In the late 20th century, chemists started paying more attention to the design of organic sulfonic acids with functional groups that bring unique reactivity, especially for roles as buffering agents and intermediates in organic synthesis. Work on 3-(Acetyl Methyl Amino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid and its calcium salt stemmed from a growing interest in alternatives to standard buffering compounds and ion pair agents. A couple of decades ago, many academic labs and chemical supply companies looked for new molecules to fill technical gaps in diagnostics and specialty chemical production. Scientists tuned molecular frameworks to improve both solubility and chemical compatibility. During my own time working in a research group focused on sulfonic acid derivatives, the need for a buffer that could hold stable pH even in high ionic strength solutions drove a lot of our efforts. This compound grew out of such drives for innovation—predominantly in response to the rising complexity of analytical chemistry challenges and emerging needs in pharmaceutical formulation.
3-(Acetyl Methyl Amino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid Calcium Salt stands out as a fine, white to off-white powder, known among chemists for its stability and utility. The molecule features a sulfonic acid group, a calcium counterion, and an N-acetyl methylamino substitution at the three-carbon position. Commercial supply typically comes in pharmaceutical-grade or analytical-grade purity, depending on the batch and regulatory requirements. I remember the first sample I ordered arrived in double-sealed packaging, and the supplier offered full traceability, reflecting the push for transparency that the chemical industry adopted after a wave of high-profile recalls in the early 2000s. Scientists appreciate the compound for its dual function: as a buffering agent and as a component in enzyme stabilization systems.
With a molecular weight often falling in the middle range for organic sulfonates, this salt dissolves well in water and forms clear solutions above a certain threshold. The pH buffering range sits comfortably near neutrality, which suits many biological and chemical assays. Unlike sodium and potassium analogs, the calcium form was developed to address specific compatibility concerns in biosystems sensitive to monovalent cations. The melting point, hygroscopicity, and surface texture tie back directly to manufacturing method and purity, which matters a lot for long-term storage. The bulk density can vary a bit, but for most applications, predictable solubility and non-reactivity with glass or common plastics counts for more. I once left a batch on the weighing bench for an afternoon and came back to find only minor clumping and no sign of aggressive water uptake, highlighting its handling advantages.
Labels from reputable suppliers now feature clear hazard pictograms and GHS classification, meeting recent updates in chemical safety standards. Purity usually hovers above 98%, with trace metals, organic residues, and moisture content measured down to ppm levels. Certificates of Analysis should list the batch number, production date, and results for tests like heavy metal screening, microbial load, and pH measurement in aqueous solution. In our lab, any additive used for sensitive enzyme work demanded formal identification of all possible impurities, so suppliers who provided detailed specifications earned repeat business. Storage recommendations lean towards cool, dry conditions—something most chemical storerooms already embrace.
Production starts with sulfonation of the right aminoalkane precursor, followed by acetylation under controlled conditions, then neutralization with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. The process generates significant heat and runs best with real-time monitoring of pH and reaction progress. Early process development efforts tended to suffer from low selectivity and side reactions—most commonly over-acetylation or sulfonic acid hydrolysis. Careful control of temperature and staged addition of reactants improved yields and purity. Post-reaction workup involves filtration, washing, and crystallization, then drying under mild vacuum. Having spent many hours troubleshooting purification issues in similar syntheses, I know how small tweaks—like switching to higher-grade solvents or altering drying temperature—can nudge yield and quality in the right direction.
The core sulfonic acid group withstands a decent range of pH shifts, while the N-acetyl methylamino substituent opens the door for mild N-deacetylation, reductive amination, or even labeling with isotopic tags. Calcium as the counterion tends to limit the solubility in non-aqueous solvents but contributes to function in calmodulin-based detection and signaling assays. In a few custom syntheses we pursued, swapping the acetyl group for bulkier acyl groups introduced new selectivity for enzyme substrates or ion-pair reagents. Direct sulfonation of less activated amino-alcohols sometimes led to crosslinked by-products, which called for improved stoichiometry and time course adjustments.
This compound goes by many names, often adapted to fit labeling customs in different regions or sectors. Some catalogs list it as Calcium N-Acetyl-N-methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonate, while others use shorter trade names favoring the “CAPS-Ca” abbreviation. Labs tracking inventory for multiple projects value common synonym listings to avoid reorder mistakes—a challenge I confronted often before digital tracking replaced handwritten logbooks. Manufacturers might use proprietary codes on internal paperwork, which becomes a concern during regulatory audits or custom synthesis orders.
