Ponceau 6R

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Ponceau 6R is a synthetic azo dye commonly used in various applications, including food coloring, histology, and biochemistry. It is known for its bright red color and is often used to stain proteins in gel electrophoresis.

Chemical Properties

Ponceau 6R is an azo compound, which means it contains the functional group R-N=N-R', where R and R' can be either aryl or alkyl groups. The chemical formula for Ponceau 6R is C20H12N2Na2O7S2, and it has a molecular weight of 502.43 g/mol. It is soluble in water and exhibits a maximum absorbance at around 508 nm in an aqueous solution.

Applications

Food Coloring

Ponceau 6R is used as a food dye and is designated by the European Union as E126. However, its use in food products is restricted in some countries due to potential health concerns.

Histology

In histology, Ponceau 6R is used as a staining agent for proteins. It is particularly useful in immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques, where it helps to visualize protein bands on membranes.

Biochemistry

In biochemistry, Ponceau 6R is employed to stain proteins in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). It provides a quick and reversible method to check the presence and distribution of proteins on gels and membranes.

Health and Safety

The safety of Ponceau 6R has been a subject of debate. Some studies suggest that it may have adverse health effects, leading to its restriction in certain applications. It is important to handle this dye with care, following appropriate safety guidelines.

Regulation

Ponceau 6R is regulated differently across various regions. In the European Union, it is listed as E126 and is subject to specific usage limits. In other regions, such as the United States, its use in food products is more restricted.

See Also

• Azo dye
• Food coloring
• Histology
• Biochemistry
• Gel electrophoresis
• Western blotting
• Immunohistochemistry