4-Nitrocatechol sulfate dipotassium salt

2-Hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl sulfate dipotassium salt

Dipotassium 2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl sulfate: Definition and Background

Dipotassium 2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl sulfate, commonly known as quinaldine red, is a synthetic dye compound that is widely used in various scientific experiments. It belongs to the class of azo dyes, which are characterized by the presence of one or more azo groups (-N=N-) in their molecular structure. Quinaldine red was first synthesized in the late 19th century and has since found many applications in different fields of research and industry.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The chemical formula for quinaldine red is C10H6K2N2O7S2, indicating its complex molecular structure. The compound typically appears as a reddish-brown powder with a molecular weight of 434.4 g/mol. Quinaldine red is highly soluble in water and alcohol but is insoluble in some organic solvents, such as chloroform and benzene. The compound exhibits pH-dependent behavior, with the color of its solution changing from yellow at a pH below 3 to deep red at a pH higher than 4.

Synthesis and Characterization

Quinaldine red is typically synthesized by the diazotization reaction between 8-hydroxyquinoline and sulfanilic acid, followed by coupling with potassium bisulfite in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The resulting product is purified by recrystallization and filtration. The purity and identity of quinaldine red can be confirmed through various analytical methods, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Analytical Methods

Several methods have been developed for the analysis of quinaldine red in various samples. UV-Vis spectroscopy is commonly used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of quinaldine red in environmental samples and biological fluids. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are powerful techniques used for the analysis of quinaldine red in complex matrices, such as food and beverages.

Biological Properties

Quinaldine red has been extensively studied for its biological properties, particularly its potential as a diagnostic tool. It has been used as a stain for the detection of nucleic acids in biological samples, such as DNA and RNA. Quinaldine red has also been shown to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, with potential applications in the treatment of several infectious diseases.

Toxicity and Safety in Scientific Experiments

Several studies have investigated the toxicity and safety of quinaldine red in various scientific experiments. The compound has been found to be relatively low in toxicity, with no significant adverse effects reported at doses typically used in experiments. However, caution should be exercised when handling quinaldine red, as it can irritate the skin and eyes and may be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

Applications in Scientific Experiments

Quinaldine red has a wide range of applications in various scientific experiments. It is commonly used as a pH indicator in analytical chemistry, where it is used to determine the pH of solutions based on color changes. Quinaldine red is also used as a fluorescent probe for the detection of metal ions and the measurement of membrane potential in biological systems. In addition, quinaldine red is used as a stain for the detection of nucleic acids in DNA electrophoresis.

Current State of Research

The current state of research on quinaldine red is focused on its potential applications in various fields of research and industry. Several studies have investigated the use of quinaldine red as a diagnostic tool for various diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases. Other studies have explored the use of quinaldine red as a fluorescent probe for the detection of metal ions in environmental samples. Additionally, researchers are investigating the use of quinaldine red as a biosensor for the detection of biological molecules.

Potential Implications in Various Fields of Research and Industry

The potential implications of quinaldine red in various fields of research and industry are vast. In the environmental field, quinaldine red could be used in the detection and removal of toxic heavy metals from contaminated soils and water. In the medical field, quinaldine red could be used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of various diseases, particularly cancer. In the pharmaceutical industry, quinaldine red could be used as a fluorescent probe for drug discovery and development.

Limitations and Future Directions

Despite its potential applications, quinaldine red has several limitations that need to be addressed. One major limitation is its sensitivity to light, which requires the use of light-protected containers during storage and handling. Another limitation is the requirement for the compound to be used at a pH above 4, which limits its applications in acidic environments. Future directions for research on quinaldine red include the development of new synthetic approaches to enhance its properties and the exploration of its potential as a biosensor for the detection of biological molecules.

In conclusion, quinaldine red is a synthetic dye compound that has found numerous applications in various fields of research and industry. It possesses several unique physical and chemical properties and exhibits pH-dependent behavior. Quinaldine red has low toxicity and is relatively safe to use in experiments. Its potential implications in various fields of research and industry are vast, and future research could lead to the development of new applications and synthetic approaches to enhance its properties.