Novel aminomethanesulfonate buffer compounds developed for biological buffering in the acidic range

ORGN 432

Robert D. Long, robert.long@enmu.edu, Newton P. Hilliard Jr., newton.hilliard@enmu.edu, Daniel Dei, and Enoch A. Mensah. Physical Sciences, Eastern New Mexico University, Station # 33 Roosevelt Hall, Portales, NM 88130
We have synthesized a variety of aminomethanesulfonate compounds that are analogous to existing Good buffers – but with a single carbon between amino and sulfonate functionalities. These new buffer compounds present options for biological buffering in more acidic pH ranges. The compounds are synthesized in aqueous solution by reaction of primary or secondary amines with formaldehyde/sodium bisulfite addition compound. Several of the compounds tested to date show potential utility for buffering at acidic pH levels with pKa's in the range of 3 to 5 (and no solubility problems). Biological testing will be presented describing their utility as new biological buffer compounds.