TROMETHAMINE Meaning and
Definition
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Tromethamine, also commonly known as tris or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, is an organic compound that is frequently employed as a buffering agent in various laboratory and industrial applications. With the chemical formula C4H11NO3, tromethamine is a white crystalline solid that is highly water-soluble and possesses a slight ammonia-like odor.
In the laboratory, tromethamine is often utilized as a component of buffer solutions to stabilize the pH levels in a variety of biochemical and biological experiments. Its buffering capacity is attributed to its ability to accept and donate protons, thereby maintaining a stable pH environment. The compound's highly solubility in water makes it particularly effective in maintaining constant pH levels even in small volumes or when diluted.
Tromethamine is also frequently employed as an ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations. Due to its ability to stabilize and adjust pH levels, it is used as a buffering agent in medications and injectable formulations. Additionally, it is utilized as an excipient in ophthalmic and dermatological preparations, enhancing drug solubility and increasing stability.
Furthermore, this compound finds applications in the cosmetic industry, where it is used as an ingredient in some personal care products and cosmetics for its pH-adjusting properties.
Tromethamine is generally regarded as safe for use in these applications, with low toxicity and minimal adverse effects reported. However, as with any chemical compound, proper handling and storage procedures should be followed to ensure safety and prevent unintended consequences.
Common Misspellings for TROMETHAMINE
Etymology of TROMETHAMINE
The word "Tromethamine" is a chemical name derived from the components of the compound. It is composed of two parts:
1. "Tris": The prefix "tri-" indicates the presence of three groups in the molecule. In this case, "tris" refers to the presence of three amino groups (-NH₂) in the compound.
2. "Methamine": "Methamine" is derived from the combination of "meth-" and "-amine". "Meth-" is a prefix derived from methane, which is a hydrocarbon consisting of a single carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It signifies the presence of a methyl group (-CH₃) in the compound. "-Amine" is a suffix indicating the presence of an amino group (-NH₂).
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