Specifications Table

Product Name – Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride, 99+%, extra pure
Quantity/Pack Size – 100GR, 250GR, 1KG, 5KG
Form – Crystalline powder
Grade – Extra pure (99%+)
Application – pH buffering, molecular biology, protein electrophoresis

Product Overview

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride (Tris-HCl) is a premium-grade buffering agent designed for high-precision laboratory applications where pH stability is critical. This extra pure (99%+) formulation ensures minimal interference in sensitive biochemical reactions, making it ideal for molecular biology workflows, protein electrophoresis, and nucleic acid research. The crystalline powder dissolves rapidly in aqueous solutions, providing consistent buffering capacity across a wide pH range (7.0-9.0). Its low-endotoxin profile and high solubility (550 g/L at 20°C) eliminate variability in experimental results. The compound’s zwitterionic nature at physiological pH enhances compatibility with biological systems, while its temperature-dependent pKa (8.06 at 25°C) allows for precise pH adjustments in temperature-sensitive protocols. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality control to guarantee lot-to-lot consistency, with residual heavy metals and impurities maintained below detectable limits. The extra pure grade designation signifies compliance with stringent analytical standards, ensuring reproducibility in demanding applications like PCR, DNA sequencing, and cell culture media preparation.

FAQs

1. What is the exact pH range where Tris-HCl provides optimal buffering?

Tris-HCl demonstrates maximum buffering capacity between pH 7.0 and 9.0, with its pKa value of 8.06 at 25°C serving as the midpoint of this effective range. The buffering efficiency decreases significantly outside this window, particularly below pH 6.5 or above pH 9.5.

2. How does temperature variation affect Tris-HCl’s buffering performance?

The pKa of Tris-HCl exhibits notable temperature dependence, decreasing by approximately 0.03 pH units per °C increase. This means the buffer’s effective pH will shift downward as temperature rises, requiring recalibration for experiments conducted at non-standard temperatures. For precise applications, we recommend measuring pH at the actual working temperature.

3. What are the key compatibility considerations when using Tris-HCl with metal ions?

Tris-HCl forms complexes with divalent cations like Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Mn²⁺, which can alter their bioavailability in solution. This chelation property may interfere with enzyme activities that require metal cofactors. For applications involving metalloenzymes or ion-sensitive reactions, consider pre-saturating the buffer with the required metal ions or using alternative buffers like HEPES.

4. What storage conditions maximize Tris-HCl’s shelf life?

Store the unopened crystalline powder in a tightly sealed container at room temperature (15-25°C), protected from moisture and direct light. Under these conditions, the product maintains its specified purity for at least 36 months from the date of manufacture. Prepared Tris-HCl solutions should be refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within one month to prevent microbial contamination or pH drift.

5. How does this extra pure grade differ from standard laboratory-grade Tris-HCl?

The extra pure grade undergoes additional purification steps to reduce trace contaminants, including heavy metals (each <1 ppm), endotoxins (<0.1 EU/mg), and nucleases/proteases. This results in lower background interference in sensitive assays like PCR, DNA/RNA purification, and cell culture applications where standard grades might introduce artifacts or toxicity.