Toluidine Blue O CAS 92-31-9

What is Toluidine Blue O CAS 92-31-9?

Toluidine Blue O CAS 92-31-9 is a greenish crystalline powder that forms blue solutions in water, characterized by the molecular formula C₁₅H₁₆ClN₃S and a molecular weight of 305.83 g/mol; it functions as a metachromatic stain that binds selectively to acidic tissue components like polysaccharides and nucleic acids, enabling polychromatic visualization in histology and serving as a versatile tool in microbiology, plant cell analysis, and materials science.

Specification

Feature

• Physical Properties: Greenish crystalline powder with metallic luster, molecular weight of 305.83 g/mol, melting point of 268–270°C, density of approximately 0.999 g/mL at 20°C, and water solubility of 10 g/L at 25°C; insoluble in most organic solvents but soluble in alcohols and hot water.
• Chemical Reactivity: Cationic thiazine dye with a phenothiazine chromophore that imparts intense blue color (absorption maximum around 630 nm); stable under neutral to acidic conditions but decolorizes in strong alkalis or reducing agents; exhibits metachromatic effects, binding to acidic polysaccharides (e.g., mast cell granules turn violet) and bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria.
• Synthesis: Produced by oxidation of N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine in the presence of thiosulfate and aniline derivatives using oxidizing agents like lead dioxide or manganese dioxide in acidic media, followed by acidification with HCl to form the chloride salt, yielding technical-grade products with 85–95% purity.
• Safety Profile: Toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin (R25/24/21); potential irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system with limited carcinogenicity data; handle with gloves, goggles, and ventilation, and dispose via incineration with scrubbers to comply with environmental regulations.

Application

• Histological Staining: Histological staining of mast cells, cartilage, mucins, and Nissl substance in neural tissue, often in metachromatic techniques for acidic polysaccharides.
• Plant Cell Analysis: Polychromatic staining of plant cell walls, lignin, and semi-thin sections of resin-embedded tissues.
• Microbiology: Microbiological staining, including counterstaining in Gram procedures and as a photosensitizer for biofilm control with light.
• Materials Science & General Biology: Characterization of polymers and sulfonic acid groups in materials science, and general biological staining for mesenchymal cells, osteoblasts, and taste buds.

Packaging

Mikem offers flexible packaging options, including 25 kg of fiber drums for liquid products and 15–25 kg PP/PE bags for powder products, all customizable to meet your specific needs.