Product Description of Methylene Blue (CAS#61-73-4)
Methylene blue (MB) is a reducing agent that is highly soluble in water and can easily penetrate cell membranes. It has relatively low toxic side effects and is approved for clinical applications.
Since its introduction to the scientific community in the 19th century, methylene blue has been widely used across various fields. It is commonly employed as a staining dye in neuroanatomy and bacteriology, and acts as a redox indicator in biochemical research.
In medical practice, methylene blue serves as an antidote for methemoglobinemia caused by nitrites and other toxic substances. It is also applied in the treatment of cyanide poisoning and ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy.
Methylene Blue Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 190 °C (dec.)(lit.) |
| Density | 1.0 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Refractive index | n20/D1.347 |
| Fp | 45 °C |
| Storage temp | room temp |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, ethylene glycol, methyl cellosolve |
| Form | Liquid |
| Pka | 2.6, 11.2(at 25℃) |
| Colour Index | 52015 |
| color | Green |
| Specific Gravity | 0.98 |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Water Solubility | 40 g/L (20 ºC) |
| λmax | 661 nm |
| Merck | 146060 |
| BRN | 3641570 |
| Biological Applications | Detecting microorganisms; treating diabetic retinopathy,macular degeneration,malignant uveal melanomas, erysipelas,hidradenitis suppurativa,inflammation,skin diseases |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Methylene blue(61-73-4) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Methylene blue (61-73-4) |
Product Application of Methylene Blue (CAS#61-73-4)
Methylene blue is a non-toxic dye that appears blue in its oxidized state and colorless in its reduced state. When used to stain live yeast cells, the strong reducing power generated by active cellular metabolism converts methylene blue from blue (oxidized) to colorless (reduced). In contrast, cells with weak metabolic activity or dead cells lack sufficient reducing capacity and remain blue or light blue. This method allows both observation of yeast cell morphology and differentiation between viable and non-viable cells.
In addition, methylene blue is used for dyeing linen, silk, paper, bamboo, and wood. It is also applied in the manufacture of inks and lake pigments, as well as for staining biological and bacterial specimens. When blended with Basic Violet 5BN and yellow dextrin at a ratio of 78:13:9, it forms Basic Royal Blue.
Safety Information
| Hazard Codes | Xn |
| Risk Statements | 10-41-22-20/21/22-36/37/38 |
| Safety Statements | 26-39-36 |
| RIDADR | UN 1993 3/PG 3 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| RTECS | SP5740000 |
| HS Code | 32049010 |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 61-73-4(Hazardous Substances Data) |
| Toxicity | LD50 oral in rat: 1180mg/kg |
