Description

Alcian Blue 8Gx is a synthetic, cationic phthalocyanine dye widely recognized for its selective staining properties. Its core value lies in its ability to form stable, colored complexes with acidic polysaccharides, making it an indispensable tool for histological and cytological analysis. This product is essential for research laboratories, diagnostic centers, and industrial quality control units involved in life sciences and material characterization.

Application

• Histological Staining: Primary application for staining acidic mucins, mucopolysaccharides, and glycoproteins in tissue sections, particularly in combination with Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain.
• Cytological Analysis: Used to visualize and differentiate cellular components, such as cartilage matrix and mast cell granules, in cytology preparations.
• Biomedical Research: A critical reagent in studies of connective tissue diseases, cancer research (mucin detection), and developmental biology.
• Quality Control in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Employed in the analysis of heparin and other glycosaminoglycan-based products.
• Material Science: Used as a staining agent for the characterization of polyelectrolyte multilayers and other charged polymer surfaces.
• Botany and Plant Biology: Applied to stain pectins and other acidic polysaccharides in plant cell walls.
• Microbiology: For the visualization of bacterial capsules composed of acidic polysaccharides.
• Dye Intermediary: Serves as a precursor or reference standard in the synthesis and quality control of other specialized dyes and pigments.

Basic Information

Product Name	Alcian Blue 8Gx
CAS No.	12040-44-7
Molecular Formula	C56H68Cl4CuN16S4
Molecular Weight	1298.86 g/mol
Synonyms	Alcian Blue 8G; Ingrain Blue 1; C.I. 74240; C.I. Pigment Blue 80; Copper phthalocyanine tetramethyl derivative; Astrablau; Astra Blue; Alcian Blue tetrakis(methylpyridinium) chloride; Alcian Blue 8GN; Alcian Blue 8GS
EINECS	234-909-4

Quality Control

Our Alcian Blue 8Gx is produced and tested to meet the stringent requirements of research and industrial applications. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality testing, including spectral analysis and performance validation in standard staining protocols, to ensure consistent purity and performance. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing identity, purity, and relevant specifications are available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). The product is light-sensitive and should be handled accordingly to maintain stability.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Dark blue to greenish-blue powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (Dye Content)	≥ 95.0%
Loss on Drying	≤ 5.0%
Solubility	Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm
Staining Performance	Passes test

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.