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Methylene blue

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Identification
Molecular formula
C16H18N3SCl
CAS number
61-73-4
IUPAC name
[4-[[3-[2-(diethylammonio)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium-2-yl]sulfanyl]phenyl]-diethyl-ammonium;trichloride
State
State

Methylene blue is solid at room temperature. It is usually encountered in its crystalline form or as a powder and possesses hygroscopic properties, meaning it can attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment.

Melting point (Celsius)
100.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
373.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
292.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
565.15
General information
Molecular weight
319.85g/mol
Molar mass
319.8510g/mol
Density
1.0609g/cm3
Appearence

Methylene blue is typically found as a solid powder or crystals that exhibit a deep blue color. In its solution form, it maintains a striking blue coloration, which is indicative of its name. This compound is commonly used in biological staining applications.

Comment on solubility

Solubility Characteristics

The compound 4-[[3-[2-(diethylammonio)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium-2-yl]sulfanyl]phenyl]-diethyl-ammonium;trichloride presents interesting solubility properties worth discussing.

Solubility in Different Solvents

This compound is likely to demonstrate varying solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents. Key points regarding its solubility include:

  • Polar Solvents: Due to the presence of quaternary ammonium groups, it is expected to be soluble in water and alcohols. The ionic nature of the compound enhances its interaction with polar solvents, resulting in higher solubility.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: The compound might exhibit limited solubility in non-polar solvents because of the charged groups, which do not interact favorably with non-polar molecules.

Factors Influencing Solubility

Several factors can impact the solubility of this compound:

  • Temperature: Increased temperatures can enhance solubility, especially in polar solvents.
  • pH Levels: The ionization state of the compound may change with different pH levels, affecting solubility.
  • Concentration: The presence of other solutes can affect solubility through competition and solvation interactions.

In summary, this compound's solubility is primarily governed by its ionic structure, making it favorable in polar environments. As stated, "like dissolves like," which highlights its expected solubility behavior in various solvent systems.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 4-[[3-[2-(diethylammonio)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium-2-yl]sulfanyl]phenyl]-diethyl-ammonium;trichloride

This complex compound belongs to a fascinating class of organic compounds known for their unique structural features and potential applications in various fields. Here are some key aspects that a chemistry enthusiast should find intriguing:

  • Uncommon Structure: The compound features a benzimidazolium core, which is characterized by a fused ring structure that is a combination of a benzene ring and an imidazole ring. This contributes to its interesting chemical reactivity and properties.
  • Ammonium Groups: The presence of diethylammonium groups introduces positive charges that can significantly impact solubility and interaction with other compounds, particularly in biological systems.
  • Sulfanyl Function: The sulfanyl (or thiol) group enhances the compound's reactivity and can participate in various biomolecular processes, making it relevant in medicinal and biochemical research.
  • Electrostatic Interactions: The trichloride component suggests an involvement in ionic interactions, which can be crucial for the compound's behavior in solution, influencing everything from its stability to its biological activity.
  • Potential Applications: Given its structural attributes, this compound could have potential uses in pharmaceuticals, particularly due to the benzimidazole part of the molecule, which is often associated with drug activity.

"Compounds like this can serve as a bridge between organic chemistry and medicinal applications," a famous chemist once stated. This highlights the importance of studying such compounds not only for their theoretical implications but also for practical uses in drug discovery and development.

Understanding the intricacies of such multi-functional compounds can pave the way for innovative strategies in synthetic chemistry and biomedicine.

Synonyms
4929-81-1
Benzimidazole, 1-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-2-((p-(diethylamino)phenyl)thio)-, trihydrochloride, hydrate
1-(2-(Diethylamino)ethyl)-2-((p-(diethylamino)phenyl)thio)benzimidazole 3HCl hydrate