Xylene Cyanol FF (CAS 2650-17-1)

Xylene Cyanol FF, with the CAS number 2650-17-1, is a synthetic dye commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry research, particularly in the visualization of biomolecules during electrophoretic techniques. This chemical belongs to the triarylmethane dye family and is recognized for its distinct blue-green color. Xylene Cyanol FF operates primarily as a tracking dye in gel electrophoresis applications, aiding in the estimation of the migration of nucleic acids through agarose or polyacrylamide gels. It is negatively charged under typical electrophoretic conditions, which allows it to migrate in the same direction as DNA or RNA fragments towards the anode. In practical use, Xylene Cyanol FF typically runs at about the same rate as approximately 4,000 base pairs DNA fragment in a standard agarose gel, and around 106 base pairs in polyacrylamide gels, thereby providing a visual reference for researchers to assess the progress and approximate size of nucleic acid fragments during separation. Beyond its role in visualization, its molecular structure is also utilized in research to understand dye-biomolecule interactions, contributing to the development of enhanced staining protocols and analytical techniques in life sciences. Its application extends to other areas of research as well, including its use as a pH indicator and a component in the formulation of various color standards.