2,2'-(Piperazine-1,4-Diyl)Bis(Ethanesulphonic) Acid, known in many laboratories as PIPES, shows up as a staple among buffering agents, especially for biochemical and molecular biology applications. The compound displays a unique molecular structure, where two ethanesulphonic acid groups connect through a central piperazine ring. This arrangement gives PIPES reliable buffering capacity within a moderately acidic to near-neutral pH range, which often makes a difference in delicate experiments involving proteins, enzymes, or other biological molecules that respond heavily to pH shifts.
You’ll most likely encounter this acid in a variety of solid forms—powder, flakes, fine crystals, or pearls—each with its own practical advantages in laboratory processes. The powder dissolves fast, helping to reduce prep time. Flakes and pearls tend to be less prone to dusting during handling, which brings down the risk of inhalation or product loss. As a pure material, it takes on a white, odorless, crystalline appearance. Some suppliers even market ready-made aqueous solutions, simplifying preparation for those with time-sensitive protocols or large-volume labs. With a density usually close to 1.2 g/cm³ in its solid state, it stores well in sealed containers and maintains stability at typical room temperatures, though careful handling always beats casual storage when it comes to laboratory chemicals.
The backbone of 2,2'-(Piperazine-1,4-Diyl)Bis(Ethanesulphonic) Acid stems from its symmetrical linkage of ethanesulphonic acid chains to a piperazine core, defined by the molecular formula C8H18N2O6S2. This structure offers two sulphonate functional groups, directly influencing both the buffering strength and aqueous solubility. A molecular weight of around 302.37 g/mol places this compound in the medium weight class for organic buffers, which matters for anyone calibrating molarity-based solutions or targeting low-volume applications with precision.
Quality always counts, especially where experimental repeatability sits at a premium. Many manufacturers detail PIPES purity above 99%, with respected suppliers flagging low levels of trace metals and organics. Reliable documentation supports batch-to-batch consistency, with certificates of analysis supplying full traceability. As a raw material moving through global trade, its Harmonized System (HS) Code typically registers as 2934999099, fitting neatly into the category for organic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur functionalities. Laboratories across the globe value transparent sourcing here—knowing the HS Code streamlines procurement and cross-border shipment, which keeps research running smoothly.
PIPES demonstrates impressive solubility in water, topping 100 g/L at 20°C, and lays down a buffering range between pH 6.1 to 7.5. That sweet spot reduces the burden on scientists keeping enzymatic reactions or cell cultures steady, since gentle pH maintenance can protect fragile proteins or optimize environment-sensitive assays. The acid neither absorbs UV strongly nor precipitates under standard storage, so it rarely interferes with basic spectrophotometric techniques. Most work stays worry-free as the compound resists degradation in air or under mild light, helping to shelve complicated preservation measures.
Handling 2,2'-(Piperazine-1,4-Diyl)Bis(Ethanesulphonic) Acid means staying mindful of standard chemical safety, even though it avoids the aggressive hazards tied to some strong acids or alkalis. Skin or eye contact can cause mild irritation, so gloves and goggles beat bare hands every time. Inhalation risk rises if you’re working with its finest powders or grinding material, highlighting the value of fume hoods or consistent mask usage in tight labs. Spills clean up with water, but it pays to avoid flushing significant residue straight into drains out of respect for both plumbing and local regulation. Chronic or acute toxicity remains low when handled with routine caution, but as with many raw materials used in chemical labs, responsible storage and proper labeling prevent mix-ups and outline exactly what’s sitting on your shelf.
PIPES shows its strength as a buffer in electrophoresis, cell culture media, and protein purification workflows. The dual ethanesulphonic groups minimize unwanted biological interactions, which preserves sample quality and keeps downstream analytics consistent. In manufacturing, it serves as a high-purity raw material to produce complex reagents, cell media supplements, and diagnostic kits—those products count on the dependable properties found in 2,2'-(Piperazine-1,4-Diyl)Bis(Ethanesulphonic) Acid to withstand stringent regulatory audits. Medical researchers have come to depend on its absence of strong chelating activity, reducing the side-reactions seen with buffers containing EDTA-like structures.
Proper storage habits go a long way. This acid keeps its quality longest in tightly sealed, moisture-proof containers, preferably stored below 25°C and away from direct sunlight. Even stable compounds pick up contaminants if left open to laboratory air, so fresh containers—or at the very least, desiccants—should be the rule. Labeling each batch with both receipt and opening dates supports both accountability and good science. Regular inventory checks and documentation make sure expired or compromised material never finds its way into important results.
Even though this chemical rates low on acute toxicity tests, sending unused solutions or powders into municipal drains undermines responsible stewardship. Neutralizing waste with dilute acids or bases lessens potential local impact, and following hazardous waste collection routes recommended by regulatory agencies keeps both people and local water safer. Since most labs cycle through small quantities, containment and documentation rarely cause headaches—but these steps matter more as usage grows and new research cycles stack up.
Working with 2,2'-(Piperazine-1,4-Diyl)Bis(Ethanesulphonic) Acid offers plenty to think through. Accurate knowledge of its structure, properties, handling requirements, and regulatory identifiers like the HS Code improves safety, saves time, and underpins reliable research. Sharing data, flagging safety guidelines, and keeping open channels with suppliers protect staff and results. Whether you’re running pilot projects, pushing boundaries in diagnostics, or building new raw material streams for advanced manufacturing, the details matter—every batch starts with the right foundation.
