Methyl blue

Methyl blue is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C37H27N3Na2O9S3.

It can be used in some differential staining techniques such as Mallory's trichrome stain and Gömöri trichrome stain, and can be used to mediate electron transfer in microbial fuel cells.

Fungal cell walls are also stained by methyl blue.

Methyl blue ([[4-[Bis[4-[(sulfophenyl)amino]phenyl]methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]amino]-benzenesulfonic acid disodium salt) is distinctly different to methylene blue ([7-(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-3-ylidene]-dimethylazanium;chloride) in structure, function and uses, and must not be confused.

[2] Its uses include staining histology samples for collagen,[3] and for fungal structures.

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentine Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code