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The composition and properties of Gallocyanin-chrome alum stains

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The composition of 5 common Gallocyanin-chrome alum (GCA) preparations were studied by thin layer chromatography, electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. The GCA preparations were found to be mixtures of one or more Gallocyanin-chromium co-ordination complexes, chromic ions, and, usually, free Gallocyanin. The differences in composition of the various preparations were due to differences in the preparative boiling times. The differences in histological staining properties depended on the concentrations of free Gallocyanin.

The staining action of the GCA mixtures was similar to that of a typical basic dye such as Pyronin Y, both with regard to the materials stained and the effects of varying the pH and salt content of the dyebath.

The chemistry of the commonest GCA co-ordination complex was investigated. It was found to have the composition 2∶1 Gallocyanin: chromium (G2Cr). The chromic ion was chelated to the aminocarboxylic acid. The complex carried a net positive charge in the pH range 1–9, and would thus be expected to behave similarly to basic dyes. In fact GCA was no more specific for nucleic acids than other basic dyes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Biology and Anatomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK

    R. W. Horobin & L. B. Murgatroyd

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  1. R. W. Horobin
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  2. L. B. Murgatroyd
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Horobin, R.W., Murgatroyd, L.B. The composition and properties of Gallocyanin-chrome alum stains. Histochem J 1, 36–54 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01054292

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01054292

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