3-[N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid
[CAS# 68399-80-4]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Amino compound >> Sulfonic acid amino compound
• Name: 3-[N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid
• Synonyms: DIPSO
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₇NO₆S
• Molecular Weight: 243.28
• CAS Registry Number: 68399-80-4
• EC Number: 269-992-2
• SMILES: C(CO)N(CCO)CC(CS(=O)(=O)O)O

Properties

• Solubility: 0.1 M (water 20 ºC)
• Melting point: 189-192 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary 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
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovory and Applicatios

3-[N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid, commonly known as DIPSO, is a zwitterionic buffer. It was developed as part of an effort to expand the range of effective biological buffers, following guidelines established by Norman E. Good in the 1960s. Good's criteria for an ideal buffer included properties such as minimal interaction with biomolecules, chemical stability, and nontoxicity. DIPSO was designed to meet these requirements and provide stable pH buffering in a variety of biochemical and biological applications.

The molecular formula of DIPSO is C9H19NO7S and its molecular weight is 269.32 g/mol. Its structure features a hydroxypropane backbone with bis(hydroxyethyl)amino and sulfonic acid groups. This unique combination allows DIPSO to exhibit excellent buffering capacity. It is effective over the pH range of 7.0 to 8.2 and has a pKa of approximately 7.4 at 25°C, making it suitable for maintaining near-neutral pH conditions in a variety of experimental settings.

DIPSO is widely used in electrophoresis buffers for separation of proteins and nucleic acids. Its stable buffering capacity ensures that the pH remains consistent throughout the electrophoresis process, which is essential for accurate migration and separation of biomolecules. This stability is essential for obtaining clear and reproducible results in techniques such as SDS-PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis.

In cell culture applications, DIPSO helps maintain the pH of the culture medium within the physiological range, promoting optimal cell growth and viability. Its non-toxic properties ensure that it does not interfere with cellular processes, making it a reliable buffer for maintaining consistent experimental conditions in cell studies.

DIPSO 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 assay conditions remain optimal, allowing accurate and reliable measurements of biochemical activity. This makes DIPSO a key ingredient in enzymology studies and other biochemical analyses.

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

In structural biology, DIPSO 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 allows DIPSO to effectively maintain a stable pH, ensuring consistent experimental results. With its suitable pH range, DIPSO can be used in a variety of experimental conditions, making it a versatile buffer. DIPSO is generally nontoxic to cells and does not interfere with biochemical reactions, making it suitable for sensitive biological applications.

References

2009. Buffer Standards for the Physiological pH of the Zwitterionic Compound, DIPSO, from 5 to 55�C. Journal of Solution Chemistry, 38(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s10953-009-9379-2

2008. Complexation of M-(buffer)x-(OH)y Systems Involving Divalent Ions (Cobalt or Nickel) and Zwitterionic Biological Buffers (AMPSO, DIPSO, TAPS and TAPSO) in Aqueous Solution. Journal of Solution Chemistry, 37(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s10953-008-9265-3

1998. Copper(II) complexation properties and surfactant activity of 3-[N, N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid and N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid pH buffers which may affect trace metal speciation in in vitro studies. Analytical Biochemistry, 265(2).
DOI: 10.1006/abio.1998.2884