N

Ninhydrin

IUPAC: 2,2-dihydroxyindene-1,3-dione

C9H6O4 Laboratory Reagents CAS 485-47-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC9H6O4
CAS Number485-47-2
Molecular Weight178.14
Melting Point466 to 469 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceNinhydrin appears as white to light yellow crystals or powder. Becomes anhydrous with reddening at 257-266 °F. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As2,2-dihydroxyindene-1,3-dione; 485-47-2; Ninhydrin hydrate; 1,2,3-Indantrione monohydrate; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione; 1H-Indene-1,3(2H)-dione, 2,2-dihydroxy-; Triketohydrindene hydrate; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indandione; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indanedione; 1,2,3-Indantrione, 2-hydrate
CategoryLaboratory Reagents

What is Ninhydrin?

Ninhydrin is a member of the class of indanones that is indane-1,3-dione bearing two additional hydroxy substituents at position 2. It has a role as a colour indicator and a human metabolite. It is a member of indanones, a ketone hydrate, a beta-diketone and an aromatic ketone.

Formula & Notation

C9H6O4

IUPAC Name: 2,2-dihydroxyindene-1,3-dione

Other Names / Synonyms: 2,2-dihydroxyindene-1,3-dione; 485-47-2; Ninhydrin hydrate; 1,2,3-Indantrione monohydrate; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione; 1H-Indene-1,3(2H)-dione, 2,2-dihydroxy-; Triketohydrindene hydrate; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indandione; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indanedione; 1,2,3-Indantrione, 2-hydrate

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Ninhydrin appears as white to light yellow crystals or powder. Becomes anhydrous with reddening at 257-266 °F. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C9H6O4. Molecular weight: 178.14 g/mol. Melting point: 466 to 469 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Solubility: 1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00000024 [mmHg]. LogP: 0.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point466 to 469 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight178.14
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceNinhydrin appears as white to light yellow crystals or powder. Becomes anhydrous with reddening at 257-266 °F. (NTP, 1992)

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 Ninhydrin
Formula C9H6O4
CAS Number 485-47-2
Molecular Weight 178.14
Synonyms 2,2-dihydroxyindene-1,3-dione; 485-47-2; Ninhydrin hydrate; 1,2,3-Indantrione monohydrate; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione; 1H-Indene-1,3(2H)-dione, 2,2-dihydroxy-; Triketohydrindene hydrate; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indandione; 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indanedione; 1,2,3-Indantrione, 2-hydrate

Frequently Asked Questions

Ninhydrin is a member of the class of indanones that is indane-1,3-dione bearing two additional hydroxy substituents at position 2. It has a role as a colour indicator and a human metabolite. It is a member of indanones, a ketone hydrate, a beta-diketone and an aromatic ketone.

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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.