MES Monohydrate

CAS Number 145224-94-8
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₅NO₅S
Molecular Weight 213.25 g/mol
Purity ≥99.0%
Appearance White crystalline powder

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Product Description

MES monohydrate, or 2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid hydrate, is a zwitterionic sulfonic acid buffer. It is part of the Good’s buffers family, designed to maintain stable pH in the physiological range with minimal interaction with biochemical processes. MES has a pKa of approximately 6.1 at 25 °C, making it effective for buffering solutions between pH 5.5 and 6.7. The monohydrate form includes one molecule of water per formula unit, which must be accounted for in precise concentration calculations. It is highly soluble in water, impermeable to cell membranes, and exhibits minimal metal chelation and UV absorbance. These properties make MES ideal for applications in cell culture, protein purification, enzyme assays, and electrophoresis. It is commonly used in cell culture media, protein electrophoresis, chromatography, and enzymatic assays. When preparing MES buffer solutions, the free acid form is titrated with a strong base to achieve the desired pH, with the water of hydration not participating in the buffering action.

Uses and Applications

  • Biological Buffering: Maintains stable pH in cell culture media (especially for plant cells and some bacteria) and protein-based buffer formulations

  • Protein Work: Used in protein purification via chromatography and as a running buffer in denaturing gel electrophoresis (e.g., SDS-PAGE) for separating small proteins

  • Metal Ion Studies: Suitable for solutions involving metal ions due to minimal affinity, avoiding interference

  • Biological Experiments: pH adjustment of plant culture media, reagent solutions, and physiological experiments

  • Nanotechnology: Participates in the synthesis of nanoparticles

  • Industrial Applications: Pharmaceutical-grade raw material with purity up to 99%

  • Primary Applications:

    • Cell Culture Media: Buffers solutions in the slightly acidic pH range

    • Protein Electrophoresis: Key component in running buffers for SDS-PAGE and other gel-based protein separation techniques

    • Chromatography: Used as a buffer in ion-exchange and other forms of liquid chromatography for purifying proteins and nucleic acids

    • Plant Cell Cultures: Particularly suitable for plant biology applications

    • General Biochemistry: Standard buffer for enzymatic assays and reactions requiring a pH around 6.0

Properties and Characteristics

  • Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₅NO₅S (includes one molecule of water, C₆H₁₃NO₄S⋅H₂O)

  • Molecular Weight: 213.25 g/mol (for the monohydrate)

  • Nature: Zwitterionic compound with a protonated nitrogen in the morpholine ring and a negative charge on the sulfonate group

  • Classification: Member of the Good's buffers, designed for biological research

  • pKa: ≈6.1 at 25°C

  • Useful pH Range: 5.5−6.7

  • Appearance: White crystalline powder

  • Melting Point: >300°C (anhydrous form)

  • Solubility: Freely soluble in water (0.5 M solution)

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions, incompatible with strong oxidizing agents

  • UV Transparency: Low absorbance in the ultraviolet range

  • Chemical Stability: Resistant to enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation

  • Minimal Salt Effects: Properties not significantly altered by changes in ionic strength

Safety Information

  • Storage: Store in a dry, tightly sealed container

  • Residue Requirement: Residue on ignition <0.05%

  • Enzyme Activity Assay: Free of DNase/RNase/Protease contamination

  • Hazard Classification: Not considered hazardous by the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)

  • First Aid Measures:

    • Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water, also under the eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.

    • Skin Contact: Wash off immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.

    • Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.

    • Ingestion: Clean mouth with water and drink plenty of water afterward. Get medical attention if symptoms persist.

  • Fire-Fighting Measures:

    • Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide (CO₂), dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam

    • Hazardous Combustion Products: Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur oxides

  • Accidental Release Measures:

    • Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment as required. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid dust formation.

    • Environmental Precautions: Do not release into the environment. See Section 12 for additional Ecological Information.

    • Methods for Containment and Clean Up: Sweep up and shovel into suitable containers for disposal. Avoid dust formation.

  • Handling and Storage:

    • Handling: Wear personal protective equipment/face protection. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Avoid dust formation.

    • Storage: Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.

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