Ruthenium Red

Basic Information of Ruthenium Red

CAS No.	11103-72-3
EC No.	234-338-0
Chemical Formula	Ru₃O₂Cl₆·4H₂O
Molecular Weight	786.94 g/mol
Appearance	Deep red to violet-red crystalline powder or hydrated solid
Odor	Odorless
Melting point	Decomposes before melting (>200 °C)
Boiling point	Not applicable (decomposes)
Density	approx. 2.8–3.0 g/cm³
Solubility	Soluble in water (forms deep red solutions); sparingly soluble in alcohols
Nature (hazards)	Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergic skin reaction, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, toxic to aquatic life
RIDADR	UN 3260, Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Ruthenium red), Class 8, Packing Group III
Chemical Structure

Primary Applications of Ruthenium Red

Ruthenium Red is the preferred selective stain for visualizing polyanionic structures with exceptional contrast and specificity in biological ultrastructure studies.

1. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Staining
   Provides intense electron-dense contrast for acidic mucopolysaccharides, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans in cartilage, connective tissue, basement membranes, and extracellular matrix visualization.

2. Histochemical & Cytochemical Localization
   Selectively stains polyanionic cell surface components, microbial capsules, and glycogen granules in light and electron microscopy, enabling precise localization of anionic sites in tissues and cells.

3. Biological Specimen Preparation for TEM
   Used as a postfixation stain in ultrathin sectioning protocols to enhance contrast of anionic polymers without osmium interference, critical for high-resolution ultrastructural analysis.

4. Selective Metal Ion Binding & Probes
   Serves as a sensitive probe for detecting and quantifying polyanionic sites in biochemical and biophysical studies, including polysaccharide and nucleic acid interactions.

5. Pathology & Disease Research
   Applied in studies of connective tissue disorders, amyloidosis, and microbial biofilms to visualize altered polyanion distribution and matrix changes in diseased tissues.

6. Materials & Nanotechnology Research
   Employed as a contrast agent for characterizing polyelectrolyte multilayers, charged polymer nanoparticles, and biomimetic interfaces in advanced materials science.

• Superior Purity & Staining Consistency
  Rigorous quality controls ensure high Ru content, minimal impurities, and reproducible color intensity and binding affinity for consistent ultrastructural contrast.

• Secure Precious Metal Sourcing
  Transparent, responsible ruthenium procurement with inventory buffering to provide supply stability and competitive pricing.

• Technical Microscopy Support
  Experienced specialists offer guidance on staining protocols, fixation compatibility, concentration optimization, and troubleshooting for maximum contrast and specificity.

• Full Regulatory Compliance
  Comprehensive COA, REACH, RoHS, and detailed SDS documentation to facilitate seamless integration into research, pathology, and materials laboratories.

• Sustainability & Recycling Commitment
  Ethical sourcing practices and ruthenium recovery/recycling programs aligned with ESG objectives and sustainable scientific practices.

Hazards Classification

• GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1B); Serious Eye Damage (Category 1); Skin Sensitization (Category 1); Acute Toxicity, Oral (Category 4); Aquatic Chronic (Category 2)

• Hazard Statements: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction; H302: Harmful if swallowed; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

• UN Number: UN 3260

• Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)

• Packing Group: III