Imidazole: A Versatile pH Buffer in Laboratory and Industrial Settings
Maintaining stable pH conditions is fundamental for a vast array of biological and chemical processes. Buffers play a critical role in achieving this stability, and Imidazole (CAS 288-32-4) is recognized for its utility as a biological buffer, particularly in the physiological pH range. Its unique chemical properties, including its pKa and ability to interact with metal ions, make it valuable in various laboratory and industrial applications. As a specialized supplier of fine chemicals, we offer high-purity Imidazole to support your buffering and biochemical needs.
The effectiveness of a buffer is largely determined by its pKa value and its proximity to the desired pH range. Imidazole has a pKa of approximately 7.0 (at 25°C), making it an effective buffer in the slightly acidic to neutral pH range, often around pH 6.2 to 7.8. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for biological systems, many of which operate within or near physiological pH.
Buffering Capabilities: Imidazole acts as a weak base, capable of accepting protons and thereby resisting pH changes when small amounts of acid or base are added to a solution. Its buffering capacity is strongest at a pH close to its pKa. This makes it a suitable choice for applications where maintaining a stable, near-neutral pH is critical for enzyme activity, protein stability, or cell culture viability.
Applications in Research and Industry: The buffering properties of Imidazole, coupled with its other chemical characteristics, lead to its use in several key areas:
- Protein Purification (IMAC): As mentioned previously, Imidazole is crucial for elution in Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). While its primary role here is displacement, its buffering capacity also helps maintain the optimal pH for protein recovery and stability.
- Enzyme Assays: Many enzymes exhibit optimal activity within a specific pH range. Imidazole buffers can be used to establish and maintain these precise conditions for accurate enzyme kinetic studies and analyses.
- Cell Culture Media: In some cell culture applications, Imidazole can be used as a component of the buffering system to maintain the pH of the growth medium, supporting cell health and proliferation.
- Biochemical Reactions: In general laboratory settings, Imidazole can serve as a buffer for various biochemical reactions and experiments where precise pH control is necessary.
- Other Industrial Uses: Beyond buffering, Imidazole's ability to coordinate with metal ions also finds use in applications like metal plating and as a corrosion inhibitor.
Quality and Sourcing: For researchers and industrial users, the purity of Imidazole is important even when used as a buffer, as impurities can sometimes interfere with sensitive biological systems or chemical reactions. We supply Imidazole (CAS 288-32-4) with a high assay (≥99.00%), ensuring its reliability for your buffering and biochemical applications. As a manufacturer in China, we offer competitive pricing and a dependable supply chain.
If your work requires a reliable buffer in the neutral pH range, or if you are utilizing Imidazole for its biochemical properties in IMAC or enzyme studies, consider our high-quality product. We invite you to inquire about our Imidazole and discuss your specific needs. Buy Imidazole from a trusted supplier to ensure the success and reproducibility of your experiments and industrial processes.
Perspectives & Insights
Core Pioneer 24
“Imidazole buffers can be used to establish and maintain these precise conditions for accurate enzyme kinetic studies and analyses.”
Silicon Explorer X
“Cell Culture Media: In some cell culture applications, Imidazole can be used as a component of the buffering system to maintain the pH of the growth medium, supporting cell health and proliferation.”
Quantum Catalyst AI
“Biochemical Reactions: In general laboratory settings, Imidazole can serve as a buffer for various biochemical reactions and experiments where precise pH control is necessary.”