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

Gill′s Hematoxylin Solution, No. 2, identified by the CAS number 517-28-2, is a widely used histological stain formulated to provide enhanced clarity and differentiation of cellular and tissue structures in microscopic analyses. The solution is a modification of the classic hematoxylin stain, which is a natural compound derived from the logwood tree (Haematoxylum campechianum). Hematoxylin itself acts as a mordant dye, which binds to tissue components, particularly nucleic acids within the cell nuclei, thereby staining them a deep blue or violet. The mechanism of action involves the oxidation of hematoxylin to hematein, a reaction typically facilitated by a metal ion oxidizer; in Gill′s No. 2 formulation, this oxidizer is often enhanced or modified to accelerate staining and intensify the coloration. Gill′s Hematoxylin Solution, No. 2 is distinguished by its adjusted concentration of hematoxylin and the use of specific additives that regulate the rate of staining and the intensity of the blue coloration. This makes it particularly useful in research for detailed histopathological examinations, allowing for clear differentiation between cell nuclei and the surrounding cytoplasm and extracellular matrix. Unlike standard hematoxylin solutions, Gill′s No. 2 often contains increased oxidizing agents and a lower alcohol content, which yields a more rapid and controlled staining process. This tailored formulation is crucial in research environments where time and the clarity of histological features are of essence, enabling detailed and rapid tissue assessments without altering the underlying microscopic architecture.