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CAS 77-86-1 Biological Buffer Substance Biological Buffer Substance High Purity USP Grade EP Grade BP Grade

TRIS Buffer (Tris Base)

IUPAC: 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol View on PubChem
CAS NUMBER
77-86-1
MOL. FORMULA
C4H11NO3
MOL. WEIGHT
121.14 g/mol
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Scientific Overview

TRIS buffers pH through protonation/deprotonation of its primary amine group (pKa ˜ 8.1 at 25°C), making it especially effective near physiological pH. Its low toxicity, high water solubility, and buffering stability make it a foundational reagent in molecular biology (electrophoresis, protein purification), pharmaceutical formulation, and clinical use as an alternative to sodium bicarbonate for acidosis correction.

TRIS (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), also known clinically as tromethamine (THAM), is a primary amine-based organic base widely used as a biological buffering agent across the physiologically relevant pH range of 7--9. Beyond laboratory use, its tromethamine salt form is employed pharmaceutically for treating metabolic acidosis and as a counter-ion in various APIs.

Full Technical Data
Chemical Name Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris Base / Tromethamine / THAM)
CAS Number 77-86-1
IUPAC Name 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol
Molecular Formula C4H11NO3
Molecular Weight 121.14 g/mol g/mol
Reaction Scheme
Nitromethane
Formaldehyde
NA
TRIS Buffer
NA
Commercial Applications

Molecular Biology Buffers

Core component of TAE/TBE buffers for nucleic acid electrophoresis and general pH stabilization in biochemical assays.

Pharmaceutical Formulation

Used as a buffering agent and counter-ion (tromethamine salt) in injectable and oral drug formulations.

Clinical Metabolic Acidosis Treatment

Tromethamine (THAM) is used intravenously to buffer blood pH in severe metabolic acidosis.

Protein Purification & Cell Culture

Maintains stable physiological pH during chromatography, enzymatic reactions, and cell culture media preparation.

Market Therapeutic Focus
BIOLOGICAL BUFFER SUBSTANCE PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING CRITICAL CARE / ACID-BASE THERAPY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & DIAGNOSTICS BIOPROCESSING CRO/CDMO
Scientific Literature

Buffers for pH and Metal Ion Control

Authors: Good, N.E. et al.

Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1021/bi00858a015

Tromethamine in the Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis

Authors: Nahas, G.G. et al.

Anesthesiology

DOI: 10.1097/00000542-199809000-00030

Tris Buffer Effects on Protein Stability and Enzymatic Activity

Authors: Ellis, K.J.; Morrison, J.F.

Methods Enzymol.

DOI: 10.1016/S0076-6879(82)87007-8
Peer Queries & FAQs
Why is TRIS effective as a physiological buffer?
Its pKa of 8.1 places its effective buffering range close to physiological pH (7--9), and its primary amine group allows reversible protonation to resist pH shifts.
What is the difference between Tris Base and Tris-HCl?
Tris Base is the free-base form (alkaline in solution), while Tris-HCl is its hydrochloride salt (acidic), commonly combined to precisely titrate buffer solutions to a target pH.
Is TRIS used clinically?
Yes, as tromethamine (THAM), it is administered intravenously to correct severe metabolic acidosis, particularly when sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated.
What is the recommended storage condition?
Store in a tightly sealed container at 15--30°C, protected from moisture, as it is hygroscopic.

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