Description

Hoechst 33342 is a vital cell-permeant fluorescent dye widely used for the selective staining of DNA in live and fixed cells. Its core value lies in its ability to bind preferentially to adenine-thymine (A-T) rich regions of DNA, providing a powerful tool for nuclear counterstaining, cell cycle analysis, and viability assays. This compound is essential for researchers and professionals in molecular biology, cytology, and pharmaceutical development who require reliable and specific nucleic acid visualization.

Application

• Live-Cell Nuclear Staining: Used for visualizing nuclei in live cells due to its cell permeability and low cytotoxicity.
• Flow Cytometry & Cell Cycle Analysis: A critical dye for DNA content quantification to determine cell cycle phases (G0/G1, S, G2/M).
• Fluorescence Microscopy: Employed as a blue-fluorescent counterstain in multiplex fluorescence imaging of fixed cells and tissues.
• Apoptosis & Cell Viability Assays: Helps distinguish between viable, apoptotic, and dead cells based on differential staining patterns.
• Stem Cell Research: Utilized in side population (SP) analysis to identify stem cell populations based on dye efflux capabilities.
• Microbiological Studies: Applied for staining bacterial DNA and for enumerating microorganisms in environmental samples.

Basic Information

Product Name	Hoechst 33342
CAS No.	23491-52-3
Molecular Formula	C27H28N6O · 3HCl · 3H2O
Molecular Weight	615.99 g/mol (as free base)
Synonyms	Bisbenzimide H 33342; HOE 33342; 2'-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-2,5'-bi-1H-benzimidazole trihydrochloride; H33342; HOECHST 33342; NSC 321791; Cell Nucleus Stain 33342; DNA Stain 33342
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Hoechst 33342 is manufactured under strict quality protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high performance in sensitive biological assays. Each lot undergoes comprehensive analytical testing, including HPLC for purity, spectral analysis for identity confirmation, and functional testing in cell-based assays. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing all specifications are available upon request to support your quality assurance and regulatory documentation.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store at 2-8°C in a dry environment. The product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); ensure the container is sealed tightly after each use to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Yellow to orange powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Purity (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 5.0%
Absorption Spectrum	Conforms to reference
Emission Spectrum	Conforms to reference
Functional Activity (Cell Staining)	Pass

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