Description

3,3'-Dioctadecylindocarbocyanine is a lipophilic, long-chain carbocyanine dye widely recognized for its excellent membrane-labeling properties. This compound matters for its high fluorescence quantum yield and strong absorption in the visible spectrum, making it an indispensable tool for probing biological membranes. Researchers and developers in the life sciences, particularly in cell biology, biophysics, and diagnostic assay development, need this high-quality reagent for applications like fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and the study of lipid dynamics.

Application

• Fluorescent Labeling of Cell Membranes: Used extensively as a vital stain for visualizing plasma membrane and intracellular membrane structures in live and fixed cells under fluorescence microscopy.
• Lipid Raft and Vesicle Tracking: Employed in biophysical research to label and track the movement of lipid vesicles, liposomes, and to study lipid raft domains due to its preferential partitioning.
• Flow Cytometry & Cell Sorting: Serves as a robust fluorescent marker for cell population analysis and sorting in flow cytometry applications.
• Neuronal Tracing: Utilized in neuroscience for anterograde and retrograde neuronal tracing because of its stable incorporation into neuronal membranes.
• Model Membrane Studies: A key component in creating fluorescently labeled artificial membranes (e.g., giant unilamellar vesicles) for membrane fusion and permeability assays.
• Diagnostic Assay Development: Incorporated into the development of fluorescence-based diagnostic kits and sensors that rely on membrane interaction or disruption signals.

Basic Information

Product Name	3,3'-Dioctadecylindocarbocyanine
CAS No.	40957-95-7
Molecular Formula	C59H89IN2
Molecular Weight	881.34 g/mol
Synonyms	DiI; DiIC18(3); 1,1'-Dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (common salt form); DiIC18(3); 3,3'-Dioctadecylindocarbocyanine iodide; DiI (DiIC18(3)); CellTracker™ DiI; Vybrant™ DiI; FluoroPure™ DiI; Lipophilic Tracer DiI
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our 3,3'-Dioctadecylindocarbocyanine is produced and handled under strict quality management protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high performance in sensitive applications. Each lot undergoes rigorous analytical testing, including HPLC for purity assessment and spectrophotometric verification of its key optical properties (absorption/emission maxima). A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, identity, and performance specifications is provided with every shipment to support your research and quality assurance requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry place at 2-8°C or as indicated on the label. This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive). Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature in a desiccator before opening to prevent moisture condensation.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Red to dark red solid or crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Purity (HPLC)	≥ 95% (Typical lot ≥ 98%)
Absorption Maximum (λmax)	549 - 553 nm (in methanol)
Emission Maximum	565 - 570 nm (in methanol)
Extinction Coefficient (ε)	≥ 1.4 x 105 L·mol-1·cm-1 (at λmax)
Solubility	Soluble in DMF, DMSO, ethanol, methanol; forms micelles in aqueous buffer
Loss on Drying	≤ 2.0 %

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