Description

Merocyanine 540 is a well-characterized fluorescent dye belonging to the merocyanine family, identified by CAS NO 62796-23-0. This compound is valued for its solvatochromic properties, meaning its absorption and emission spectra are highly sensitive to the polarity of its surrounding environment. It is primarily utilized by researchers and industrial scientists in advanced material and life science applications. Its unique photophysical characteristics make it an essential tool for probing membrane dynamics and studying molecular interactions.

Application

• Membrane Potential Sensing: Widely used as a potentiometric dye to monitor changes in membrane potential in biological cells, including neurons and cardiomyocytes.
• Solvatochromic Probe: Employed in physical chemistry and material science to study solvent polarity, microenvironmental changes in polymers, and micelle formation.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Research: Investigated as a potential photosensitizer due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation.
• Fluorescence Microscopy: Serves as a vital stain for visualizing lipid membranes and studying membrane fluidity and phase transitions in model lipid bilayers.
• Organic Electronics: Used in research for developing organic solar cells and nonlinear optical materials due to its intramolecular charge-transfer properties.
• Analytical Chemistry: Functions as a sensitive probe in spectroscopic assays for detecting and quantifying specific analytes based on fluorescence changes.

Basic Information

Product Name	Merocyanine 540
CAS No.	62796-23-0
Molecular Formula	C32H31N2O3S- • Na+
Molecular Weight	534.66 g/mol
Synonyms	MC 540; Merocyanine 540 sodium salt; 3-Ethyl-2-[5-(3-ethyl-2-benzothiazolinylidene)-1,3-pentadienyl]benzothiazolium hydroxide, inner salt, sodium salt; 2-[5-(1,3-Dihydro-3-ethyl-2-benzothiazol-2-ylidene)-1,3-pentadienyl]-3-ethylbenzothiazolium hydroxide, inner salt, sodium salt; NK 529; Fluorescent dye NK 529; Benzothiazolium, 2-[5-(1,3-dihydro-3-ethyl-2-benzothiazol-2-ylidene)-1,3-pentadienyl]-3-ethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, sodium salt
EINECS	263-690-1

Quality Control

Our Merocyanine 540 is produced and handled under strict quality management protocols. Each batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing, including HPLC for purity assessment, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy for photophysical property verification, and identity confirmation via mass spectrometry. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided with every shipment, ensuring traceability and compliance with research-grade specifications.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). This product is light-sensitive (store away from light). For long-term stability, it is recommended to store the material under an inert atmosphere such as argon or nitrogen, especially after opening the primary container.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Dark green to bronze crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to reference spectrum
Purity (HPLC)	≥ 95.0%
UV-Vis Absorption (in methanol)	λmax: 540 ± 5 nm
Fluorescence Emission (in methanol)	λmax: 570 ± 10 nm
Water Content (KF)	≤ 2.0%
Residue on Ignition	≤ 1.0%

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