CAS 7365-45-9 HEPES Biochemical Reagents Molecular Biology 99%

HEPES, also known as 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid, is a commonly used buffering agent in biological and biochemical research. It is a zwitterionic organic compound that helps maintain a stable pH in a physiological range.

Here are some key points about HEPES:

1. Chemical formula: C8H18N2O4S
2. Molecular weight: 238.3 g/mol
3. Buffering capacity: HEPES has a pKa value of approximately 7.5, making it effective as a buffering agent in the pH range of approximately 6.8 to 8.2.
4. Stability: HEPES is stable at a wide range of temperatures and is not easily degraded by enzymes or light, making it suitable for various experimental conditions.
5. Solubility: HEPES is highly soluble in water, forming a clear, colorless solution. It is also soluble in polar organic solvents like methanol and ethanol.
6. Applications: HEPES is commonly used in cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and protein biochemistry. It provides a stable pH environment for the growth and maintenance of cells, enzymatic reactions, and the stability of biomolecules.
7. Cell culture: HEPES is frequently used as a buffering agent in cell culture media to maintain a stable pH and prevent pH fluctuations that could affect cell viability and growth.
8. Molecular biology techniques: HEPES is utilized in various molecular biology applications, including nucleic acid isolation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA sequencing, and gel electrophoresis. It helps maintain the optimal pH conditions for enzymatic reactions and stability of nucleic acids.
9. Protein biochemistry: HEPES is employed in protein purification, enzyme assays, and other protein-related experiments. It helps maintain the appropriate pH for optimal protein stability and activity.
10. Safety considerations: HEPES is generally considered safe to handle if standard laboratory practices for chemical handling are followed. However, it is always important to review and adhere to specific safety guidelines, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), when working with any chemical compound.

HEPES is available commercially as a powder or as a pre-made solution. It is typically prepared as a stock solution and diluted to the desired concentration for specific experiments or applications.