6058. Methylene Azure

Nomenclature

Azure I.

Description and references

A somewhat variable mixture obtained by oxidation of methylene blue, contg primarily azure A and azure B, q.q.v. Prepn: Bernthsen, Ann. 230, 169 (1885); Kehrmann, Ber. 39, 1804 (1906). Review: H. J. Conn's Biological Stains, R. D. Lillie, Ed. (Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 9th ed., 1977) pp 493-502.

Properties

Green glistening crystals. Forms blue soln in water; very sparingly sol in alcohol with a reddish brown fluorescence.

Derivative

Mixture with methylene blue.

Nomenclature

Azure II; azure blue II; methylene azure II.

Properties

Deep-green powder. Sol in water with blue color, less sol in alcohol, slightly sol in chloroform. Insol in ether.

Derivative

Mixture with methylene blue and eosin.

Nomenclature

Azure II eosin.

Properties

Chief ingredient of Giemsa stain. Green powder. Slightly sol in water; sol in alcohol, methanol, glycerol.

Use

Biological stain.