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Ethidium bromide

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H20N3•2Br
CAS number
1239-45-8
IUPAC name
trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium;dibromide
State
State

At room temperature, ethidium bromide is in a solid state, typically appearing as a dark red crystalline powder. It is stable when stored properly but should be handled with care due to its mutagenic properties.

Melting point (Celsius)
260.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
533.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
394.31g/mol
Molar mass
394.3130g/mol
Density
1.4800g/cm3
Appearence

Ethidium bromide is a dark red crystalline powder. It is commonly used in the laboratory as a nucleic acid stain in molecular biology laboratories for techniques such as agarose gel electrophoresis.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium; Dibromide

Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium; dibromide exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are important for its applications in various fields. The presence of the ammonium group typically indicates a good level of solubility in polar solvents. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Highly soluble in water: Due to its ionic nature, this compound readily dissolves in aqueous solutions.
  • Solubility in organic solvents: While it shows excellent solubility in water, it may have limited solubility in non-polar organic solvents, such as hexane or toluene.
  • Temperature dependence: As with many salts, solubility can increase with temperature, making it more soluble in warmer conditions.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility could also be affected by the pH of the solution, since the degree of ionization of the ammonium group can change.

In summary, when dealing with trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium; dibromide, one can expect a high degree of solubility in polar solvents, particularly water, while its interactions in non-polar environments may require further exploration. This information is vital for researchers and practitioners utilizing this compound in experimental setups.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium; Dibromide

Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium; dibromide is a fascinating quaternary ammonium compound that belongs to a wide category of cationic surfactants. These compounds are noted for their ability to reduce surface tension and thus play crucial roles in various applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Dual Functionality: As a cationic surfactant, this compound possesses both surfactant and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in products such as disinfectants and antiseptics.
  • Application Versatility: Its structure allows it to act as a surfactant in various industrial applications including detergents, fabric softeners, and hair conditioners.
  • Aromatic Character: The presence of the aromatic ring provides stability and enhances its function in organic synthesis and formulations.
  • Charged Character: The quaternary ammonium feature allows it to interact effectively with anionic and nonionic surfactants, often used in combination for enhanced performance.

Moreover, quaternary ammonium compounds like this one are integral to the field of biochemistry, specifically in studying cell membranes and the behavior of synthetic membranes. Their ability to modify the properties of lipid bilayers can aid in drug delivery systems and targeted therapies.
Utilizing such compounds in research is pivotal, and as seen in various studies, they have shown potential to act as antimicrobial agents against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.

In summary, Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium; dibromide stands out not just for its structural complexity, but for its invaluable contributions to both industrial applications and scientific research in chemistry.

Synonyms
(p-Phenylenedimethylene)bis(trimethylammonium bromide)
AMMONIUM, (p-PHENYLENEDIMETHYLENE)BIS(TRIMETHYL-, DIBROMIDE
16846-81-4
DTXSID50937498
N,N'-[1,4-Phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(N,N-dimethylmethanaminium) dibromide