N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid sodium salt, also known as TAPS-Na, is a chemical compound commonly used as a buffering agent in various biological and biochemical applications. It is a zwitterionic compound, meaning it has both positive and negative charges, which helps maintain a stable pH in solutions.
TAPS-Na has a pH range of approximately 7.7 to 9.1, making it suitable for applications requiring a slightly alkaline pH environment. It is often used in protein and enzyme research, as well as in molecular biology techniques such as gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing.
As a sodium salt, TAPS-Na is highly soluble in water, which allows for easy preparation of buffered solutions. It is known for its low toxicity and minimal interference with biological molecules, making it a preferred choice for many experiments.