Trometamol
[CAS# 77-86-1]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Water, electrolyte and acid-base balance regulator >> Acid-base balance regulator
• Name: Trometamol
• Synonyms: Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane; 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol; Tromethamine; Tromethane; THAM
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₁₁NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 121.14
• CAS Registry Number: 77-86-1 (83147-39-1)
• EC Number: 201-064-4
• SMILES: C(C(CO)(CO)N)O

Properties

• Solubility: 550 g/L (water 25 °C)
• Density: 1.353 g/mL
• Melting point: 167-172 °C
• Boiling point: 219-220 °C (10 mmHg)

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
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332

Discovery and Applications

Aminotrichol, also known as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or TRIS, is a widely used organic compound with the molecular formula C4H11NO3. It is a white crystalline powder that is used as a buffer in a variety of biological and chemical applications. Aminotrichol's ability to maintain a stable pH makes it an essential ingredient in laboratories and medical settings.

Aminotrichol was first synthesized in the early 20th century, and its properties and potential applications were systematically studied in the following decades. Its discovery was attributed to the search for an effective and versatile buffer that could be used in biochemical and clinical laboratories. The stability and non-toxic nature of the compound soon made it a popular choice among researchers and medical professionals.

Aminotrichol is widely used in biochemical research as a buffer in electrophoresis, chromatography, and enzyme reaction solutions. Its buffering capacity is most effective in the pH range of 7 to 9, making it an ideal choice for maintaining a desired pH in a variety of experimental conditions. Aminotrichol is compatible with a wide range of biomolecules and has minimal interactions with enzyme reactions, making it a preferred buffer in protein and nucleic acid research.

In clinical medicine, aminotrichol is used as an active ingredient in drugs to treat acidosis, a condition characterized by excessive acidity in the blood. It acts as an alkalizing agent, helping restore normal pH balance in patients with metabolic acidosis. Aminotrichol is also found in topical preparations, such as creams and ointments, where it acts as a pH regulator and stabilizer.

Aminotrichol is a common excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. It is used to enhance the solubility and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In parenteral drugs, aminotrichol helps maintain the pH of the solution, ensuring the efficacy and safety of the drug. Its role in drug formulation extends to oral and topical drugs, helping to optimize the performance and shelf life of drugs.

In diagnostic laboratories, aminotrichol is a key ingredient in various assay kits and reagents. Its buffering properties ensure that assay results are consistent and reliable. It is often used in blood gas analyzers and other diagnostic devices that require precise pH control.

In the biotechnology field, aminotrichol is used to produce and purify biological products, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. Its role as a buffer in cell culture media and purification processes is essential for maintaining the integrity and activity of biological products. The compatibility of aminotricrostol with different biological systems makes it a versatile tool in biotechnology applications.

References

Taha, M. and Lee, M.-J., 2010. Interactions of TRIS [tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] and related buffers with peptide backbone: Thermodynamic characterization. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 12, 12840.
DOI: 10.1039/c0cp00253d

2025. Phase separation of initiation hubs on cargo is a trigger switch for selective autophagy. Nature Cell Biology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01572-y

Xu, Y. and Venton, B. J., 2010. Rapid determination of adenosine deaminase kinetics using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 12, 10027.
DOI: 10.1039/c0cp00294a