Description
ACES (N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a high-quality zwitterionic “Good’s buffer” designed for biochemical and molecular biology applications. With a pKₐ ≈ 6.8 (25 °C) and an effective buffering range of approximately pH 6.1–7.5, ACES provides reliable pH stability in the near-physiological range.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Chemical Name |
N-(Carbamoylmethyl)-2-Aminoethane Sulfonic Acid |
| CAS Number |
7365-82-4
|
| Molecular Formula |
C₄H₁₀N₂O₄S
|
| Molecular Weight |
182.20 g/mol
|
| Storage / Handling |
Store at room temperature
|
| Usable pH Buffering Range |
~6.1 to ~7.5 (with pKa around 6.9) |
Functional Highlights and Mechanism
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ACES is a zwitterionic buffer: this means it has both positive and negative charge centers at physiological pH, which helps minimize interactions with biomolecules and supports stable pH conditions.
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ACES has a pKa (~6.9) suitable for buffering in the mildly acidic to near-neutral range (6.1-7.5), which is ideal for many cell culture, enzyme or protein applications.
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ACES may form complexes with metal ions (e.g., Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺), so when used in systems containing free metal ions, buffer-metal interactions can affect ionic availability or binding sites on biomolecules.
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The buffer is stable at room temperature per our storage guidance, and its specification ensures minimal impurities that might confound sensitive biological assays.
Recommended Applications and Usage Notes
Recommended Applications
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Use in biochemical assays and enzymatic reactions requiring pH control in the 6.1-7.5 range.
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ACES has been used in agarose or polyacrylamide electrophoresis systems, particularly when working around pH 6-8.
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Use in isoelectric focusing (IEF) of proteins at the given pH range.
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Use in protein purification or enzyme assays where a near-neutral buffer is required and minimal interaction with biomolecules is desired.
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Use in general biochemical systems where metal-ion complexation is acceptable or can be controlled.
Usage Tips and Considerations
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When preparing an ACES stock solution, ensure you adjust to the desired pH (typically using NaOH or HCl) and check final ionic strength as required by your system.
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If your experiment involves metal ions (e.g., Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺), be aware that ACES can bind these ions; you may need to account for this in your ionic formulation or consider using a buffer with lower metal-binding propensity if metal availability is critical.
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Be sure to validate that the buffer does not interact (or minimally interacts) with your biomolecule of interest—especially if the biomolecule is a metalloprotein or has ion-sensitive behavior.
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Store the buffer dry (as supplied) at room temperature as recommended. When making aqueous stock solutions, avoid prolonged storage if microbial contamination or degradation is a concern — consider sterilization or use of additives if required by your workflow.
Common Research Applications
(Click each for more information)
Biological Buffer in Electrophysiology and Enzyme Assays
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Purpose: To maintain a stable pH environment in biochemical and physiological experiments.
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How It Works: ACES is a zwitterionic buffer from the Good's buffers family with a pKa of ~6.9, making it ideal for maintaining pH between 6.1–7.5.
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Applications: Used in enzyme kinetics, ion channel studies, and intracellular buffer systems.
Good, N. E., et al. (1966). Hydrogen ion buffers for biological research. Biochemistry, 5(2), 467–477. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi00866a011
pH Control in Diagnostic and Clinical Chemistry Kits
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Purpose: To provide buffering capacity in in vitro diagnostic reagents and assay formulations.
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How It Works: ACES is inert with most biochemical reactions and maintains pH stability across temperature shifts, ensuring assay reproducibility.
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Applications: Used in commercial kits for blood chemistry, enzyme-linked reactions, and colorimetric assays.
Ferguson, W. J., Braunschweiger, K. I., Braunschweiger, W. R., Smith, J. R., McCormick, J. J., Wasmann, C. C., ... & Good, N. E. (1980). Hydrogen ion buffers for biological research. Analytical Biochemistry, 104(2), 300–310.
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 GoldBio 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.
Product Specifications
ACES
N-(Carbamoylmethyl)-2-Aminoethane Sulfonic Acid
HIGH PURITY GRADE
Formula: C4H10N2O4S
MW: 182.20 g/mol
Storage/Handling: Store at room temperature.
PubChem Chemical ID: 81832
Video: How to make an ACES Buffer Stock Solution
