Product Overview

Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 is an organic dye with the molecular formula C₄₇H₄₈N₃NaO₇S₂ and molecular weight of 854.02 g/mol. This dark blue to dark purple crystalline powder is one of the most widely used protein staining reagents in biochemistry and molecular biology. The compound is the basis of the Bradford assay for protein quantification.

Synthetic Process

• Synthesis: The dye is synthesized through a multi-step process involving the condensation of triphenylmethane derivatives with sulfonic acid groups

• Purification: The crude product is purified by recrystallization or chromatography

• Quality Control: The final product is analyzed to ensure ≥98.0% purity by HPLC

Mechanism of Action

• Protein Binding: Binds to proteins through electrostatic interactions with basic amino acid residues (arginine, lysine, histidine) and hydrophobic interactions

• Color Shift: Upon binding to proteins, the dye undergoes a color shift from red (absorbance maximum 465 nm) to blue (absorbance maximum 595 nm)

• Bradford Assay: The color shift is the basis for the Bradford protein quantification assay

Research Applications & Market Significance

• Protein Quantification: Key reagent for the Bradford assay for protein concentration determination

• Electrophoresis: Used for staining proteins in SDS-PAGE and other gel electrophoresis techniques

• Biochemistry Research: Widely used in protein purification and characterization

• Proteomics: Used in 2D gel electrophoresis for protein visualization

Quality Specifications

• Purity: ≥98.0% determined by HPLC

• Appearance: Dark blue to dark purple crystalline powder

• λmax: 595 nm (protein-bound form)

• Loss on drying: ≤5.0%

• Storage: 2-8°C, sealed, protected from light

• Stable for 36 months when properly stored

Packaging & Shipping

• Research quantities: 5g, 25g amber glass vials

• Bulk quantities: 100g, 500g amber glass bottles

• Shipped at ambient temperature