Erythrosine B, or Red No. 3, is an organoiodine compound derived from fluorone. It is the disodium salt of 2,4,5,7- tetraiodofluorescein, identified by its pink color. It also absorbs light at a maximum of 530 nm in aqueous solutions and is known to go through photodegradation. It is generally found as a dye in various applications.
CAS No.: 16423-68-0
Synonyms: Tetraiodofluorescein; Solvent Red 140; Erythrosine acid; Iodeosin; 2′,4′,5′,7′-Tetraiodofluorescein; 2,4,5,7-Erythrosin; C.I. Solvent Red 140;Acid Red 51; disodium salt; C.I. Food Red 14
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C20H8I4O5 |
| IUPAC Name | 3′,6′-dihydroxy-2′,4′,5′,7′-tetraiodospiro[2-benzofuran-3,9′-xanthene]-1-one |
| Molecular weight | 461.381g/mol |
| Solubility | Water, glycerin, methanol, spirit, methyl cellosolve, ethanol, DMSO and dimethyl formamide |
| Flash point | 182°C |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | Orange, Red-Orange |
| State | Powder |
| Melting point | 303°C |
| Solubility | 0.7 mg/ml |
| pH | 6.4 at 30.3°C |
| Pictograms : |   |
| Hazard Statements : | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements : | P264: Wash skin thoroughly after handling. |
Erythrosine B, or Red No. 3, is an organoiodine compound derived from fluorone. It is the disodium salt of 2,4,5,7- tetraiodofluorescein, identified by its pink color. It also absorbs light at a maximum of 530 nm in aqueous solutions and is known to go through photodegradation. It is generally found as a dye in various applications.
CAS No.: 16423-68-0
Synonyms: Tetraiodofluorescein; Solvent Red 140; Erythrosine acid; Iodeosin; 2′,4′,5′,7′-Tetraiodofluorescein; 2,4,5,7-Erythrosin; C.I. Solvent Red 140;Acid Red 51; disodium salt; C.I. Food Red 14
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C20H8I4O5 |
| IUPAC Name | 3′,6′-dihydroxy-2′,4′,5′,7′-tetraiodospiro[2-benzofuran-3,9′-xanthene]-1-one |
| Molecular weight | 461.381g/mol |
| Solubility | Water, glycerin, methanol, spirit, methyl cellosolve, ethanol, DMSO and dimethyl formamide |
| Flash point | 182°C |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | Orange, Red-Orange |
| State | Powder |
| Melting point | 303°C |
| Solubility | 0.7 mg/ml |
| pH | 6.4 at 30.3°C |
| Pictograms : | |
| Hazard Statements : | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements : | P264: Wash skin thoroughly after handling. |
Erythrosine B changes color due to its reaction with different pH levels and the formation of complexes with other substances. Depending on the chemical environment, its color transits from pink to red.
Erythrosine B is a crucial dye in cell counting to differentiate dead cells from live ones. It especially stains dead cells, making it simpler to count them under a microscope.
Trypan Blue and Erythrosine B, are dyes helpful in distinguishing live cells from dead ones.
Erythrosine B is used as a food coloring, biological stain, dental plaque disclosing agent, and also a fluorescent dye in microscopy.
Erythrosine B is safe in small amounts but is banned in some countries due to cancer concerns.