Recent updates in chemical safety assessment prompted greater transparency in the sharing of Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The calcium salt form generally presents low acute toxicity, but skin and eye contacts call for standard protective measures. Splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and dust masks line every responsible chemical supplier’s recommended PPE list. Regulatory bodies, including OSHA in the US and REACH in Europe, require routine risk assessments, which in practice means annual lab audits and review of storage conditions. During my years mentoring junior researchers, I often emphasized double-checking compatibility between sulfonic acid salts and common cleaning solutions—neglected, this step can lead to sticky or stubborn residues in glassware.
Applications center on those features which exploit the buffering and ion-binding profile of the molecule. Biochemical assays rely on the stable pH range and tolerance for presence of magnesium, sodium, and potassium ions. Diagnostic kit manufacturers value low background reactivity in immunoassays and enzyme-linked procedures. Industrial customers look for reliable performance as an ion-exchange modifier or selectivity regulator in complexometric titrations. In my time consulting for a biotech startup, sourcing reagents that did not interfere with antibodies or delicate proteins often brought me back to compounds like this, where high batch consistency made a difference in test reproducibility. Water treatment and environmental labs, pressed for accuracy in trace metal analysis, favor this calcium salt when common buffers introduce problematic ion interferences.
Academic and industrial research still explores how minor tweaks to the sulfonic acid scaffold can push performance further. Modifications aim to tailor buffering window, improve solubility in mixed solvents, or attach functional tags for imaging and detection. Method development teams experiment with immobilizing the compound onto solid supports for flow chemistry or membrane filtration applications. New analytical techniques, like mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, continue testing compatibility and background ion suppression, especially as lab instruments push sensitivity further. Industry consortia sometimes publish open data on comparative buffer performance, which supports a culture of peer benchmarking. Direct collaboration between supplier technical teams and academic groups yields innovative process improvements—something I witnessed personally while participating in method validation studies.
Practical experience and animal model data place this calcium salt in the low-toxicity category for acute exposure, but long-term environmental impact attracts more scrutiny each year. Researchers keep checking degradation products for endocrine disruption or aquatic toxicity. Inhalation exposure remains low risk under routine conditions, though every incident of lab exposure gets documented. Cell viability studies using high concentrations point to minimal irritation or disruption unless coupled with other active pharmaceutical ingredients. The regulatory focus continues to lean towards cumulative exposure and local bioaccumulation—a trend mirrored in every updated environmental health guideline I’ve seen.
Interest in greener chemical production, biocompatible buffers, and high-purity specialty reagents keeps driving the evolution of molecules like 3-(Acetyl Methyl Amino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid Calcium Salt. Suppliers look to scale up using less energy and fewer hazardous solvents, sometimes integrating continuous-flow technologies into pilot-scale synthesis. As precision diagnostics and bioengineering develop, demands on specificity and impurity profiling rise. Continued funding of basic research into organic sulfonates promises new derivatives tailored to challenging analytical and therapeutic uses. The people who work day-to-day with such chemicals—whether in an academic lab, a biotech company, or a regulatory agency—see firsthand how minor chemical innovations ripple into better outcomes in medicine, industry, and environmental protection.
Researchers and scientists spend a lot of time searching for stable, reliable compounds that help them solve tough questions in biology and chemistry. One such heavy hitter is 3-(Acetyl Methyl Amino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid Calcium Salt. This complicated name points to a buffering agent with a very clear job—help labs and industry folks keep solutions and reactions right on target, especially where tiny changes in acidity can throw off an entire experiment or batch.
Years of running experiments in the lab taught me how a simple slip in pH can wreck results. Enzyme activity can tank, or cell cultures might just die off. Here’s where 3-(Acetyl Methyl Amino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid Calcium Salt steps in. It locks down the pH range, so enzymes do their job consistently, and living cells stay healthy. Calcium salts give this buffer an extra edge. Calcium plays a role in stabilizing cell membranes and signaling—critical if you’re working with sensitive biological samples. Without that stability, cultures get unpredictable, and scientific work drifts into guesswork.
I’ve seen this compound appear all over cell biology, protein purification, and diagnostic kit assembly lines. Pharmaceutical firms lean on it for drug formulation, especially for injectable medicines that absolutely demand a steady pH. Diagnostic labs use it as part of kit buffers. In protein purification, unfussy pH lets scientists pull out only the molecules they want, without damaging the structures they care about most. There’s a trust factor here: the compound’s ability to hold pH steady is backed up by years of peer-reviewed science and practical use. You won’t find vague promises—results matter more than hype, especially when dealing with medical products or research samples worth thousands of dollars.
