| Tris | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| IUPAC name | 2-Amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol |
| Other names | TRIS, Tris, Tris base, Tris buffer, TrizmaTM, Trisamine, THAM, Tromethamine, Trometamol, Tromethane |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 77-86-1 |
| RTECS number | TY2900000 |
| SMILES |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C4H11NO3 |
| Molar mass | 121.14 g mol−1 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Melting point |
>175-176°C (448-449 K) |
| Boiling point |
219°C (492 K) |
| Solubility in water | ~50 g/100 ml (25°C) in water |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.1 |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| Main hazards | Irritant |
| NFPA 704 |
 0
2
0
|
| R-phrases | R36, R37, R38. |
| S-phrases | S26, S36. |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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'Tris (also known as THAM) is an abbreviation of the organic compound known as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, with the formula (HOCH2)3CNH2. Tris is extensively used in biochemistry and molecular biology.[1] In biochemistry, tris is widely used as a component of buffer solutions, such as in TAE and TBE buffer, especially for solutions of nucleic acids. It is a primary amine and thus undergoes the reactions associated with typical amines, e.g. condensations with aldehydes.
Contents |
Tris has a pKa of 8.06, which implies that the buffer has an effective pH range between 7.0 and 9.2.
Tris is prepared in two steps from nitromethane via the intermediate (HOCH2)3CNO2 . Reduction of the latter gives tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane.[2]
The useful buffer range for Tris (7-9) coincides with the typical physiological pH of most living organisms. This, and its low cost, make Tris one of the most common buffers used in the biology/biochemistry lab.
Tris (usually known as THAM in this context) is used as alternative to sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of metabolic acidosis.[3]