tromamine

Tromamine, also known as Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H11NO3. It is a primary amine and a triol, meaning it contains one amino group and three hydroxyl groups. Tromamine is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. It is often used as a buffering agent in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories due to its pKa of approximately 8.1 at 25°C. This pKa makes it effective at buffering solutions in the pH range of 7.0 to 9.0.

The compound is synthesized by the reaction of nitromethane with formaldehyde in the presence of a base. Tromamine finds applications beyond buffering. It is used in the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products, where it acts as a pH adjuster and emulsifier. In the pharmaceutical industry, it can be found in certain drug formulations. Its chemical properties also allow it to be used as a building block in the synthesis of other organic molecules. Tromamine is generally considered to have low toxicity, but like many chemicals, appropriate handling precautions should be observed.