Safranin T (CAS 477-73-6)

Safranin T, identified by its CAS number 477-73-6, is a synthetic, cationic dye belonging to the class of phenazine dyes, which is traditionally popular in histology for staining purposes. This chemical is characterized by its ability to bind selectively to different cellular components, primarily nucleic acids, through electrostatic interactions, which is why it is widely utilized as a counterstain in Gram staining protocols. The staining mechanism of Safranin T involves the dye′s positive charges interacting with the negatively charged components of cellular tissues, especially nucleic acids and certain cytoplasmic structures, thereby rendering those components distinctly visible under a microscope. In research, Safranin T′s applications extend beyond simple histological staining; it is employed in chromosomal studies to visualize chromatin structures and has been used in cytogenetics to study cell division. Additionally, Safranin T is utilized in environmental science to assess the permeability of bacterial cells, which can be indicators of cellular damage or death. This makes it a valuable tool in microbiological studies, particularly in understanding microbial dynamics under various environmental stresses. Its vivid red color offers excellent contrast in microscopy, making it indispensable in both classical and contemporary scientific investigations where visual differentiation of cellular components is required.