Safranin is a biological stain used in both cytology and histology, mostly as a counterstain to color cell nuclei red. Safranines are diazonium compounds with a distinctive green metallic luster, and they are strong bases that dye red or violet. They are also used in detecting cartilage, mucin, and mast cell granules and serving as a redox indicator in analytical chemistry.
CAS No.: 477-73-6
Synonyms: Safranin O ; basic red 2; Safranin T; Gossypimine; Safranin O; Safranine T
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C20H19ClN4 |
| IUPAC Name | 3,7-Diamino-2,8-dimethyl-5-phenylphenazin-5-ium chloride |
| Molecular weight | 350.8 g/mol |
| Solubility | Water & Ethanol |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm3 at 20°C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Colour | Brownish Red |
| State | Solid Powder |
| Melting point | > 240°C |
| Odor | Pungent |
| pH | 10 at 20°C |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 15.0% (110°C) |
| Pictograms : |  |
| Hazard Statements : | H315: Causes skin irritation |
| Precautionary statements : | P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing. |
Safranin is a biological stain used in both cytology and histology, mostly as a counterstain to color cell nuclei red. Safranines are diazonium compounds with a distinctive green metallic luster, and they are strong bases that dye red or violet. They are also used in detecting cartilage, mucin, and mast cell granules and serving as a redox indicator in analytical chemistry.
CAS No.: 477-73-6
Synonyms: Safranin O ; basic red 2; Safranin T; Gossypimine; Safranin O; Safranine T
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C20H19ClN4 |
| IUPAC Name | 3,7-Diamino-2,8-dimethyl-5-phenylphenazin-5-ium chloride |
| Molecular weight | 350.8 g/mol |
| Solubility | Water & Ethanol |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm3 at 20°C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Colour | Brownish Red |
| State | Solid Powder |
| Melting point | > 240°C |
| Odor | Pungent |
| pH | 10 at 20°C |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 15.0% (110°C) |
| Pictograms : | |
| Hazard Statements : | H315: Causes skin irritation |
| Precautionary statements : | P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing. |
Safranin is a basic dye that is positively charged and adheres to cell membranes.
Safranin is a reddish-pink stain used in Gram and endospore staining to color cells that have lost the primary stain. As It ensures these cells are visible under a microscope.
Safranin detects cell nuclei, cartilage, mucin, and mast cell granules by staining them red, and is used as a counterstain in Gram stains and endospore staining.
Gram staining differentiates bacteria into gram-positive and gram-negative based on their cell wall structure. It helps identify bacterial species and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Without safranin in a Gram stain, gram-negative bacteria remain colorless or faintly stained, making them hard to distinguish from the background, while gram-positive bacteria remain purple.
