DIPSO (CAS 68399-80-4)

DIPSO (3-[N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid) is a zwitterionic biological buffer that is particularly effective in maintaining pH stability in the range of 7.0 to 9.0, making it highly suitable for biochemical and molecular biology applications that require a neutral to slightly alkaline environment. DIPSO′s structure includes both sulfonic acid and bis(hydroxyethyl)amino groups, which contribute to its buffering capacity by allowing the molecule to either accept or donate protons in response to changes in hydrogen ion concentration. This dual functionality helps to stabilize pH levels during sensitive biological reactions and processes, such as enzyme assays, DNA/RNA extractions, and protein purification protocols, where even minor pH fluctuations can significantly impact the outcome. In research, DIPSO is valued for its minimal interference with biological systems, owing to its low absorbance in the ultraviolet range, which is crucial for avoiding interference in UV-based analytical methods like spectrophotometry. The chemical′s ability to maintain a consistent pH without forming complexes with metal ions or interacting adversely with biological molecules ensures that it does not disrupt the natural behavior of these molecules, thereby facilitating accurate and reproducible experimental results in various scientific studies.