Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane: A Versatile Buffer and Pharmaceutical Intermediate
Discover the broad utility of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as a key biological buffer and essential pharmaceutical intermediate.
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Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, widely known as Trometamol or THAM, is a highly versatile organic compound essential across various scientific and industrial sectors. Its chemical structure, featuring a primary amine and three hydroxyl groups, makes it an excellent biological buffer, maintaining stable pH levels critical for numerous biochemical reactions. This property is indispensable in life sciences research, from molecular biology experiments to electrophoresis and cell culture.
- As a Biological Buffer: Its effective buffering range between pH 7 and 9, with a pKa of 8.07 at 25°C, makes it ideal for maintaining physiological conditions in various assays, ensuring the integrity and activity of biomolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins. You can leverage Tris buffer for electrophoresis to achieve precise separation of these critical components.
- As a Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Known medically as Trometamol, it serves as a crucial intermediate in drug synthesis and formulation. It's utilized in treatments for metabolic acidosis and is a component in certain vaccine formulations, highlighting its importance in healthcare applications. This dual role makes it a valuable pharmaceutical intermediate.
- In Cosmetic Applications: Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane is incorporated into personal care products and cosmetics, acting as an emulsifier and thickener to enhance product stability and texture. It plays a role in ensuring the desired consistency for various cosmetic formulations.
- Versatile Chemical Properties: Its solubility in water and ethanol, coupled with its chemical reactivity, allows for its use in synthesizing other compounds like surfactants and vulcanization accelerators, broadening its industrial applicability. The compound's role as a chemical reagent is significant.
Key Advantages
Exceptional pH Stability
Leveraging its properties as a biological buffer, it provides reliable pH control in sensitive biochemical applications, crucial for accurate research outcomes.
Broad Application Scope
From vital pharmaceutical intermediate roles to everyday cosmetic products, its adaptability makes it a cornerstone chemical for diverse industries.
High Purity Standards
Available in high purity grades, it meets the stringent requirements of molecular biology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring experimental and product integrity.
Key Applications
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Used extensively as a biological buffer and in preparing electrophoresis buffers such as TAE and TBE, supporting critical research in Tris for biochemical assays.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Serves as a key pharmaceutical intermediate and active ingredient in treatments for metabolic acidosis, and as a component in vaccine formulations.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Acts as an emulsifier and thickener in creams, lotions, and other personal care products, contributing to stable cosmetic formulations.
Chemical Synthesis
Employed in the synthesis of surfactants, vulcanization accelerators, and other fine chemicals, showcasing its utility beyond biological applications.