AURAMINE O

Chemical Properties

Auramine is a yellow crystalline powder or flaky material.

Chemical Properties

yellow powder

Uses

Certified for use by fluorescence microscopy in Churukian's modification of Truant's fluorescent method for acid fast bacilli on paraffin sections.

Uses

Fluorescent stain for acid-resistant bacteria in sputum

Definition

ChEBI: A hydrochloride obtained by combining 4,4'-carbonimidoylbis(N,N-dimethylaniline) with one molar equivalent of hydrogen chloride. A fluorescent stain for demonstrating acid fast organisms in a method similar to the Zieh Neelsen. It also can be used to make a fluorescent Schiff reagent.

General Description

Yellow flakes or powder.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

AURAMINE O is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Hazard

Probable carcinogen.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for AURAMINE O are not available. AURAMINE O is probably combustible.

Biological Activity

Auramine O is used for the staining of acid-fast organisms, coccidia. Auramine O along with carbol generates brilliant yellow fluorochrome of tubercle bacilli. It is effective in detecting positive cases of tuberculosis. Auramine O binds to the mycolic acid in the bacterial cell wall.

Potential Exposure

Auramine is used industrially as a dye or dye intermediate for coloring textiles; paper, and leather. Also used as an antiseptic (a powerful antiseptic in ear and nose surgery, and treatment of gonorrhea) and fungicide. Human exposure to auramine occurs principally through skin absorption or inhalation of vapors. Low-level dermal exposure to the consumer may occur but would be limited to any migration of auramine from fabric, leather, or paper goods.

Shipping

UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. UN3143 Dyes, solid, toxic, n.o.s. or Dye intermediates, solid, toxic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Properties and Applications

Purification Methods

It crystallises from EtOH as the hydrochloride and is very slightly soluble in CHCl3, UV: 434nm ( 370). The free base (carbinolamine) has m 136o (from *C6H6). [Goldacre & Phillips J Chem Soc 1724 1949, Conrad et al. Biochemistry 9 1540 1970, Beilstein 14 IV 256.]

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.

Waste Disposal

Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. Incinerate in furnace with afterburner and scrubber.