MOPSO
[CAS# 68399-77-9]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Sulfonic acid / sulfinic acid
• Name: MOPSO
• Synonyms: 2-Hydroxy-3-morpholinopropanesulfonic acid; 3-Morpholino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid; 3-(N-Morpholino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₅NO₅S
• Molecular Weight: 225.26
• CAS Registry Number: 68399-77-9
• EC Number: 269-989-6
• SMILES: C1COCCN1CC(CS(=O)(=O)O)O

Properties

• Solubility: 0.5 M (water 20 °C)
• Melting point: 276-279 °C (decomp.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

Discovery and Applications

MOPSO, which stands for 3-(N-morpholine)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, is a zwitterionic buffer designed to meet the needs of biological and biochemical research. It was discovered during an ongoing effort to create an effective buffer that meets the criteria of Good's buffer, named after Norman E. Good, who pioneered this class of compounds in the 1960s. MOPSO is specifically designed to provide stable pH maintenance under a wide range of experimental conditions without negatively interacting with biomolecules.

MOPSO has a molecular formula of C7H15NO5S and a molecular weight of 225.26 g/mol. Its structure includes a morpholine ring and a hydroxypropanesulfonic acid group, which provide high buffering capacity and stability. MOPSO is effective in the pH range of 6.5 to 7.9 and has a pKa of approximately 7.2 at 25°C, making it suitable for buffering near-neutral conditions. This stability is critical for a variety of biological and biochemical applications.

MOPSO is widely used in electrophoresis, particularly for the separation of nucleic acids and proteins. Its ability to maintain a stable pH during electrophoresis ensures accurate migration and resolution of biomolecules. This application is essential for obtaining clear and interpretable results in techniques such as SDS-PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis.

In cell culture, MOPSO helps maintain the pH of the culture medium within the physiological range, which is essential for optimal cell growth and viability. Its non-toxic nature ensures that it does not interfere with cellular processes, making it a reliable buffer for maintaining consistent experimental conditions in cell-based studies.

MOPSO is used in various biochemical assays to stabilize pH, which is essential for the activity and stability of enzymes and other biomolecules. Its buffering capacity ensures that analytical conditions remain optimal, allowing for accurate and reliable measurements of biochemical activity. This makes MOPSO a key ingredient in enzyme studies and other biochemical assays.

During protein purification, maintaining a stable pH is essential for preserving protein structure and function. MOPSO is used in chromatographic techniques and other purification protocols to buffer the system, increasing the yield and purity of isolated proteins. Its compatibility with different purification methods makes it a versatile tool in protein chemistry.

In structural biology, MOPSO is used in techniques such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy to study the structure of proteins and other biomolecules. Its stability and low ionic strength make it an ideal buffer for obtaining high-quality structural data without interfering with the biomolecule being analyzed.

The high buffering capacity enables MOPSO to effectively maintain a stable pH level, ensuring consistent experimental results. MOPSO has a wide pH range and can be used in a variety of experimental conditions, making it a versatile buffer. MOPSO is generally nontoxic to cells and does not interfere with biochemical reactions, making it suitable for sensitive biological applications.

References

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