Monobromobimane

Monobromobimane (also known as mBBr) is a chemical compound used in biological research as a fluorescent labeling agent. It is particularly useful in the study of glutathione and other thiols in cells and tissues.

Chemistry

Monobromobimane is a bromine-containing derivative of bimane. It is a colorless, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and most organic solvents. The compound has a molecular weight of 242.1 g/mol and a melting point of 56-58 °C.

Use in Biological Research

Monobromobimane is used in biological research to label and detect thiols. It reacts with thiols to form a fluorescent adduct that can be detected using fluorescence microscopy or spectroscopy. This makes it a valuable tool for studying the role of thiols in cellular processes.

In particular, monobromobimane is used to study glutathione, a key antioxidant in cells. By labeling glutathione with monobromobimane, researchers can track its distribution and concentration in cells, providing insights into cellular antioxidant defenses.

Safety

Like many bromine compounds, monobromobimane is a potential irritant and should be handled with care. It may cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling this compound, including the use of personal protective equipment and adequate ventilation.

See Also

• Bimane
• Glutathione
• Thiol