Overview
Piperazine-1,4-bis(2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid), commonly known as POPSO, is a zwitterionic organic chemical compound belonging to the Good's buffers family. It was developed specifically for biological and biochemical applications where stable pH control is required. The compound features two sulfonic acid groups and two hydroxyl groups attached to a piperazine ring, giving it excellent buffering properties in the physiological pH range. Its molecular structure makes it particularly useful in cell culture and molecular biology applications where metal ion chelation must be minimized.
Physical and Chemical Properties
POPSO appears as a white crystalline powder with good solubility in aqueous solutions. The compound demonstrates excellent buffering capacity between pH 7.2 and 8.5, making it particularly suitable for biological systems near physiological pH. Its zwitterionic nature contributes to low membrane permeability and minimal interference with biological processes. The presence of hydroxyl groups enhances its water solubility, while the sulfonic acid groups provide the buffering capacity. POPSO is stable at room temperature when stored properly and shows minimal absorbance in the UV-visible range, which is advantageous for spectroscopic studies.
Main Applications
The primary application of POPSO is as a biological buffer in various biochemical and pharmaceutical research applications. It's commonly used in cell culture media, enzyme assays, and protein purification protocols where precise pH control is essential. In the pharmaceutical industry, POPSO finds use in drug formulation studies and as a component in diagnostic reagents. Its metal-chelating properties are minimal compared to other buffers, making it suitable for studies involving metal-dependent enzymes. Researchers also utilize POPSO in electrophoresis and chromatography applications where stable pH conditions are required.
Safety and Storage
While POPSO is generally considered low in toxicity, standard laboratory precautions should be observed. Personal protective equipment including gloves and safety glasses should be worn when handling the chemical, and exposure to dust should be minimized. For long-term storage, POPSO should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The compound is stable at room temperature but should be protected from moisture to prevent clumping. Solutions of POPSO can be stored at 4°C for several weeks or frozen for longer periods, though repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring POPSO for industrial or research purposes, buyers should verify the purity specifications (typically ≥99%) and request certificates of analysis. Bulk purchases may offer cost advantages, but storage capacity should be considered. Suppliers should be evaluated based on their ability to provide consistent quality, proper documentation, and reliable shipping conditions. It's advisable to request samples for quality verification before large purchases. Technical support and regulatory documentation (such as MSDS) should be readily available from reputable suppliers. Lead times may vary depending on quantity and packaging requirements.