Haematoxylin

Haematoxylin

Names
IUPAC name 7,11b-Dihydroindeno[2,1-c]chromene-3,4,6a,9,10(6H)-pentol
Properties
Chemical formula	C16H14O6
Molar mass	302.28 g/mol
Appearance	White to yellowish solid
Melting point	148–151 °C (298–304 °F; 421–424 K) (decomposes)
Boiling point	Decomposes
Solubility in water	Slightly soluble
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

Haematoxylin also called hematoxylin, natural black 1 or C.I. 75290 is a compound extracted from the heartwood of the logwood tree, where it exists as the dextro isomer, (+)-Hematoxylin.

Properties

Chemical

Hematoxylin is a basic / positive compound that binds to and forms salts with acidic, or basophilic, compounds containing negative charges (such as DNA and RNA which are acidic/negative because the nucleic acid building blocks that come off the phosphate backbone are negatively charged) and stains them dark blue or violet. Haematoxylin and eosin together make up haematoxylin and eosin stain, one of the most commonly used stains in histology. This type of stain is a permanent stain as opposed to temporary stains (e.g. iodine solution in KI).

Physical

Haematoxylin is a white or slightly yellow solid compound.

Availability

Can be extracted from the heartwood of Haematoxylon campechianum.

Some hair care products are said to contain this compound.

Preparation

It's much cheaper to extract or buy this compound, than to make it yourself.

Projects

• Dye and biological stain

Handling

Safety

There is little data about the toxicity of this compound.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

No special disposal is required.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haematoxylin