E

Ethidium bromide

IUPAC: 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide

C21H20BrN3 Laboratory Reagents CAS 1239-45-8
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC21H20BrN3
CAS Number1239-45-8
Molecular Weight394.3
Melting Point260-262 °C (decomposes)
Density0.34 g/cm³
SolubilitySolubility in 2-methoxyethanol is 20 mg/mL; ethanol, 2 mg/mL
AppearanceDark red solid; [Merck Index] Red to brown solid; [ICSC] Dark red powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Also Known As5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide; 1239-45-8; Homidium bromide; Dromilac; 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide; EtBr; Ethydium bromide; Bromure d'homidium; Bromuro de homidio; Homidii bromidum
CategoryLaboratory Reagents

What is Ethidium bromide?

Ethidium bromide is the organic bromide salt of ethidium. It has a role as a geroprotector, an intercalator and a trypanocidal drug. It contains an ethidium.

Formula & Notation

C21H20BrN3

IUPAC Name: 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide

Other Names / Synonyms: 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide; 1239-45-8; Homidium bromide; Dromilac; 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide; EtBr; Ethydium bromide; Bromure d'homidium; Bromuro de homidio; Homidii bromidum

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Dark red solid; [Merck Index] Red to brown solid; [ICSC] Dark red powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]. Molecular formula: C21H20BrN3. Molecular weight: 394.3 g/mol. Melting point: 260-262 °C (decomposes). Density: 0.34 g/cm³. Solubility: Solubility in 2-methoxyethanol is 20 mg/mL; ethanol, 2 mg/mL. Vapor pressure: 1.2X10-12 mm Hg at 25 °C /Estimated/.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point260-262 °C (decomposes)
Density0.34 g/cm³
Molecular Weight394.3
SolubilitySolubility in 2-methoxyethanol is 20 mg/mL; ethanol, 2 mg/mL
AppearanceDark red solid; [Merck Index] Red to brown solid; [ICSC] Dark red powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Uses & Applications

Used as a synthetic reagent for transformations including oxidation, reduction, coupling, or functional group manipulation.

Safety Information

Hazardous reagent. May be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. Use in fume hood with full PPE. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Ethidium bromide
Formula C21H20BrN3
CAS Number 1239-45-8
Molecular Weight 394.3
Category Laboratory Reagents
Index All "E" terms
Synonyms 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide; 1239-45-8; Homidium bromide; Dromilac; 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide; EtBr; Ethydium bromide; Bromure d'homidium; Bromuro de homidio; Homidii bromidum

Frequently Asked Questions

Ethidium bromide is the organic bromide salt of ethidium. It has a role as a geroprotector, an intercalator and a trypanocidal drug. It contains an ethidium.

More "E" Terms

1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide C8H18ClN3 2-Ethoxyethanol C4H10O2 Effective Collisions Effective Collisions E ≥ Ea (activation energy required) Effective Molality m_eff = i × m (van't Hoff factor) Effective Nuclear Charge Z_eff = Z − σ (Slater's rules) Efflorescence Hydrated salt losing water in air: M·nH₂O(s) → M·(n-x)H₂O(s) + xH₂O(g) Einsteinium Es Electrical Conductivity κ = 1/ρ; Λm = κ/c Electrochemical Cell Galvanic cell: ΔG = −nFE_cell; Electrolytic cell: ΔG = +nFE_applied Electrochemical Series Arranged by E° (standard reduction potential); SHE: E° = 0.00 V Electrochemistry E° cell = E° cathode − E° anode | ΔG° = −nFE°
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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.

AllChemicals.info — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/ethidium-bromide

For educational purposes only. Verify all information before use.