Methylene blue

Methylene Blue is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C16H18N3SCl. It is a heterocyclic aromatic chemical compound that has many uses in a variety of fields, including biology and chemistry.

Chemical Properties

Methylene Blue is a dark green powder that forms blue solutions when dissolved in water. It has a melting point of 100-110 degrees Celsius and a molecular weight of 319.85 g/mol. The compound is soluble in water and alcohol, but insoluble in ether and chloroform.

Uses

Methylene Blue has a wide range of uses in different fields. In biology, it is used as a dye for staining cells, making it easier to view them under a microscope. In medicine, it is used as a treatment for methemoglobinemia, a condition where an abnormal amount of methemoglobin — a form of hemoglobin — is produced.

In chemistry, Methylene Blue is used as a redox indicator. It changes color in response to changes in the oxidation state of the solution it is in. This makes it useful in experiments and tests that involve redox reactions.

In aquaculture, Methylene Blue is used to treat fungal infections in fish and their eggs. It is also used in the water treatment industry for the removal of heavy metals and other toxic substances from water.

Safety

While Methylene Blue has many beneficial uses, it can be harmful if not handled properly. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and if ingested or inhaled, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Therefore, it is important to handle Methylene Blue with care and use appropriate safety measures.

See Also

• Chemical compound
• Biology
• Medicine
• Chemistry
• Aquaculture