Methylene blue trihydrate (CAS 7220-79-3)

Methylene blue trihydrate, a hydrated form of methylene blue (MB), is a phenothiazine derivative with the chemical formula C16H18ClN3S·3H2O. This compound is well-known for its role as a redox indicator and a dye in various biochemical and industrial applications. In research, methylene blue trihydrate serves as a vital tool primarily due to its ability to act as both an oxidizing and a reducing agent in chemical reactions. Its redox properties are particularly exploited in studies involving electron transport chains where MB can donate or accept electrons, making it useful for examining mitochondrial function and cellular respiration mechanisms. Furthermore, methylene blue is frequently used in techniques such as staining in histology and microbiology, where it provides contrast by binding to negatively charged structures in cells and tissues, thus enhancing visibility under a microscope. In the realm of chemical research, MB′s ability to participate in redox reactions is utilized to study and develop novel redox systems, which are critical for understanding oxidative stress and designing antioxidants. Its distinctive blue color and change to colorless upon reduction make it an excellent indicator for visualizing and quantifying the presence of oxidizing or reducing agents in a solution, aiding in a broad range of experimental protocols that address the dynamics of redox biology.