Synonym(s): N-(2-Acetamido)iminodiacetic acid, N-(Carbamoylmethyl)iminodiacetic acid

Description

In biological experiments, it serves as a crucial pH-stabilizing reagent. Typically, an appropriate weak acid is mixed with its conjugate base to achieve a desired pH value. Most biological reactions occur under neutral conditions, with the pH generally selected in the range of 6-8; additionally, the buffer is required to have an effective buffering range of 6-8. Furthermore, the acidic and basic forms of the buffer must not chelate with certain metal ions. The buffering range of BES is pH 6.6～8.0.

Specifications

Item	Value
Chemical Name	N,N-Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-Aminoethanesulfonic Acid
Appearance	Pure White Powder
CAS No.	10191-18-1
Molecular Formula	C₆H₁₅NO₅S
Molecular Weight	213.2
Grade	Biochemical Grade
Purity	≥99.0%
Heavy Metals	≤5ppm
pH Value(1% in Water, 25°C)	2.5-5.0
Loss on Drying	≤1%
UV Absorbance (260nm, 1mol/L, 1cm)	≤0.095
UV Absorbance (280nm, 1mol/L, 1cm)	≤0.080
Storage / Handling	Store at Room Temperature.

Features

High-purity biochemical grade — BES ≥ 99.0% purity ensures minimal impurities, making it suitable for sensitive biological and biochemical experiments.
Effective zwitterionic buffer within physiological pH range — BES has a pKa around 7.1 (≈ 7.15 at 20–25 °C) and maintains reliable buffering capacity in the pH range of roughly 6.4–7.8 (often used as 6.6–8.0), matching the neutral-to-slightly-acidic/alkaline conditions required by most biological reactions.
Good solubility in water — can be readily dissolved to prepare buffer solutions; widely used to prepare aqueous buffer solutions for molecular biology, cell culture, or biochemical assays.
Low absorbance at UV (260 nm / 280 nm) — minimal interference with nucleic acid / protein quantification or spectrophotometric assays. Many commercial BES products specify low UV absorbance at 260 nm and 280 nm.
Minimal interaction with metal ions relative to strong acid/base buffers — as a “Good’s buffer”, BES was selected for having low metal-ion chelation, making it more suitable than many traditional buffers for experiments sensitive to metal-ion interactions (e.g. enzyme assays, metal-dependent reactions).

Applications

Buffer for biochemical assays and enzymatic reactions

Provides stable pH in the physiological range (≈ 6.4–7.8), helping maintain enzyme activity, protein stability, or other pH-sensitive processes.
Cell culture media / tissue-culture buffer

Suitable for preparing cell culture media or buffered solutions for cell-based assays, helping maintain suitable pH for cell growth and viability.
Molecular biology applications: transfection, DNA/RNA work

BES buffer has been used in calcium-phosphate-mediated transfection protocols and other molecular biology procedures requiring stable pH and minimal interference with nucleic acids or enzyme activity.
Chromatography and protein purification / separation

As a buffer for cation-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, or other separation methods — useful when pH control is critical during purification of proteins, nucleic acids, or other biomolecules.
Diagnostic assay manufacturing / analytical applications

Because of its stability, pH buffering range, and low interference in spectrophotometric or colorimetric assays (given its low UV-absorbance), BES is applicable in development or manufacturing of diagnostic reagents, kits, or other analytical assays.

Safety Disclaimer

This product is intended for laboratory research use only. Not for drug, human, or veterinary use. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by BioFargo for detailed handling, storage, hazard, and disposal information. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection when handling. Dispose of waste and residual buffer in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Ensure proper ventilation if preparing large volumes or heating solutions.

Documents

MSDS

BES 99% Biochemical Grade