Tris Buffer | Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane | AUSAMICS l CAT: ASC-8019
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Documentation
Tris Buffer (Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane)
High-Purity Biological Buffer for Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Research | Cat. No. ASC-8019
ASC-8019 CAS 77-86-1 pKa 8.06–8.1 pH Range 7.0–9.0 🇦🇺 Melbourne
CAS No.
77-86-1
Mol. Weight
121.14 g/mol
pKa (25°C)
8.06–8.1
Buffer Range
pH 7.0–9.0
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Overview
Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane — widely known as Tris base, Trizma base, THAM, or Trometamol — is a high-purity biological buffer central to molecular biology and biochemistry research. Its optimal pKa of 8.06–8.1 makes it ideally suited to buffering within the physiological pH range (pH 7.0–9.0) relevant to most living systems.
Tris is used both independently as a buffer and as a core component of mixed buffer formulations, including Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer, Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer, and Tris-borate-EDTA (TBE) buffer — the standard buffers underpinning agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA and RNA. It is pure, stable, and relatively non-hygroscopic, making it a dependable choice across cell biology, biochemistry, and protein research laboratories.
Key Features
High-purity buffer substance suitable for reproducible research results
Optimal pKa (8.06–8.1) for physiological pH range buffering (pH 7.0–9.0)
Stable, relatively non-hygroscopic, high equivalent weight
Core component of TAE, TBE, and TE buffer systems
Suitable as a basimetric (acidimetric) standard for chemical analysis
Optimal pKa (8.06–8.1) for physiological pH range buffering (pH 7.0–9.0)
Stable, relatively non-hygroscopic, high equivalent weight
Core component of TAE, TBE, and TE buffer systems
Suitable as a basimetric (acidimetric) standard for chemical analysis
Typical Applications
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Gel Electrophoresis
TAE / TBE buffer for DNA/RNA separation
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Protein Extraction
Cell lysis and protein buffer systems
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Enzyme Assays
Buffering for lactate dehydrogenase and other assays
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Cell Biology
Membrane permeability studies
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Analytical Chemistry
Basimetric standard for acid solution standardisation
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General Buffering
TE buffer, standard pH solutions
FAQs
❓ Why is Tris buffer's pH so sensitive to temperature?
Tris has an unusually large temperature coefficient compared to many other buffers — pH increases by approximately 0.03 units per 1°C decrease in temperature, and decreases 0.03–0.05 units per ten-fold dilution. This means a Tris buffer calibrated at room temperature will read a different pH in a cold room or on ice. Always use a calibrated pH meter with a glass/calomel combination electrode at the actual working temperature for precise applications.
❓ Can Tris buffer be used with all enzymes and proteins?
Not universally — Tris has been reported to interfere with the activity of a number of enzymes, since its primary amine group can participate in unwanted side reactions (e.g. with aldehydes, or by acting as a weak nucleophile). Caution is advised when working with enzyme assays or protein systems sensitive to primary amines; alternative buffers (e.g. HEPES, phosphate buffer) may be preferable for these specific applications.
❓ What's the difference between Tris base and Tris HCl?
Tris base (this product, CAS 77-86-1) is the free-base form, alkaline in solution, and is typically titrated down to the desired pH with an acid (commonly HCl). Tris HCl (CAS 1185-53-1) is the pre-formed hydrochloride salt, acidic in solution, and is titrated up with a base (commonly NaOH). Both reach the same buffering chemistry once at the target pH — the choice is largely a matter of which direction you prefer to titrate from.
Intended Use
⚠️ For laboratory research use only. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Chemical & Physical Information
| Product Name | Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris Buffer) |
| Catalogue Number | ASC-8019 |
| CAS Number | 77-86-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₁₁NO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 121.14 g/mol |
| EC Number | 201-064-4 |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | 171–176°C |
| Boiling Point | 219–220°C |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water (~50 g/100 mL at 25°C); soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in ethyl acetate |
| pKa | 8.06–8.1 at 20–25°C (temperature-dependent) |
| Effective Buffer Range | pH 7.0–9.0 |
Synonyms
Trizma base · Tris base · THAM · Trometamol · Tromethamine · 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol · Trimethylolaminomethane · Tris-Amino
Buffer Preparation Notes
| Temperature Sensitivity | pH increases ~0.03 unit per 1°C decrease in temperature |
| Dilution Sensitivity | pH decreases 0.03–0.05 unit per ten-fold dilution |
| Recommended Measurement | Use a calibrated pH meter with a glass/calomel combination electrode at working temperature |
| Common Formulations | TE buffer, TAE buffer, TBE buffer, Tris-glycine (SDS-PAGE running buffer) |
Storage & Stability
Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed, protected from moisture. Relatively non-hygroscopic and stable under recommended storage conditions.
Literature & References
| 1 | Sambrook J, Russell DW. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 4th ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2012. |
| 2 | Good NE, et al. Hydrogen ion buffers for biological research. Biochemistry. 1966;5(2):467–477. |
⚠️ Full 16-section GHS SDS available — support@ausamics.com
Hazard Identification (GHS 7th Ed / WHS 2023)
!
| Classification | Skin Irritation Category 2; Eye Irritation Category 2; Specific Target Organ Toxicity — Single Exposure (Respiratory Irritation) Category 3 |
| Signal Word | Warning |
| Hazard Statements | H315 — Causes skin irritation. H319 — Causes serious eye irritation. H335 — May cause respiratory irritation. |
Handling & PPE
| Engineering Controls | Local exhaust ventilation or fume hood when weighing bulk powder |
| PPE | Safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), lab coat; P1/P2 particulate respirator for bulk powder handling |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, tightly sealed, protected from moisture |
First Aid Summary
| Eyes | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Skin | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice if a large quantity is swallowed. |
Transport & Regulatory
| Transport | Not classified as dangerous goods (ADG / IATA / IMDG) |
| WHS Regulations 2023 | Classified per GHS 7th Edition as outlined above |
Quality Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Assay (titration) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Melting Point | 171–176°C |
| Identification | Concordant with reference spectrum |
| Heavy Metals | Within manufacturer specification |
| pH (0.1M aqueous solution) | 10.0–11.5 (unadjusted; free base is alkaline before titration) |
| Batch Documentation | Lot number, release date, and applicable QC results included |
Manufacturing & Documentation
Manufactured / repackaged by AuSaMicS Pty Ltd
36/25 Trafalgar Road, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia | ABN 56 676 640 467
✓ High-purity biological buffer grade
✓ Identity confirmed by reference spectrum
✓ Batch QC — appearance, assay, melting point
✓ COA and SDS included with every order
✓ Australian stock — same-week dispatch, no import delays
36/25 Trafalgar Road, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia | ABN 56 676 640 467
✓ High-purity biological buffer grade
✓ Identity confirmed by reference spectrum
✓ Batch QC — appearance, assay, melting point
✓ COA and SDS included with every order
✓ Australian stock — same-week dispatch, no import delays
⚠️ For laboratory and research use only. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Batch-Specific Certificate of Analysis
Every lot ships with its own Certificate of Analysis, documenting appearance, assay, melting point, and identity confirmation before release.
Batch-specific COA: Contact support@ausamics.com quoting the catalogue number and lot number.