Hematoxylin is Gill’s Formulation 2; a nuclear counter stain of blue-violet color. It is extracted from the heartwood of the logwood tree. When oxidized it forms haematein, a compound that forms strongly coloured complexes with certain metal ions, the most notable ones being Fe(III) and Al(III) salts. Metal-haematein complexes are used to stain cell nuclei prior to examination under a microscope. Structures that stain with iron- or aluminium-haematein are often called basophilic, even though the mechanism of the staining is different from that of staining with basic dyes.
Used as a nuclear stain in cytology and histology applications.
Key Applications Nuclear stain, Cytology, Histology
Application Areas: Molecular biology, Cell culture And Cell Biology & Analysis
Product Type: Reagents
Biochemical Category: Biochemicals
Melting Point: 229-231°C (Lit.)
UV/Visible Absorbance: 290 - 292 nm λ max (meOH)
Presentation: Orange Powder
Format: Powder
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol (20 mg/mL); hot water.
Storage & Handling: Store at Room Temperature (15-30°C), protect from light, store under nitrogen