Nile red
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
9-(Diethylamino)benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one
| |
| Other names
9-(Diethylamino)-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one
Nile Blue A Oxazone | |
| Properties | |
| C20H18N2O2 | |
| Molar mass | 318.376 g/mol |
| Appearance | Brown or dark green solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | 203–205 °C (397–401 °F; 476–478 K) |
| Almost insoluble | |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMF, DMSO, ethanol, methanol |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Nile red, also known as Nile blue oxazone, is an organic compound, a lipophilic stain, used in biology and biochemistry.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Physical
Nile red is a brown or dark green solid, practically insoluble in water.
In most polar solvents, Nile red will not fluoresce; however, when in a lipid-rich environment, it can be intensely fluorescent, with varying colors from deep red (for polar membrane lipid) to strong yellow-gold emission (for neutral lipid in intracellular storages). The dye is highly solvatochromic and its emission and excitation wavelength both shift depending on solvent polarity and in polar media will hardly fluoresce at all.
Availability
Nile red can be bought from chemical suppliers.
Preparation
Nile red can be prepared through acid hydrolysis by boiling a solution of Nile blue with sulfuric acid.[1]
Another route involves acid-catalyzed condensation of corresponding 5-(dialkylamino)-2-nitrosophenols with 2-naphthol.
Projects
- Membrane dye for cells
- Fluorescent marker
- Detection of intracellular lipid droplets and proteins
Handling
Safety
Nile red doesn't appear to be harmful.
Storage
In closed bottles, away from light and air, and at cold temperatures if possible.
Disposal
No special disposal is required.
References
- ↑ Fowler, S. D.; Greenspan, P. (5 January 2017). "Application of Nile red, a fluorescent hydrophobic probe, for the detection of neutral lipid deposits in tissue sections: comparison with oil red O". Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry. 33 (8), p. 833–836
