Triton X-100
| |
| IUPAC Name: | {{{IUPACName}}} |
| Other Names: | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChem | |
| ChemSpider | |
| SMILES | |
| InChI | |
| InChIKey | |
| StdInChI | |
| StdInChIKey | |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | CHNO |
| Appearance | |
| Density | |
| Melting Point | |
| Boiling Point | |
| Solubility | |
| Hazards | |
| Main Hazards | |
| Flash Point | |
| Autoignition Temperature | |
Triton X-100 is a nonionic surfactant commonly used in laboratories for the solubilization of proteins and lipids. It is a member of the Triton X series, which are polyethylene glycol derivatives of octylphenol.
Chemical Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Triton X-100 is composed of a hydrophobic group, octylphenol, and a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain. The general formula is C₁₄H₂₂O(C₂H₄O)n, where n is typically around 9-10, giving it an average molecular weight of approximately 625 g/mol. The presence of the ethylene oxide chain imparts water solubility and surfactant properties.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Triton X-100 is widely used in biochemistry and molecular biology for its ability to disrupt lipid membranes, making it useful for cell lysis and protein extraction. It is also employed in the preparation of micelles and as a component in buffer solutions for enzyme assays.
Cell Lysis[edit | edit source]
In cell lysis protocols, Triton X-100 is used to permeabilize cell membranes, allowing for the release of intracellular contents. It is particularly effective in lysing eukaryotic cells while preserving the integrity of nuclear membranes.
Protein Solubilization[edit | edit source]
Triton X-100 is used to solubilize membrane proteins, facilitating their extraction and purification. It is often included in lysis buffers to maintain protein stability and activity.
Micelle Formation[edit | edit source]
Due to its amphipathic nature, Triton X-100 can form micelles in aqueous solutions. This property is exploited in chromatography and drug delivery systems.
Safety and Handling[edit | edit source]
Triton X-100 is considered to be of low toxicity, but it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Proper laboratory safety procedures should be followed when handling this chemical, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
Triton X-100 is not readily biodegradable and can persist in the environment. It is important to dispose of it according to local regulations to minimize environmental impact.
Also see[edit | edit source]
.svg){kind=small} | This biochemistry article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
