Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Monohydrate (CAS 10049-21-5)

Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Monohydrate is a chemical compound that includes sodium ions (Na+) and dihydrogen phosphate ions (H2PO4^-), compounded with a single molecule of water (H2O). This substance is a key reagent in many scientific applications, primarily due to its buffering capabilities. It is extensively used to create buffer solutions that maintain a stable pH in various research settings, particularly those involving biochemical and molecular biological processes. The buffering mechanism of Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic, Monohydrate operates through its capacity to moderate pH changes in a solution. When in solution, it can react with strong bases by donating hydrogen ions (H+), thus neutralizing excess hydroxide ions (OH^-) and preventing sharp rises in pH. Conversely, if the environmental pH tends to drop, indicating an acidic condition, the phosphate ion can accept additional H+ ions, thereby stabilizing the pH. This capacity to maintain a steady pH is crucial for experiments in cellular biology, enzymology, and genetics, where even minor fluctuations in pH can impact the outcome significantly. In practical applications, it is often employed in preparing phosphate buffer solutions used in DNA/RNA extractions, protein purification processes, and cell culture media, where precise pH control is vital for maintaining biological activity and structural stability of biomolecules. Its role is particularly critical in environments that require a specific, consistent pH to ensure accurate experimental results and reproducibility.