Application

Safranin O is a widely used biological stain, especially as a counterstain, to distinguish between gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Additionally, it is a suitable dye for human and animal histological specimens to demonstrate glycosaminoglycans.

General description

Safranin O stain belongs to the azine dyes group, also known as Basic Red 2 and has diazotizable amine groups. Safranin O contains a planar, diaminophenazine chromophore with a phenyl group attached to the nitrogen ring, resulting in a non-planar distribution of the aromatic rings.