Xylenol Orange tetrasodium salt (CAS 3618-43-7)

Xylenol Orange tetrasodium salt, with the CAS number 3618-43-7, is a water-soluble, synthetic metallochromic indicator dye renowned for its applications in analytical chemistry, particularly in the detection and quantification of metal ions. This compound belongs to the class of xanthene dyes, which are known for their vivid colors and complexation capabilities with various metal ions. The mechanism of action of Xylenol Orange involves the formation of a colored chelate complex between the dye and metal ions in a solution, which can be measured spectrophotometrically. This ability makes it exceptionally useful in colorimetric assays for the detection of transition metals such as iron, copper, and particularly useful in assays for measuring total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and other iron-related tests in laboratory settings. The dye′s sensitivity to changes in metal concentration results in a color shift, typically from yellow to red when bound to iron, making it an effective visual indicator of metal presence and concentration. In research, Xylenol Orange is used extensively in environmental monitoring to assess metal contamination in water and soils, as well as in studies involving metal ion dynamics in various biochemical and industrial processes. Its role is crucial in developing sensitive and selective methods for studying and managing metal-related activities in diverse scientific fields.