4160. Fluorescin

Nomenclature

CAS number: 518-44-5
2-(3,6-Dihydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid; resorcinolphthalin.
C20H14O5; mol wt 334.32.
C 71.85%, H 4.22%, O 23.93%.

Description and references

Obtained by heating fluorescein with NaOH and zinc dust. Formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: King et al., Can. J. Res. 26C, 514 (1948); Totter, Moseley, J. Bacteriol. 65, 45 (1953).

Chemical structure

Properties

Bright yellow powder, mp 125-127°. Readily oxidizes to fluorescein. Practically insol in water. Sol in alkali hydroxides or carbonates, alcohol, ether. Keep well closed.

Use

Reagent for oxidases, peroxides.