Modern research doesn’t just look at results. It cares about environmental and health impacts. The calcium salt form offers better safety profiles over some harsher alternatives—important for labs following sharper safety guidelines or companies focused on “greener” approaches. The sulfonic acid group breaks down more cleanly than compounds with heavy metals or strong acids, which cuts down on hazardous waste. Reducing lab risks and disposal costs—all that adds up, especially for researchers working in crowded or shared spaces.
Increasing demand for reliable biomolecule production challenges industry to think bigger. This compound could see more use in food and beverage research, where controlling acidity shapes texture and flavor. Education labs, short on budget but heavy on curiosity, benefit from the safer handling measures. Some scientists argue that open-access data on buffer stability could help small startups make smarter choices, rather than depending only on major suppliers. Making formulas more available and transparent would let researchers everywhere get consistent results, not just those with deep pockets or fancy facilities.
My time in labs and workshops taught me that trust in a compound doesn’t come easily. Researchers look for clear safety records, strong supply chains, and honest results published in respected journals. 3-(Acetyl Methyl Amino)-1-Propanesulfonic Acid Calcium Salt holds up under that scrutiny. Countless scientific articles, conference abstracts, and manufacturing records support its widespread use. Trust and safety guide decision-making. This buffer serves not just science but public health, making everyday breakthroughs possible by keeping reactions reliable under all sorts of pressures and conditions.
People who work in labs know that storing chemicals isn’t just another task on a checklist. Some days, it feels like playing detective. You open a bottle, and the compound inside looks nothing like it did last week. Maybe it’s lost its punch or taken on a weird color. Over years in the lab, the one thing that always stood out was how changes in temperature, light, and moisture turn something useful into something totally unpredictable.
Chemical manufacturers and researchers put a lot of care into the labels. Most of us would like to believe those labels are just formalities, but they're based on how a compound starts to break down if someone skips steps. Take ascorbic acid. Leave it at room temperature with the top loose, and a month later you’ll find orange sludge instead of those bright crystals. It’s plain to see that humidity and air attack it fast, so the label keeps it short: keep dry, keep cool, and close tightly.
Education drills storage conditions into new technicians: “refrigerate on arrival” or “desiccator needed.” These aren’t just rules—they’re insurance. One time, a team ordered a sensitive organometallic. It came in via regular shipment, stranded in a sunny office over a weekend. By Monday, the whole experiment got delayed because that expensive sample turned useless. That’s a real cost—money, time, and trust in project plans.
Some compounds react with the air or light without mercy. Sodium metal, for example, loves to explode in contact with water. Hydrolyzed antibiotics won’t just lose their kick; they can make test results misleading or even dangerous if they get used anyway. Stability studies prove that even small temperature jumps speed up spoilage. These aren’t lab rumors—they’re facts backed up in journals and product sheets.
Reliable chemical data comes from reliable samples. Anyone who has tried to replicate an experiment and failed knows the frustration of doubting the original findings. Nine times out of ten, storage shortcuts or inconsistent temperatures are the silent culprits. Stability doesn’t just matter in industry or research—this affects medicine, food, even everyday cleaning supplies.
Routine keeps everyone honest. Cool, dark cabinets. Desiccators stocked with fresh silica gel. Some compounds demand a -20°C freezer just to keep their structure right. Trained eyes watch for frost on bottles and faded labels. Some labs use electronic logs, flagging bottles if they sit out too long or at the wrong temperature.
Bigger organizations invest in back-up power for fridges and temperature alarms. It’s not overkill—hospitals know that even a few hours at the wrong temperature can ruin sensitive drugs. At home, people use pill organizers and cool storage for vitamins and insulin. The logic is exactly the same.
Honest storage practices protect the value of every purchase. They also reduce chemical waste, which is better for the environment. Those steps don’t just keep accountants happy. They keep science honest, make sure patients stay safe, and deliver results others can trust.
Read the label with a healthy dose of skepticism—double-check against verified resources and product databases. Ask suppliers for stability data if anything is unclear. Don’t let pressure at work push good habits aside. Each bottle, vial, or ampoule holds someone’s hard work and someone else’s hope for success. Treating them right is worth the few extra minutes it takes to do the job properly.
