Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane

Description

Chemical structure

White, crystalline solid. Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane is used as an emulsifying agent for oils, fats and waxes. It is also mixed in equally proportions with its corresponding hydrochloric acid salt and used as a buffer (see Trizma).

Synonyms and Related Terms

tris; tris hydroxymethyl aminomethane; THAM; 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol; tris amine buffer;

Risks

• Combustible.
• Corrosive to copper, brass, aluminum.
• Harmful by ingestion and inhalation.
• Skin contact causes irritation and burns.
• MerckMillipore: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in water (pH = 10.36 for 0.1 M solution).

Composition	(CH2OH)3CNH2
CAS	77-86-1
Melting Point	171-172 C
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 121.14
Boiling Point	219-220 C

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Richard C. Wolbers, Nanette T. Sterman, Chris Stavroudis, Notes for Workshop on New Methods in the Cleaning of Paintings, J.Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 1990