CAPSO (CAS 73463-39-5)

CAPSO (3-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid) is a zwitterionic buffer chemical widely utilized in biochemical and biophysical research for its effective buffering capacity in the pH range of 8.9 to 10.3. CAPSO′s unique structure, featuring a cyclohexylamino group, contributes to its excellent buffering properties at higher pH levels, making it particularly useful in experiments that require a stable alkaline environment. The mechanism of action of CAPSO involves its ability to resist changes in pH by accommodating fluctuations in hydrogen ion concentrations. This is achieved through its zwitterionic nature, where it can accept or donate protons in reaction to changes in the surrounding medium, thus maintaining a stable pH. In research settings, CAPSO is often chosen for its high performance in enzyme characterization studies and other applications where non-standard pH conditions are critical. For instance, it is used in the purification and analysis of enzymes that operate optimally at higher pH, or in gel electrophoresis procedures where maintaining an alkaline environment ensures the integrity and resolution of RNA and other macromolecules. CAPSO′s low UV absorbance is another beneficial feature, reducing interference in UV-sensitive analytical techniques, such as spectrophotometry, thus supporting accurate and reliable experimental outcomes in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories.