Potassium Phosphate Tribasic (Highly Pure) – Catalog #B2016220 (100 g)

Potassium Phosphate Tribasic (K₃PO₄, Catalog #B2016220) is a high-purity crystalline powder supplied in a 100 g format. With a molecular weight of 212.27 g/mol, this biotechnology-grade reagent is widely used for preparing alkaline phosphate buffers, adjusting pH in biochemical and molecular biology protocols, and providing ionic strength control in enzyme assays, nucleic acid work, protein crystallization, and electrophoresis systems. Its tribasic nature delivers strong alkalinity and robust buffering capacity in high-pH environments, making it an essential component for reproducible laboratory workflows.

Scientific Overview

Potassium Phosphate Tribasic (K₃PO₄) is a strong alkaline salt that dissociates to provide phosphate ions and potassium cations. It is frequently employed to create high-pH phosphate buffers (typically pH 11–12 range when used alone or in combination with other phosphate salts) and to maintain stable ionic environments in biochemical reactions. In molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories, it supports nucleic acid extraction and precipitation, protein solubilization and crystallization, enzyme activity assays, and electrophoresis buffer preparation. Its high purity and consistent performance make it a reliable reagent for protocols where precise pH control and minimal contamination are critical.

Common uses include:

• Preparation of alkaline phosphate buffers for chromatography and enzyme reactions
• pH adjustment and stabilization in biochemical assays
• Nucleic acid purification and precipitation steps
• Protein crystallization and formulation buffers
• Electrophoresis and other separation techniques requiring controlled ionic strength

Usage & Handling Guidance

Store the crystalline powder at room temperature in a dry environment. Weigh the required amount accurately using an analytical balance and dissolve in Type I ultrapure water to prepare stock or working buffers. Adjust final pH if needed when combining with other phosphate salts. The reagent is stable under standard laboratory conditions.

• Recommended concentration: 0.1–1 M stock solutions (optimize for specific buffer system)
• Preparation: Dissolve in ultrapure water; filter through 0.22 µm if required for sterile applications
• Compatibility: Often used in combination with monobasic or dibasic potassium phosphates to create defined pH buffers
• Storage of solutions: Prepared buffers should be stored at 2–8 °C or as per protocol; discard if contamination or precipitation occurs

What You Get

• 100 g of highly pure Potassium Phosphate Tribasic crystalline powder (Catalog #B2016220)
• Biotechnology-grade reagent with consistent quality and low contaminant levels
• Convenient packaging for buffer preparation and multiple biochemical protocols
• Stable at room temperature when kept dry
• For research use only (RUO)

Why Researchers Choose It

• High-purity crystalline form ensures reproducible buffer performance
• Excellent for creating alkaline phosphate buffers with reliable pH and ionic strength control
• Supports a wide range of molecular biology and biochemistry applications
• Stable, easy-to-weigh powder with long shelf life at room temperature
• Biotechnology-grade processing minimizes contaminants that could interfere with sensitive assays

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the primary use of Potassium Phosphate Tribasic?
  It is used to prepare alkaline phosphate buffers, adjust pH, and provide ionic strength in biochemical and molecular biology protocols.
• How should I prepare a buffer with this reagent?
  Dissolve the powder in ultrapure water to the desired molarity. It is often combined with monobasic or dibasic potassium phosphates to achieve specific pH values.
• Is this reagent suitable for cell culture or enzyme assays?
  Yes, when prepared under sterile conditions and used at appropriate concentrations, it supports many biochemical and enzymatic workflows.
• What storage conditions are recommended?
  Store the dry crystalline powder at room temperature in a tightly sealed container to prevent moisture absorption.
• Can this be used for nucleic acid work?
  Yes. It is commonly employed in nucleic acid precipitation, purification, and electrophoresis buffer systems.

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