Sodium cacodylate trihydrate, also known as cacodylic acid sodium salt trihydrate, is an organoarsenic buffering reagent used to prepare cacodylate buffer solutions for electron microscopy and biological specimen fixation. This reagent has a chemical purity of ≥98% and a molecular weight of 214.03 g/mol.
Cacodylate buffers help maintain controlled pH during transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and related fixation workflows. Buffer concentration, pH, fixation conditions, and downstream processing should follow the validated method for the specimen and imaging technique.
Synonyms: Sodium cacodylate trihydrate; cacodylic acid sodium salt trihydrate; dimethylarsinic acid sodium salt trihydrate; sodium dimethylarsinate trihydrate.
Key Properties
- Organoarsenic buffering reagent
- Used to prepare cacodylate buffer solutions
- Chemical purity: ≥98%
- CAS number: 6131-99-3
- Molecular weight: 214.03 g/mol
- Suitable for electron microscopy fixation workflows
- Polysciences catalog number: 01131
Applications
Electron Microscopy Buffer Preparation
Sodium cacodylate trihydrate is used to prepare cacodylate buffers for biological specimen processing in electron microscopy. The required molarity and pH depend on the fixation protocol, specimen type, and downstream imaging method.
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Cacodylate buffer is commonly used in TEM fixation and specimen-preparation workflows where controlled pH is required during chemical fixation and subsequent processing.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Sodium cacodylate trihydrate may be used to prepare buffers for SEM fixation workflows involving cells, tissues, and other biological specimens. Buffer composition should be selected according to the established laboratory procedure.
Biological Specimen Fixation
Cacodylate buffers are used with compatible fixative systems to limit pH changes during specimen preservation. Fixative concentration, buffer strength, pH, temperature, and exposure time should be selected for the specimen and analytical objective.
Buffer Preparation & Use Considerations
- This dry reagent is used to prepare cacodylate buffer and is not a ready-to-use buffer solution
- Calculate the required mass using the molecular weight, target molarity, and final solution volume
- Use distilled or deionized water for buffer preparation
- Adjust the final pH according to the validated protocol
- Confirm compatibility with the selected fixative and downstream processing reagents
- Prepare and handle solutions under appropriate laboratory ventilation
Buffer concentration and pH can influence fixation performance and specimen morphology. Use a validated preparation method and appropriate control specimens when establishing or modifying an electron microscopy protocol.
Preparation Tips
- Add the calculated amount of reagent to a portion of the required distilled or deionized water
- Warm the water to approximately 60°C and mix under a chemical fume hood
- Stir until the reagent is completely dissolved
- Allow the solution to return to the required temperature before final pH adjustment
- Adjust the pH according to the laboratory protocol
- Bring the solution to its final volume after dissolution and pH adjustment
- Label the prepared buffer with its concentration, pH, preparation date, and storage requirements
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed and securely stored when not in use
- Handle the powder and prepared solutions in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid generating or inhaling dust
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the material
- Prevent release to drains, surface water, or the environment
- Dispose of the material and contaminated waste through an approved hazardous-waste process
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FAQ
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1. What is sodium cacodylate trihydrate used for?
Sodium cacodylate trihydrate is used to prepare cacodylate buffer solutions for electron microscopy, biological specimen fixation, and related laboratory workflows requiring controlled pH.
2. Is sodium cacodylate trihydrate the same as cacodylic acid sodium salt trihydrate?
Yes. Sodium cacodylate trihydrate and cacodylic acid sodium salt trihydrate are names for the same chemical form. Additional names include dimethylarsinic acid sodium salt trihydrate and sodium dimethylarsinate trihydrate.
3. Is this a ready-to-use cacodylate buffer?
No. This product is the dry trihydrate reagent used to prepare cacodylate buffer. The required concentration and pH should be established according to the laboratory protocol.
4. How should sodium cacodylate trihydrate be dissolved?
Dissolve the calculated amount in distilled or deionized water warmed to approximately 60°C while working under a chemical fume hood. After dissolution, allow the solution to cool, adjust the pH, and bring it to final volume according to the validated method.
5. Can sodium cacodylate buffer be used for TEM and SEM?
Cacodylate buffers are commonly used in both transmission and scanning electron microscopy fixation workflows. The required buffer concentration, pH, and fixative composition depend on the specimen and preparation method.
6. What are the purity and CAS number?
This sodium cacodylate trihydrate reagent has a chemical purity of ≥98% and is identified by CAS number 6131-99-3.
Safety & Documentation
Sodium cacodylate trihydrate is harmful if swallowed. Handle the powder and prepared solutions under adequate ventilation using protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing. Avoid breathing dust and prevent release to the environment. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet for complete hazard, first-aid, storage, spill-response, transportation, and disposal guidance.
