Comparison of zwitterionic N-alkylaminomethanesulfonic acids to related compounds in the Good buffer series.

Several N-alkyl and N,N-dialkylaminomethanesulfonic acids were synthesized (as zwitterions and/or sodium salts) to be tested for utility as biological buffers at lower pH levels than existing Good buffer compounds (aminoalkanesulfonates with a minimum of two carbons between amine and sulfonic acid groups as originally described by Norman Good, and in common use as biological buffers). Our hypothesis was that a shorter carbon chain (one carbon) between the amino and sulfonic acid groups should lower the ammonium ion pK(a) values. The alkylaminomethanesulfonate compounds were synthesized in aqueous solution by reaction of primary or secondary amines with formaldehyde/sodium hydrogensulfite addition compound.

Variability in Halothiobacillus neapolitanus type strain cultures.

Numerous microbial species are reported to utilize oxidation and/or reduction of sulfur containing compounds in the energy producing portions of their metabolism Halothiobacillus neapolitanus cultures obtained from different commercial sources appear to display considerable variability in terms of growth rate, carbonate consumption and activity of individual enzymes.