Tolonium chloride

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Tolonium chloride
IUPAC name (7-amino-8-methyl- phenothiazin-3-ylidene)- dimethyl-ammonium
Other names Toluidine blue O
Identifiers
CAS number [92-31-9]
PubChem 7084
MeSH Tolonium+chloride
SMILES CC1=CC2=C(C=C1N)SC3= CC(=[N+](C)C)C=CC3=N2
Properties
Molecular formula C15H16N3S+
Molar mass 270.374 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Tolonium chloride (INN, also known as toluidine blue O) is a compound used in histology.

[edit] Test for lignin

Toluidine blue solution is used in testing for lignin, a complex organic molecule that bonds to cellulose fibres and strengthens and hardens the cell walls in plants. A positive toluidine blue test causes the solution to turn from blue to blue-green. A similar test can be performed with phloroglucinol-HCl solution, which turns red.

[edit] Other Histological Uses

Toluidine Blue is often used to identify Mast cells. It is also used to stain proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in tissues such as cartilage.