What is trishydroxymethyl aminomethane?

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, also known as TRIS or THAM, is a zwitterionic amino alcohol compound commonly used as a pH buffer in biological and biochemical applications. It is a strong base with a pKa of approximately 8.1 and can be used to maintain a stable pH in solutions, particularly in biological samples such as cell culture media.

TRIS is also often used as a buffering agent in electrophoresis applications, as well as in the purification and analysis of proteins and nucleic acids. It is compatible with a wide range of biological molecules and is non-toxic to cells, making it a popular choice for many research laboratories.

Additionally, TRIS can function as a counter ion in the preparation of buffer systems, and can help stabilize the pH of many solutions in the laboratory. It is widely available in various forms, such as TRIS base, TRIS-HCl, and TRIS hydrochloride, making it easy to incorporate into experimental protocols.

Overall, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane is an essential tool in the laboratory for maintaining pH stability and ensuring accurate results in biological and biochemical research.