Methylene Blue Powder Extra Pure
Methylene Blue Powder Extra Pure is a high-grade dye with diverse laboratory and industrial applications. It is widely used as a biological stain in microscopy for highlighting cellular structures such as nuclei, bacteria, and parasites, particularly in blood smear and bacteriological studies. In chemistry, it serves as a redox indicator due to its distinct color change properties, and in aquaculture, it acts as a treatment for fungal and bacterial infections in fish. Its extra pure formulation ensures maximum staining clarity, minimal contamination, and reliable results in research, diagnostics, and educational settings.
Methylene Blue Powder Extra Pure
Primary Uses:
- Biological Stain – Widely used for staining animal and bacterial cells (e.g., in microbiology and histology) to highlight cellular structures such as nuclei and cytoplasm.
- Redox Indicator – Serves as an oxidation-reduction indicator in various analytical chemistry applications.
Secondary Uses:
- Aquaculture & Fish Medication – Used to treat fungal and bacterial infections in aquarium and hatchery settings.
- Research Reagent – Applied in studies involving mitochondrial respiration, membrane permeability, and nerve tissue viability.
- Dye in Microscopy Slides – Helps visualize cell morphology in prepared slide specimens.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Methylene Blue
- Synonyms: Basic Blue 9, Methylthioninium chloride
- Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S
- CAS Number: 61-73-4
- Molecular Weight: 319.85 g/mol
- Appearance: Dark greenish-blue crystalline powder
- Odor: Odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol (forms deep blue solution)
- Grade: Extra Pure
2. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification:
- Eye Irritant (Category 2A)
- Skin Irritant (Category 2)
- Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 4 — in large quantities)
- Hazard Statements:
- H302: Harmful if swallowed
- H315: Causes skin irritation
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation
- Precautionary Statements:
- P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection
- P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water
- PPE Required:
- Gloves
- Lab coat
- Safety goggles or face shield
- First Aid:
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
- Inhalation: Remove to fresh air
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth and seek medical advice
- Fire Hazards:
- Not highly flammable
- Use water spray, CO₂, dry chemical for fire extinguishing
3. Storage & Handling
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a tightly sealed container
- Keep in a cool, dry, and dark location
- Avoid moisture and strong oxidizing agents
- Handling Tips:
- Avoid dust formation
- Prevent skin or clothing contact—stains persistently
4. Laboratory Applications
- Primary Uses:
- Biological stain for microscopy (nuclei and bacteria visualization)
- Indicator in redox titrations
- Redox dye in electron transport chain studies
- Secondary Uses:
- Aquaculture and aquarium antiseptic
- Diagnostic reagent in medical and microbiological labs
- Photodynamic therapy research and oxidative stress studies
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, nitrile gloves, and chemical safety goggles.
- Use a dust mask or work in a fume hood to avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Handling:
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
- Prevent formation and inhalation of dust.
- Avoid ingestion.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Protect from moisture, light, and heat.
- Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and acids.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing occur.
Skin Contact:
- Wash affected areas thoroughly with soap and water.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Get medical advice if irritation or staining persists.
Eye Contact:
- Rinse eyes gently with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
- Seek medical attention.
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Seek medical advice promptly.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
- Not highly flammable but may burn if involved in a fire.
Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemicals, CO₂, or foam.
- Water spray can be used for cooling containers but may spread the powder.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
- May emit carbon oxides, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides when decomposed.
Firefighter Protection:
- Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.