Methylene blue
IUPAC: [7-(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-3-ylidene]-dimethylazanium chloride
| Formula / Notation | C16H18ClN3S |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 61-73-4 |
| Molecular Weight | 319.9 |
| Melting Point | 100 to 110 °C (with decomposition) |
| Solubility | In water, 43,600 mg/L at 25 °C. |
| Appearance | Dark green crystals or powder with a bronze-like luster; Solutions in water or alcohol are deep blue; [ChemIDplus] |
| Also Known As | [7-(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-3-ylidene]-dimethylazanium chloride; 61-73-4; Basic blue 9; Methylthioninium chloride; Solvent blue 8; Swiss Blue; Methylene Blue anhydrous; Chromosmon; C.I. Basic Blue 9; Methylene Blue N |
| Category | Indicators |
What is Methylene blue?
Methylene blue is an organic chloride salt having 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium as the counterion. A commonly used dye that also exhibits antioxidant, antimalarial, antidepressant and cardioprotective properties. It has a role as an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, a physical tracer, an antidepressant, an EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor, an antimalarial, an EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor, an acid-base indicator, a fluorochrome, a neuroprotective agent, a histological dye, a cardioprotective agent and an EC 4.6.1.2 (guanylate cyclase) inhibitor. It contains a 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: [7-(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-3-ylidene]-dimethylazanium chloride
Other Names / Synonyms: [7-(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-3-ylidene]-dimethylazanium chloride; 61-73-4; Basic blue 9; Methylthioninium chloride; Solvent blue 8; Swiss Blue; Methylene Blue anhydrous; Chromosmon; C.I. Basic Blue 9; Methylene Blue N
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 100 to 110 °C (with decomposition) |
| Molecular Weight | 319.9 |
| Solubility | In water, 43,600 mg/L at 25 °C. |
| Appearance | Dark green crystals or powder with a bronze-like luster; Solutions in water or alcohol are deep blue; [ChemIDplus] |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Methylene blue is an organic chloride salt having 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium as the counterion. A commonly used dye that also exhibits antioxidant, antimalarial, antidepressant and cardioprotective properties. It has a role as an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, a physical tracer, an antidepressant, an EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor, an antimalarial, an EC 1.4.3.4 (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor, an acid-base indicator, a fluorochrome, a neuroprotective agent, a histological dye, a cardioprotective agent and an EC 4.6.1.2 (guanylate cyclase) inhibitor. It contains a 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium.
Used as a pH indicator in acid-base titrations, analytical chemistry, and chemical education demonstrations.
May be irritant or toxic in concentrated form. Handle with care. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Methylene blue is: C16H18ClN3S