Sodium acetate Stock Solution

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Stock Solution Preparation Guide – 3 M Sodium Acetate (C₂H₃O₂Na) Buffer, pH 5.2

Sodium acetate is a sodium salt of acetic acid that dissolves readily in water. Both anhydrous and hydrated forms can be used to prepare a high‑concentration buffer. A 3 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.2) is commonly used in molecular biology for nucleic acid precipitation and other applications.

Objective

Preparation of 100 mL of 3 M sodium acetate buffer at pH 5.2.

Composition

• 3 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.2)

Required Materials

• Sodium acetate anhydrous or trihydrate
• Glacial acetic acid (for pH adjustment)
• Deionized or distilled water
• Analytical balance
• Beaker or conical flask
• Volumetric flask or graduated cylinder
• Stirring rod or magnetic stirrer
• pH meter or pH indicator
• Personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat)

Procedure

• Step 1
  Accurately weigh the appropriate amount of sodium acetate. To prepare 100 mL of 3 M buffer using **anhydrous sodium acetate (MW = 82.03)**, weigh **24.61 g**. If using the trihydrate form (MW = 136.08), weigh proportionally more (~40.82 g).
• Step 2
  Place the weighed solid into a beaker containing ~80 mL of deionized/distilled water and stir until completely dissolved.
• Step 3
  Adjust the pH to **5.2** by adding glacial acetic acid dropwise while stirring, and monitor with a calibrated pH meter at room temperature.
• Step 4
  Transfer the solution to a 100 mL volumetric flask, rinse the beaker into the flask with water, and add deionized water to reach the final volume of **100 mL**. Mix thoroughly.
• Step 5 (Optional)
  Sterilize by autoclaving or filter through a **0.22 µm** membrane if required for biological applications.

Note: Anhydrous sodium acetate is hygroscopic and can absorb water from air, making accurate weighing difficult; consider using trihydrate form for precision. Label the container with concentration, pH, and date. Store the buffer at room temperature.

Available Reagents