Acid fuchsin

Acid fuchsin

Chemical structure of Acid fuchsin

Acid fuchsin, also known as acid magenta, is a mixture of sulfonated derivatives of rosaniline and pararosaniline. It is a dark red synthetic dye used in various staining techniques in histology and bacteriology.

Chemical Properties

Acid fuchsin is a member of the triarylmethane dye family. It is soluble in water and alcohol, forming a red solution. The dye is characterized by its ability to bind to acidic components of tissues, making it useful for staining cytoplasm, collagen, and other tissue elements.

Applications in Histology

In histology, acid fuchsin is commonly used in the Masson's trichrome stain, where it stains muscle fibers red. It is also used in the Van Gieson's stain to differentiate between collagen and other tissue elements. Acid fuchsin is a component of the Mallory's trichrome stain, which is used to highlight connective tissue.

Applications in Bacteriology

In bacteriology, acid fuchsin is used in the Ziehl-Neelsen stain, a method for identifying acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The dye penetrates the waxy cell wall of these bacteria, allowing them to be visualized under a microscope.

Safety and Handling

Structural formula of Acid fuchsin

As with many chemical dyes, acid fuchsin should be handled with care. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling the dye. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible substances.

Related pages

• Histology
• Bacteriology
• Staining (biology)
• Triarylmethane dye