Fluorescein sodium
Description
An orange-red, hygroscopic powder that is commonly called uranine. The sodium salt of fluorescein, discovered in 1871 by Baeyer, has an intense yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Like fluorescein, the water-soluble salt is used for the detection of soluble hydroxides, carbonates, and ammonia. It is sensitive to the part per billion level. Its UV absorption maximum occurs at 493.5 nm. Paper is dipped in soluble fluorescein solutions to form indicator strips, called Zellner's paper, that are sensitive to ammonia and other alkaline materials. Uranine is also used for dyeing silk, leather, jute, nylon, and wool.
Synonyms and Related Terms
soluble fluorescein; resorcinol phthalein sodium; resorcinolphthalein sodium; uranine; uranine yellow; D&C Yellow No.8; Acid Yellow 73; CI 45350; Fluorescite; Fluor-i-strip; Zellner's paper; disodium fluorescein; sodium fluorescein; soluble fluorescein;
Other Properties
Soluble in water. Slightly soluble in ethanol.
Maximum absorption wavelength = 493.5 nm.
| Composition | C20H12Na2O5 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 518-47-8 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 376.05 |
Hazards and Safety
Hygroscopic. Contact may cause irritation.
Fisher Scientific: MSDS
Authority
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 4194
- Colour Index International online at www.colour-index.org Comment: discoverer