MES is a zwitterionic buffer. One of the "Good" buffers developed for biological applications. It has the advantages of maximum water solubility and minimum solubility in all other solvents, minimal salt effects, minimal change in pK with temperature, chemically and enzymatically stable, minimal absorption in visible or UV spectral range.
A buffer using MES free acid can be prepared by titrating the free acid with sodium hydroxide to the desired pH (pKa ± 1). Alternatively, volumes of equimolar MES free acid and sodium or potassium MES can be mixed to attain the desired pH.
Grade: Molecular biology reagent
Purity: ≥99%
Key Applications: Buffer
Product Type: Biochemicals
Biochemical Category: Buffers
Chemical Class: Buffers
Melting Point: >300°C(Lit.)
UV/Visible Absorbance: OD 260 (5% aq soln) ≤0.3
Presentation: White Crystalline Powder
Format: Crystalline Powder
pH: 2.5 - 4.0 (1% aq soln); Useful pH Range: 5.5 - 6.7 (Lit.)
pKa: 6.1 at 25°C (Lit.)
Loss on Drying: <10%
NOTES: Metal Binding Constants (log K) at 20°C for 0.1 M Solution: Mg2+: 0.8; Ca2+: 0.7; Mn2+: 0.7; Cu2+: negligible
Solubility: Soluble in water (0.5 M or higher yields a clear and colorless solution).
Sterilization of Solutions: Sterilization should be done by filtration through a 0.2 micron filter. Autoclaving is not recommended. Autoclaving yields an unidentified yellow by-product.
Storage & Handling: Store at Room Temperature (15-30°C)