Difference between revisions of "Fluorescein"

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Revision as of 05:03, 7 February 2016

Fluorescein (also known as resorcinophthalein or D&C yellow no. 7) is an organic compound that is a brick-red solid at room temperature. It dissolves slightly in water to give bright yellow, strongly fluorescent solutions. Sodium fluorescein, also known as uranine, has a much higher solubility in water.

Obtaining

Extraction

Certain brands of highlighters use a solution of fluorescein in water with a water-soluble binder. The ink cartridges of these highlighters may be extracted with isopropanol to give a solution of pure fluorescein. Some highlighters use pyranine instead, which has a strong blue fluorescence at high pH.

Synthesis

Fluorescein is easily prepared from resorcinol and phthalic anhydride through a Friedel-Crafts reaction with an acid catalyst, most often concentrated sulfuric acid. The product may be diluted into a basic solution to obtain a dark sodium fluorescein stock solution, which works for most demonstrations.

See also

Rhodamine