acids.
Cell Culture: Tris is used as a medium component to help maintain extracellular pH balance.
2. Used in Pharmaceuticals and Medical Applications
Pharmaceutical Excipients: Tris is used as a buffering agent in intravenous drug formulations to ensure a physiologically suitable pH.
Cardiovascular Surgery: Tris helps regulate blood acid-base balance and prevent metabolic acidosis during surgical procedures.
Dialysis Solutions: Tris is used to regulate pH in artificial kidney dialysis fluids, preventing acid-base imbalances during dialysis.
3. Used in Industrial Applications
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Tris functions as a pH regulator in skincare products, shampoos, and hair dyes.
Industrial Cleaners: As a pH buffer, Tris improves the stability of cleaning products.
Polymer Industry: Tris plays a role in the production of certain synthetic materials, such as water-based coatings and adhesives.
Conclusion
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) is an essential buffering agent with stable pH-regulating capabilities, widely applied in biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and industry. In laboratories, it is a core component of buffer systems for protein research, electrophoresis analysis, and DNA/RNA studies. In the medical field, it is used in drug formulations and acid-base balance regulation. Industrially, Tris is found in cosmetics, cleaning agents, and polymer production. Due to its low toxicity, high stability, and excellent water solubility, Tris is an indispensable reagent in biological and chemical research.