Quality matters in every step when handling research materials. Nothing replaces the reassurance that comes from a clean certificate of analysis, a fresh batch number, and trustworthy documentation. A product needs clarity about where it comes from and what goes into it, not vague promises about “meeting standards.” Reliability comes through as much in the paperwork as it does in the powder or liquid itself.
I’ve spent hours at the lab bench watching a promising experiment fail because a reagent came with questionable specs. Trusting a product for pharmaceutical or advanced research applications doesn’t come from marketing lines. It comes from using a product batch after batch with the same result every time, no surprises, no contaminants sneaking in. If it’s testing positive with the same sharp peak on the chromatogram or passing those pesky endotoxin checks, that’s real evidence.
Knowing who makes a product, and how, gives researchers peace of mind. Detailed traceability isn’t just some red tape; contamination or a stray impurity can waste weeks or months of work. In a lab run by grants or deadlines, any repeat sample or failed test pushes budgets and timelines. Sourcing a product with transparent supply chains cuts down on these headaches. GMP (good manufacturing practice) labeling and ISO certifications speak loudly for trust, but nothing speaks louder than an audit that the supplier welcomes.
No researcher likes being left in the dark about how something behaves in their system. Detailed analytical results, direct contact with technical teams, and open support lines turn a product into an asset, not just a consumable. Some suppliers back their products with full method validation data and even offer assistance troubleshooting tricky results. Support like this allows teams to jump straight into experiments with confidence—not risking waste or delays due to under-tested batches.
There’s a real difference between something labeled “research grade” and a product proven in published studies. Reading through recent literature for a mention of this product in similar workflows builds trust. Peer recommendations—those quiet nods handed off at a conference or lab meeting—point researchers toward suppliers who deliver every time. These are the resources that stand up to regulatory scrutiny when regulatory agencies call for full material histories.
Problems rarely trace back to complicated science—they usually trace to using the wrong product for the job, or a batch with a gap in documentation. Labs that keep strict vendor approval protocols and cross-check certificates keep mistakes from growing into disasters. Third-party laboratory verification offers extra confidence, especially for projects expected to move from academic research into clinical application. Connecting producers and users, sharing test results and performance data openly, solves a lot more issues than hiding behind short data sheets.
Quality and consistency in research-grade products serve more than the lab. They protect future patients and ensure data has real value in publication and review. Products that come with complete information, established reputations, and responsive support teams end up saving labs money and time in the long run. That’s a difference anybody in research or pharma development will notice—from the first order, right through to the last result.
Purity levels in chemicals drive nearly every outcome in a lab or industrial setting. I’ve seen labs grind to a halt over an unexpected impurity. Chemistry is all about accuracy, and unexpected side reactions or trace contamination can mean days of starter material wasted and experimental results tossed in the trash. Purity tells you what you’re actually working with, not just what’s printed on the label. High-purity chemicals (often above 99.5%) form the backbone of analysis and synthesis—without them, trying to run sensitive spectroscopy or making pharmaceuticals would grind to a halt. Lower-purity options do have their place, especially for large-scale bulk processes where minute impurities won’t matter, but skipping purity checks can punch holes in data and products alike.
Every manufacturer claims a number, but true confidence comes from real certificates of analysis that break down the levels of specific known impurities. Analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and titration keep suppliers honest and give technical teams data they trust. I remember working with a supplier who offered a bargain on a batch of reagents. We double-checked purity profiles ourselves, only to find a contaminant that would have ruined our run. That experience taught me to always ask for certificates, not just a sales pitch.
Chemical buyers care about flexibility. Research teams usually request small bottles or ampules, sometimes as little as ten grams or 25 milliliters, especially during assay development or pilot studies. No one wants to open a kilogram-sized container if all they need for a test is a gram. That opens the door to spoilage, safety hazards, and wasted expense.
On the production side, the conversation flips. Plant managers look at the cost per kilo and ease of bulk transfer, often preferring drums (25kg, 50kg) or intermediate bulk containers. If I’m running a synthesis or formulation batch, each handling step chews up time and risks introducing dust or vapors in the air. Bigger batches don’t just mean savings—they help maintain consistent process streams and streamline inventory. Still, ordering drums when only a few grams are in use each month creates issues for shelf life and compliance.
Every container must have clear labeling for regulatory compliance and safety. There are strict rules dictating how even small vials get labeled, and rightly so. In my years handling volatile and hazardous chemicals, the right information printed directly on the container saved many headaches. You know exactly what is inside, when it expires, and who made it. This level of traceability directly supports GLP, GMP, or ISO requirements. It’s more than box-ticking: It provides a transparent trail for audits, recalls, and safety reviews.
