Synonym: 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide, EtBr, Homidium bromide
CAS Number: 1239-45-8
Linear Formula: C21H20BrN3
Molecular Weight: 394.31
Beilstein Registry Number: 3642536
EC Number: 214-984-6
MDL number: MFCD00011724
PubChem Substance ID: 24894683
Description
Frequently Asked Questions Live Chat and Frequently Asked Questions are available for this Product. ,61726373
Application Ethidium bromide （EtBr） is the most commonly used nucleic acid stain for PAGE or agarose gel electrophoresis. The fluorescence of EtBr increases 21-fold upon binding to double-stranded RNA and 25-fold on binding double-stranded DNA so that destaining the background is not necessary with a low stain concentration （10 μg/ml）. Ethidium bromide has been used in a number of fluorimetric assays for nucleic acids.1,2,3 It has been shown to bind to single-stranded DNA （although not as strongly） and triple-stranded DNA.4 Because of its ability to bind to DNA, EtBr is an inhibitor of DNA polymerase.5
Biochem/physiol Actions Ethidium bromide intercalates double-stranded DNA and RNA and acts as a frameshift mutagen. It can also be used in conjunction with acridine orange to differentiate between viable, apoptotic and necrotic cells.
Reconstitution For staining a gel after electrophoresis, dilute a sample of the stock solution to 0.5 μg/ml with water and incubate the gel for 15-30 min. Destaining is usually not needed but can be carried out in water for 15 min if decreased background is necessary. The DNA bands can then be detected on a UV light box （254 nm wavelength）. Ethidium bromide can also be incorporated into the gel and running buffer at 0.5 μg/ml and visualized immediay after electrophoresis. 

Properties
assay ~95% （HPLC）
mp 260-262 °C （dec.）（lit.）

Safety
Personal Protective Equipment Eyeshields, Faceshields, full-face particle respirator type N100 （US）, Gloves, respirator cartridge type N100 （US）, type P1 （EN143） respirator filter, type P3 （EN 143） respirator cartridges
Hazard Codes T+
Risk Statements 22-26-36/37/38-68
Safety Statements 26-28-36/37-45
RIDADR UN2811 6.1/PG 1
WGK Germany 3
RTECS SF7950000
 

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