Tricaine methanesulfonate  (Synonyms: MS-222)

Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) is common used to immobilize fish for marking or transport and to suppress sensory systems during invasive procedures^[1].

Tricaine methanesulfonate in powder form easily can become airborne and could become hazardous to the handler^[1].
Tricaine methanesulfonate (TMS) solution is photosensitive (its color changes with light exposure), although the color change does not necessarily indicate significant activity decrease and thus color should not be used to gauge degradation^[1].

MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

261.29

Solid

C₁₀H₁₅NO₅S

886-86-2

O=C(OCC)C1=CC=CC(N)=C1.CS(=O)(O)=O

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

4°C, stored under nitrogen, away from moisture

*In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (stored under nitrogen, away from moisture)

• [1]. Kathleen M. Carter, et al. A review of tricaine methanesulfonate for anesthesia of fish. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries volume 21, pages51–59(2011).