Triton X-100

clear to slightly hazy liquid
Triton X-100 is a nonionic surfactant that has a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain (on average it has 9.5 ethylene oxide units) and an aromatic hydrocarbon lipophilic or hydrophobic group. The hydrocarbon group is a 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl group. Triton X-100 is closely related to IGEPAL CA-630 or former Nonidet P-40, which might differ from it mainly in having slightly shorter ethylene oxide chains. Thus Triton X-100 is slightly more hydrophilic than Igepal CA-630; these two detergents may not be considered to be functionally interchangeable for most applications.Triton X-100 is a common non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier which is often used in biochemical applications to solubilize proteins. It is considered a comparatively mild detergent, non-denaturing, and is reported in numerous references as a routinely added reagent. It is utilized for lysing cells to extract protein and cellular organelles. It can also permeabilize the living cell membrane for transfection.
Triton X-100 is a very stable material, assumed to be stable for years if stored sealed. It is a clear to slightly hazy, colorless to light yellow liquid (color by APHA = 100).1. Specific gravity: 1.065 at 25°C (Approx. 1.07 g/mL).2. Approximate molecular weight = 625, giving effective molarity = 1.7 M for the neat liquid.3. UV absorption: lambda max = 275 nm and 283 nm in methanol.4. Viscosity (Brookfield): 240 cps at 25°C.5. pH (5% aqueous solution): 6.0 to 8.0.6. Critical micelle concentration (CMC): 0.22 to 0.24 mM.
ChEBI: A poly(ethylene glycol) terminated with a 4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-3-yl) phenyl group at one end.
Moderately toxic by ingestion and intravenous routes. Experimental reproductive effects. Human mutation data reported. An eye and human skin irritant. Many glycol ethers cause dangerous human reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. A surfactant. See also GLYCOL ETHERS.