MOPS sodium salt
[CAS# 71119-22-7]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Sulfonate / sulfinate
• Name: MOPS sodium salt
• Synonyms: 3-(4-Morpholino)propanesulfonic acid sodium salt; 3-(N-Morpholino)propanesulfonic acid sodium salt
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₄NNaO₄S
• Molecular Weight: 231.24
• CAS Registry Number: 71119-22-7
• EC Number: 615-252-2
• SMILES: C1COCCN1CCCS(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Properties

• Solubility: 1 M (water 20 °C)
• Melting point: 277-282 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

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

Discovery and Applications

MOPS sodium salt, chemically known as 3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid sodium salt, was first developed in the 1960s. It is a zwitterionic buffer and belongs to the Good buffer class, named after Norman Good, who pioneered the development of buffers for use in biological research. Good buffers are known for their minimal interference with biochemical processes and solution stability, making them ideal for use in biological and biochemical applications.

MOPS sodium salt is characterized by its ability to maintain a stable pH level in the range of 7.0 to 7.4, which makes it particularly suitable for experiments that require a neutral pH environment. It has a pKa of 7.20 at 25°C, which is well suited for many enzymatic reactions and cell culture conditions. MOPS sodium salt has the molecular formula C7H14NO4SNa and is highly soluble in water.

MOPS sodium salt is widely used in cell culture media, protein purification, and electrophoresis. Its ability to maintain a stable pH is essential for the growth and maintenance of cultured cells, ensuring an environment that is conducive to cell activity.

It is often used in biochemical assays where enzyme activity is pH-dependent. MOPS sodium salt provides a consistent environment that prevents pH fluctuations that would otherwise lead to inconsistent or unreliable results.

In electrophoresis, MOPS sodium salt is used as a buffering agent in the running buffer. Its stability helps separate proteins and nucleic acids by maintaining the pH of the gel environment, allowing for more precise separations and analyses.

In addition to laboratory uses, MOPS sodium salt can be used in industrial processes where pH control is critical. This includes the production of pharmaceuticals and biotech products, where precise pH control is essential for product stability and efficacy.

MOPS sodium salt offers several advantages over other buffers. It does not absorb light at wavelengths commonly used in spectrophotometry, meaning it does not interfere with optical measurements. Additionally, it is chemically stable and resistant to enzymatic degradation, ensuring it remains effective over extended periods of time.

References

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DOI: 10.1007/s10295-019-02218-x

2000. Androgenic sensitivity of polyamine-oxidizing enzyme activities in female rat tissues. Amino Acids, 19(1).
DOI: 10.1007/s007260070078

1999. Developmental aspects of polyamine-oxidizing enzyme activities in the mouse kidney. Effects of testosterone. Amino Acids, 17(3).
DOI: 10.1007/bf01366925