It can't form stable complex with most metal ions, and is suitable for buffer in solution system containing metal ions. Is used for purifying tubulin by phosphocellulose chromatography, purifying recombinant GTP binding proteins ARF1 and ARF2 by gel filtration, and crystallizing transketolase from Escherichia coli as buffer. In addition, PIPES can form free radicals, so it is not suitable for redox system. In cation exchange chromatography, PIPES buffer with low concentration should be used, because PIPES has relatively large ionic strength and its pKa value is concentration-dependent