Gill′s Hematoxylin Solution, No. 1 (CAS 517-28-2)

Gill′s Hematoxylin Solution, No. 1, identified by the CAS number 517-28-2, is a widely used histological stain formulated by George Gill that has become integral in various research disciplines, particularly in the field of microscopy and histopathology. This particular formulation is an aqueous solution containing hematoxylin, a natural dye extracted from the logwood tree, along with other chemical components that enhance staining properties and stability. Hematoxylin stains nuclei blue, which is crucial for the detailed examination of cell and tissue structures under a microscope. The staining process involves the binding of hematoxylin molecules to nucleic acids, particularly to the phosphate groups of DNA, which allows it to act as a basic dye. This interaction is chemically facilitated by the oxidation of hematoxylin into hematein, a reaction typically enhanced by a mordant such as aluminum ions present in the solution. The mordant binds to the dye, forming a complex that attaches more firmly to the acidic components of the nucleus, thereby enhancing the contrast and clarity of the nuclear detail in microscopic slides. Researchers utilize Gill′s Hematoxylin Solution, No. 1, to perform detailed histological examinations and to distinguish cellular components, aiding in the study of cellular morphology and tissue architecture. This makes it an essential tool in non-clinical scientific studies focused on understanding cellular processes, tissue organization, and the fundamental basis of organismal structure.