Abstract: The present invention provides electrophoresis gels and buffers for protein or nucleic acid electrophoresis comprising the compound of Formula I: wherein R? is a C1-C6 alkyl substituted with SO3H and optionally substituted with OH; if X=0, R is a pair of electrons; and if X=N, R is R? and salts and solvates thereof.. The present invention also provides pre-cast gels and pre-mixed gel solutions comprising the compound of formula I. The present invention further provides methods of performing electrophoresis using the gels and buffers comprising a compound of formula I. The gels and buffers comprising a compound of Formula I offer extended shelf life and good protein and nucleic acid resolution.