4634. Hematein

Nomenclature

CAS number: 475-25-2
6a,7-Dihydro-3,4,6a,10-tetrahydroxybenz[b]indeno[1,2-d]pyran-9(6H)-one; hydroxybrasilein; hydroxybrazilein.
C16H12O6; mol wt 300.26.
C 64.00%, H 4.03%, O 31.97%.

Description and references

Not to be confused with hematin. From hematoxylin or logwood extract and NH3 by treatment with air: Engels et al., J. Chem. Soc. 93, 1115 (1908); Rolland, Teintex 3, 261, 322, 460 (1938); Justin-Mueller, Melliand Textilber. 30, 26, 63 (1949), C.A. 46, 8375h (1952).

Chemical structure

Properties

Reddish-brown crystals with yellowish-green metallic luster. mp >200°; also stated as 250° with decompn. Sol in about 1700 parts water; slightly sol in alcohol, ether; insol in benzene, chloroform; freely sol in ammonia with brownish-violet color and in dil NaOH with bright red color. Forms salts with heavy metals.

Use

As an indicator like hematoxylin; for staining animal tissue, particularly cell nuclei.