Sodium Butyrate, 500 mg

From STEMCELL Technologies, this small-molecule epigenetic modifier is a sodium salt of butyric acid (synonyms: butanoic acid, sodium salt) supplied as a crystalline solid. It acts as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, targeting HDAC1 and HDAC6 and leading to hyperacetylation of histones. According to the manufacturer, the compound has been reported to promote the reprogramming of human somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells using only the single factor OCT4 (Zhu et al.) and is designed for use as part of the reprogramming workflow for generating iPS cells and in the differentiation of human ESCs and iPSCs.

Physicochemical characteristics reported by the manufacturer include a molecular weight of 110.1 and a molecular formula of C4H7O2 · Na. The product is described as a crystalline solid with a melting point of 250–253°C (482–487°F) and water solubility of ~10 mg/mL in PBS (pH 7.2) or ~5 mg/mL in EtOH. It should be stored at 15–25°C in a dry place; the material safety data sheet also notes that the substance is strongly hygroscopic.

Safety information from the supplier flags the chemical as causing skin and serious eye irritation, as suspected of causing genetic defects, and as potentially causing respiratory irritation. Recommended handling includes trained personnel observing good laboratory practice, with protective gloves, eye protection, lab coats and adequate ventilation. This product is intended for research use only and is not for human or animal diagnostic or therapeutic uses.