A widely used amino-alcohol buffer base valued for stable pH control in aqueous systems. In industrial and laboratory use it functions as a buffering and pH-regulating agent, including as a biological buffer and a buffering ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
79.1 mg/mL in ethylene glycol; 26 mg/mL in methanol; 14.6 mg/mL in anhyd ethanol; 22 mg/mL in 95% ethanol; 14 mg/mL in dimethyl formamide; 20 mg/mL in acetone; 0.5 mg/mL in ethyl acetate; 0.4 mg/mL in olive oil; 0.1 mg/mL in cyclohexane; 0.05 mg/mL in chloroform; < 0.05 mg/mL in carbon tetrachloride
▸Cosmetics: pH-buffering ingredient in personal-care formulations
▸pH regulation: Alkaline buffering agent
▸Leather processing: Processing aid in tanning
▸Textiles: Auxiliary in textile finishing
Physical Properties
Melting Point
171-172 °C
Boiling Point
219-220 °C at 10 mm Hg
Solubility
79.1 mg/mL in ethylene glycol; 26 mg/mL in methanol; 14.6 mg/mL in anhyd ethanol; 22 mg/mL in 95% ethanol; 14 mg/mL in dimethyl formamide; 20 mg/mL in acetone; 0.5 mg/mL in ethyl acetate; 0.4 mg/mL in olive oil; 0.1 mg/mL in cyclohexane; 0.05 mg/mL in chloroform; < 0.05 mg/mL in carbon tetrachloride
Vapor Pressure
0.000022
pH
pH of 0.1 molar aq soln = 10.4
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Tromethamine (CAS 77-86-1), also known as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or Tris, is a primary amino-alcohol. In industrial and laboratory use it functions as a buffering and pH-regulating agent, including as a biological buffer and a buffering ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It is also documented in leather tanning and textile processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for tromethamine?
Tromethamine (CAS 77-86-1) is also known as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, or simply Tris. It is a primary amino-alcohol with formula C4H11NO3 and is supplied here to USP-NF compendial specifications.
What does USP NF stand for?
USP-NF refers to the United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary, the compendia that set quality standards for substances. A USP-NF designation on tromethamine indicates the material is tested and labeled to the corresponding compendial monograph; confirm the specific monograph and lot CoA when ordering.
What is tromethamine used for in industrial and laboratory applications?
As an industrial and laboratory chemical, tromethamine functions as a buffering and pH-regulating agent. Documented uses include biological/laboratory buffers (Tris buffer), an alkaline buffering ingredient in cosmetic formulations, and processing aids in leather tanning and textile finishing.
What is the chemical formula and CAS number of tromethamine?
The molecular formula is C4H11NO3, CAS 77-86-1, molecular weight approximately 121.1 g/mol. It is the same compound referred to as Tris or THAM in buffer chemistry.
How is tromethamine USP-NF supplied in bulk?
It is typically supplied as a crystalline solid in bags or drums to USP-NF specification. Request a bulk quote from RawSource for current packaging, lead time, and the corresponding CoA and SDS documentation.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
Bulk & Specialty Sourcing
Ready to Source Tromethamine (Tris)?
Our procurement team handles specification confirmation, lead time, and logistics.
We use cookies and similar technologies for analytics and to improve our Site, and — with your consent — for marketing and B2B visitor identification. Choose what to allow. See our Privacy Policy.