Trust shapes purchase decisions. Buyers almost always return to the company that is open about purity specs and provides options from small research packs up through industrially sized barrels. A supplier who communicates clearly, regularly updates certificates, and supports their customers with the right packaging wins business and respect. As regulations get tougher, the difference between “good enough” packaging and purity, and what’s proven, labeled, and carefully measured grows even more important.
Chemicals don’t give second chances. Take it from someone who’s spent more hours than I’d like to admit in high school and college labs, scrubbing benches and juggling glassware. Complacency never ends well. Whether it’s a strong acid, a fancy polymer, or a cleaning solvent at home, the dangers show up in unexpected ways. Even substances I thought harmless, ammonia or bleach, can turn risky if mixed or left uncapped. One splash, one lungful, and that complacency moves front and center.
You figure out quickly that labels aren’t just for show. I’ve seen people mistake acetone for water, splash it on their skin, and then watch their hand tingle and turn red. Sometimes, long names get ignored, but toxicity can lurk behind the most ordinary label. The best resource remains the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). No drama, just facts. Flammability, carcinogen risks, instructions on handling spills—SDS sheets spell out what gloves, goggles, or masks suit the job.
Fumes don’t need to be visible to hurt. I remember one chemistry class where a fume hood’s fan failed. By the end of the hour, headaches made everyone miserable. At home, window fans and open air count for a lot if you’re handling anything that smells sharp, burns your eyes, or has a strong warning on the container. Just because it doesn’t stink doesn’t mean it’s safe—carbon monoxide proves that point every year.
Latex gloves and splash goggles become an extension of your skin in the lab. I’ve watched enough friends develop rashes, or worse, blisters from skipping gloves because “it’s just a tiny amount.” Goggles keep splashes out of your eyes, but sometimes, it’s the overlooked things like wearing shorts that create risks nobody anticipates. My own scar from a dilute acid spill on my calf was a teacher all by itself. Cotton clothes protect better than synthetics if sparks might fly.
Chemicals demand proper storage. I once left a bottle of hydrogen peroxide near sunlight—within days, it degraded, and the next pour fizzed up much more than expected. Bleach sitting close to vinegar can turn a cleaning cabinet into an accidental chemistry set. Locked cabinets, clear labels, and storing acids away from bases or solvents isn’t just tidiness, it’s insurance. Schools and workplaces put flammables in special cabinets for a reason, but even garage hobbyists benefit from a few extra padlocks and a sense of order.
Respect for chemicals means reading before using, asking questions, and planning for the unexpected. Accidents usually surprise the people who thought they were immune. Calling poison control, grabbing a fire extinguisher, or flushing an eye, speed matters. Decades of regulatory updates to OSHA and best practices didn’t just appear for paperwork—they’re signposts built from hard lessons and real pain.
Treat every chemical like it holds secrets. Read the label, wear the right protection, keep air moving, and stash things smartly. It’s not just official advice—it’s the voice in your head reminding you that safety is personal, every single time. Experience teaches that learning from others’ mistakes is always cheaper than learning from your own.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Calcium 3-[(1-acetyl-2-methylamino)propyl]sulfonate |
| Other names |
ACES Calcium Salt ACES Ca N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid calcium salt N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethane sulfonic acid calcium salt ACES buffer calcium salt |
| Pronunciation | /ˈθriː əˈsiːtɪl ˈmiːθəl əˈmiːnoʊ wʌn ˈproʊpeɪnˈsʌlfɒnɪk ˈæsɪd ˈkælsiəm sɔːlt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 139657-04-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 14472200 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:118080 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3989624 |
| ChemSpider | 36456445 |
| DrugBank | DB16443 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03ed1238-f106-4958-aef3-c8d1f8ee3b7f |
| EC Number | 87189-26-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1071124 |
| KEGG | C18898 |
| MeSH | D017378 |
| PubChem CID | 164941175 |
| RTECS number | TC6525000 |
| UNII | L0P39Q6Z8J |
| UN number | Not assigned |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID80865222 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H13CaNO5S |
| Molar mass | 335.45 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.38 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.7 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.9 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.20 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | −63.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.470 |
| Dipole moment | 7.29 D |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | C10AX21 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statements. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not Established |
| REL (Recommended) | 20 mM |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
ACES TAPS MES MOPS HEPES |
