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HEMATOXYLIN

MacsChem > Biological Stains > HEMATOXYLIN

Hematoxylin also known as natural black is a natural dye extracted from the heartwood of the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum).

CAS No.:517-28-2

Synonyms: Hematoxylin; Natural Black 1; Hematoxyline; Hydroxybrazilin; Hydroxybrasilin

Physical Properties
Chemical formulaC₁₆H₁₄O₆
IUPAC Name(6aS,11bR)-7,11b-dihydro-6H-indeno[2,1-c]chromene-3,4,6a,9,10-pentol
Molecular weight302.28 g/mol
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol at 1 mg/mL
Stability Turns Red on exposure to light;
It’s solution darkens on standing
Chemical Properties
ColourWhite to Yellow
StateCrystal or powder
Melting point212 to 248 °F (100 to 120°C)
Boiling Point579.9±50.0 °C at 760 mmHg.
pH2.4- 2.9
Absorption400 and 700 nm
  • H&E staining: Hematoxylin is broadly used in the Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E staining), this is a standard process for visualizing tissue samples. By staining the cell nuclei blue or black, it delivers contrast to the pinkish hue of the eosin stain that colours the cytoplasm and other substances.
  • Papanicolaou (Pap) Stain: Haematoxylin is the key constituent in Pap stain, which is used widely in cytology, especially in the screening of cervical cancer. It helps in highlighting cell nuclei, assisting in the detection of abnormal cells.
  • Harris hematoxylin: It’s an alum hematoxylin stain that tends to provide clear nuclear detail, which is used in progressive plus regressive staining. It requires differentiation with a mild acid instead of the generally used hydrochloric acid. Further, it’s an alcohol-based stain that is generally used in cytology & histology.
  • Textile dyes: For centuries Haematoxylin has been used as a dye in textile and leather industries as it produces a range of colors. Further, its also used for dyeing silk, leather, and sometimes sutures.
  • Writing and drawing ink: Hematoxylin has been used as a key element in the manufacturing of writing and drawing inks. Artists like Vincent van Gogh used hematoxylin-based inks in their drawings, particularly when a chrome mordant was used to stabilize the color.
  • Mayer’s Hematoxylin: Mayer’s haematoxylin stains cell nuclei accurately, particularly in progressive staining, amplifying nuclear detail while conserving cytoplasmic components. Its color shifts from red to blue-violet with “blueing,” making it perfect for featuring nuclei in H&E stains. This contrast helps differentiate nuclear and cytoplasmic structures clearly.
  • Phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin : (PTAH) is a histological stain that combines haematoxylin with phosphotungstic acid, which highlight specific tissue structures. It is particularly useful in demonstrating contraction band necrosis, a key indicator in the analysis of myocardial infarction (heart attack) tissue samples.
  •  
Pictograms :

Hazard Statements :

H319:  Causes serious eye irritation

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction

Precautionary statements :

P264: Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling

P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protect

P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact  lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing  

P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention   

Hematoxylin also known as natural black is a natural dye extracted from the heartwood of the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum).

CAS No.:517-28-2

Synonyms: Hematoxylin; Natural Black 1; Hematoxyline; Hydroxybrazilin; Hydroxybrasilin

Physical Properties
Chemical formulaC₁₆H₁₄O₆
IUPAC Name(6aS,11bR)-7,11b-dihydro-6H-indeno[2,1-c]chromene-3,4,6a,9,10-pentol
Molecular weight302.28 g/mol
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol at 1 mg/mL
Stability Turns Red on exposure to light;
It’s solution darkens on standing
Chemical Properties
ColourWhite to Yellow
StateCrystal or powder
Melting point212 to 248 °F (100 to 120°C)
Boiling Point579.9±50.0 °C at 760 mmHg.
pH2.4- 2.9
Absorption400 and 700 nm
  • H&E staining: Hematoxylin is broadly used in the Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&E staining), this is a standard process for visualizing tissue samples. By staining the cell nuclei blue or black, it delivers contrast to the pinkish hue of the eosin stain that colours the cytoplasm and other substances.
  • Papanicolaou (Pap) Stain: Haematoxylin is the key constituent in Pap stain, which is used widely in cytology, especially in the screening of cervical cancer. It helps in highlighting cell nuclei, assisting in the detection of abnormal cells.
  • Harris hematoxylin: It’s an alum hematoxylin stain that tends to provide clear nuclear detail, which is used in progressive plus regressive staining. It requires differentiation with a mild acid instead of the generally used hydrochloric acid. Further, it’s an alcohol-based stain that is generally used in cytology & histology.
  • Textile dyes: For centuries Haematoxylin has been used as a dye in textile and leather industries as it produces a range of colors. Further, its also used for dyeing silk, leather, and sometimes sutures.
  • Writing and drawing ink: Hematoxylin has been used as a key element in the manufacturing of writing and drawing inks. Artists like Vincent van Gogh used hematoxylin-based inks in their drawings, particularly when a chrome mordant was used to stabilize the color.
  • Mayer’s Hematoxylin: Mayer’s haematoxylin stains cell nuclei accurately, particularly in progressive staining, amplifying nuclear detail while conserving cytoplasmic components. Its color shifts from red to blue-violet with “blueing,” making it perfect for featuring nuclei in H&E stains. This contrast helps differentiate nuclear and cytoplasmic structures clearly.
  • Phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin : (PTAH) is a histological stain that combines haematoxylin with phosphotungstic acid, which highlight specific tissue structures. It is particularly useful in demonstrating contraction band necrosis, a key indicator in the analysis of myocardial infarction (heart attack) tissue samples.
  •  
Pictograms :

Hazard Statements :

H319:  Causes serious eye irritation

H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction

Precautionary statements :

P264: Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling

P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protect

P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact  lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing  

P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention   

FAQ's

Hematoxylin, stains cell nuclei blue, whereas Eosin stains the extracellular matrix, cytoplasm, and other structures in varying shades of pink.

Hematoxylin is a colorless, crystalline solid that binds to nucleic acids in tissues. When applied in histology and histopathology, it produces a deep blue-purple color, highlighting cell nuclei and other structures for microscopic examination.

Hematoxylin is a basic dye that stains acidic substances in cells and tissues a blue or blue-black color.

 Harris’s, Mayer’s, and Gill’s hematoxylin solutions are three traditional formulas for nuclear staining.

It is based on the principle of chemical attraction between tissue & dye.

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