Bromocresol purple

Bromocresol Purple is a dye that belongs to the triphenylmethane family. It is widely used as a pH indicator in various chemical and biological research applications. The compound changes color depending on the acidity or basicity of the environment, making it a valuable tool for measuring pH levels.

Chemical Properties

Bromocresol Purple has the chemical formula C₂₁H₁₆Br₂O₅S. It appears as a purple crystal in its solid form and is soluble in alcohol and water, with its solubility increasing with the addition of alkali. The dye exhibits a transition range of pH 5.2 to 6.8, changing color from yellow at pH 5.2 to purple at pH 6.8. This property is utilized in various pH indicator applications, where the precise measurement of pH is crucial.

Applications

Bromocresol Purple is used in a variety of fields, including:

• Laboratory Research: In biochemistry and molecular biology, it serves as a pH indicator for buffer solutions and in the determination of serum albumin concentrations.
• Medical Diagnostics: It is employed in medical diagnostic tests, particularly in the measurement of albumin in human plasma, indicating the protein's levels which can be critical in diagnosing various diseases.
• Environmental Monitoring: The dye is also used in environmental monitoring to test the acidity or basicity of water samples, aiding in the assessment of water quality.

Health and Safety

While Bromocresol Purple is invaluable in research and diagnostics, handling it requires caution. It can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or if it comes into contact with skin. Safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles, are recommended when working with this chemical. Proper ventilation is also essential to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of Bromocresol Purple is minimal when used in controlled, laboratory settings. However, its disposal should be managed carefully to prevent contamination of water sources. Waste containing Bromocresol Purple should be treated as chemical waste and disposed of according to local regulations.

See Also

• pH indicator
• Triphenylmethane dye
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology

External Links

• PubChem - Bromocresol Purple