Molecular Classification
Chemical compound, Inorganic buffer, Organic buffer, Zwitterionic buffer
Other Names
pH buffer, Buffer solution, pH buffering agent

Buffering Agent Overview

A buffering agent is a substance that resists changes in the pH of a solution upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base. It typically consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. Buffering agents are used to maintain stable pH conditions in chemical, biological, and industrial processes. Common examples include phosphate buffers, Tris buffers, and Good's buffers like HEPES and MOPS. The effectiveness of a buffer is determined by its buffer capacity and its useful pH range, which is approximately pKa ± 1.

Mechanism of Action

Neutralizes added acids or bases to resist pH changes via a weak acid/base equilibrium.

Biological Functions

pH maintenance
Stabilization of chemical reactions
Regulation of biological processes

Disease Associations

No disease associations available

Safety Considerations

  • Toxicity of specific buffer compounds
  • Interference with biological assays
  • Ionic strength effects
  • Chemical stability issues