Sudan IV (CAS 85-83-6)

Sudan IV, known by the CAS number 85-83-6, is a lysochrome (fat-soluble dye) belonging to the Sudan family of dyes, characterized by its vivid red color. This non-polar compound is primarily utilized in research for staining triglycerides and lipids in cells and tissues, making it invaluable in studies involving lipid content and distribution. The mechanism of action of Sudan IV involves its high solubility in lipids, which allows it to selectively stain lipid-rich areas within biological samples. When applied to a sample, Sudan IV intercalates into lipid structures due to its lipophilic nature, absorbing at specific wavelengths that produce its red coloration visible under light microscopy. This property facilitates the identification and analysis of adipose tissues, lipid droplets in cells, and other lipid-containing structures, providing essential insights into the cellular and tissue-level distribution of lipids. In research contexts, Sudan IV has been extensively used in the study of atherosclerosis, where it helps in identifying and quantifying the lipid components of arterial plaques. Additionally, it is employed in food science research to visualize fat distribution in food samples. Sudan IV′s applications in these areas allow researchers to gain detailed understanding of lipid metabolism and storage, as well as food quality and composition, without crossing into clinical or pharmaceutical domains.