CHES (CAS 103-47-9)

CHES, or 2-(Cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid, is a zwitterionic organic compound known for its robust buffering capabilities, especially in the alkaline pH range of about 8.6 to 10.0. This makes it particularly useful in biochemical and molecular biology research where maintaining a stable alkaline pH is crucial. CHES is a member of the Good′s buffers, a group of buffers designed for minimal interference with biochemical processes, and it is celebrated for its minimal absorption in the UV-visible spectral range, which is advantageous during spectrophotometric analysis and other light-sensitive procedures. The buffering action of CHES arises from its sulfonic acid group, which can lose a hydrogen ion (proton) and its amine group, which can accept a proton, thereby stabilizing the pH by mitigating changes in hydrogen ion concentration. This dual capacity allows it to effectively maintain environmental conditions in enzymatic reactions where pH stability is necessary for enzyme activity. In research, CHES has been utilized in enzyme kinetics studies and electrophoresis, where precise pH control is needed to ensure the accurate migration of molecules in a gel matrix. Its ability to maintain a stable pH in the alkaline range without interacting significantly with biological molecules or affecting their activity under experimental conditions makes CHES an invaluable tool in scientific studies, particularly those exploring enzymatic mechanisms and properties.