2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (CAS 77-86-1) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol
CAS 77-86-1
What Is 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol?
2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol, commonly known as tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or TRIS, is a synthetic compound primarily used in biochemistry and molecular biology. It’s found in buffer solutions for DNA/RNA extraction and protein purification rather than in consumer products. While not a fragrance ingredient, its chemical properties make it valuable for stabilizing pH-sensitive compounds in laboratories and pharmaceutical formulations.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol Smell Like?
This compound is essentially odorless in pure form, with no discernible fragrance characteristics. As a buffering agent rather than a perfumery material, it lacks the volatile organic compounds that typically contribute to scent profiles. In concentrated solutions, some users report a faint, non-descript chemical odor similar to other amine-containing compounds, but this is not considered a meaningful olfactory property.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: NC(CO)(CO)CO
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol is a tertiary amine with three hydroxyl groups, giving it excellent water solubility and buffering capacity between pH 7-9. The compound is synthesized through the reaction of nitromethane with formaldehyde under basic conditions, followed by hydrogenation. Its molecular structure features a central carbon atom bonded to both an amino group and three hydroxymethyl groups, creating a versatile scaffold for chemical modifications.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 171-172 °C |
|---|---|
| Solubility | 550 g/L in water (20°C) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Use | 10-100 mM | Up to 1M | Buffer solutions |
| Pharmaceuticals | 0.1-1% | Up to 5% | Stabilizing agent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Not applicable for perfumery use.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Used as alternative biological buffer with different pH range (7.2-8.2) and lower temperature sensitivity.
Classic physiological buffer system for applications requiring neutral pH conditions.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not regulated by IFRA as it is not a fragrance ingredient.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Not evaluated by RIFM as it falls outside fragrance material scope.
Sustainability
As a synthetic compound produced through controlled chemical processes, TRIS has minimal environmental impact when properly disposed. Its production doesn’t rely on scarce natural resources, and its high water solubility reduces bioaccumulation potential. However, energy-intensive manufacturing and potential aquatic toxicity at high concentrations warrant responsible handling.
Explore 2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Good, N.E. et al. (1966). Hydrogen Ion Buffers for Biological Research. Biochemistry. DOI:10.1021/bi00866a011
- Sigma-Aldrich TRIS Safety Data Sheet SDS 252859
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 77-86-1Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 121.14 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | -2.9🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 219 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 169.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -5.498💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | C(C(CO)(CO)N)O🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 1.7 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | citrusfloral• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcoholamine💻 RDKit |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID2023723
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 121.136 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.32 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 288 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 171.111 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 166.457 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 90.806 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.005 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | -5.043 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | -3.649 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.18 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 5.011 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 71.003 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 56.292 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 86.71 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 4 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 28.686 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 11.372 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
