Methyl blue

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Not to be confused with methylene blue.
Methyl blue
Methyl blue bottle sample solution.jpg
Methyl blue in solid form and as aqueous solution.
Names
IUPAC name
[7-(Dimethylamino)phenothiazin-3-ylidene]-dimethylazanium chloride
Other names
Acid blue 93
Brilliant Lake Blue G
C.I. 42780
Cotton blue
Helvetia blue
Poirriers blue
Sodium triphenyl-p-rosaniline trisulfate
Properties
C37H27N3Na2O9S3
Molar mass 799.814 g/mol
Appearance Dark crimson/red powder
Soluble
Solubility Slightly soluble in ethanol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Santa Cruz Biotechnology
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
5000 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Methyl blue (IUPAC name: 4-[4-[[4-(4-sulfoanilino)phenyl]-[4-(4-sulfophenyl)iminocyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene]methyl]anilino]benzenesulfonic acid) is an organic compound used as stain in histology, as it can stain collagen blue in tissue sections. It's chemical formula is C37H27N3Na2O9S3.

Properties

Chemical

Methyl blue will turn blue when dissolved in water. Aqueous solutions will turn nearly colorless in about 2-3 days in open air, with diluted solutions being more sensible.

Physical

Methyl blue is a dark red or black-purple solid (depending on the crystallization solvent and age), soluble in water (7 g/100 ml), where it turns deep blue, similar property to that of methylene blue. Aqueous solutions with a concentration of 10 g/l have a pH of 5 at standard conditions. Methyl blue has a bulk density of 0.670 g/cm3. [1]

Availability

Methyl blue is sold by various chemical suppliers. It can also be bought online.

Preparation

Methyl blue is best bought than made.

Projects

  • Stain collagen in tissues
  • Make Aniline Blue WS

Handling

Safety

Methyl blue shows little toxicity, but will stain anything it touches blue and it's difficult to remove.

Storage

Methyl blue should be kept in closed bottles, away from corrosive vapors.

Disposal

Methyl blue doesn't require special disposal and can be safely poured down the drain with lots of water.

References

  1. http://www.emdmillipore.com/US/en/product/Methyl-blue-%28C.I.-42780%29,MDA_CHEM-116316?bd=1

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