Ethidium bromide

Description

Ethidium bromide · CAS 1239-45-8 · C21H20N3.Br. UNII 059NUO2Z1L. Melting Point: 260-262 °C (decomposes); Melting Point: 238-240 °C; Flash Point: >100 °C.

Identification

Computed Descriptors

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical description & handling notes

• Dark red solid; [Merck Index] Red to brown solid; [ICSC] Dark red powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
• RED-TO-BROWN CRYSTALS.
• Dark red crystals from alcohol
• Maroon powder
• Bitter tasting
• Solubility in 2-methoxyethanol is 20 mg/mL; ethanol, 2 mg/mL

GHS Hazard Classification

Documented Uses

• Used in the determination of nucleic acids and as an antimicrobial (Trypanosoma); [Merck Index]
• Compounds or agents that combine with an enzyme in such a manner as to prevent the normal substrate-enzyme combination and the catalytic reaction.
• Chemicals that emit light after excitation by light. The wave length of the emitted light is usually longer than that of the incident light. Fluorochromes are substances that cause fluorescence in other substances, i.e., dyes used to mark or label other compounds with fluorescent tags.
• Agents destructive to the protozoal organisms belonging to the suborder TRYPANOSOMATINA.
• Drugs that bind to nicotinic cholinergic receptors (RECEPTORS, NICOTINIC) and block the actions of acetylcholine or cholinergic agonists. Nicotinic antagonists block synaptic transmission at autonomic ganglia, the skeletal neuromuscular junction, and at central nervous system nicotinic synapses.

Synonyms

ETHIDIUM BROMIDE; 1239-45-8; Homidium bromide; Dromilac; 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide; EtBr; Ethydium bromide; Bromure d'homidium; Bromuro de homidio; Homidii bromidum; 2,7-Diamino-10-ethyl-9-phenylphenanthridinium bromide; 2,7-Diamino-9-phenyl-10-ethylphenanthridinium bromide; 2,7-Diamino-9-phenylphenanthridine ethobromide; DTXSID8025258; NSC-268986; RD 1572

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Ethidium bromide?

CAS 1239-45-8; molecular formula C21H20N3.Br; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Ethidium bromide known by?

ETHIDIUM BROMIDE, 1239-45-8, Homidium bromide, Dromilac, 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide, EtBr.

Is Ethidium bromide classified as hazardous?

Hazard statements reported: H302, H330, H341, H331.

What are the key physical properties of Ethidium bromide?

Melting Point: 260-262 °C (decomposes); Melting Point: 238-240 °C; Flash Point: >100 °C; Density: 0.34 g/cm³.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.