Alizarin Red S is a versatile anthraquinone dye widely used in laboratories and industry for its strong staining properties and chemical stability. Recognized for its distinctive deep red coloration and precise reactivity with calcium and metal ions, it has become an indispensable reagent for analytical chemistry, histology, and materials science.
At Reflecta Laboratory Supplies, we provide high-purity Alizarin Red S suitable for laboratory, research, medical, and industrial applications. Our products meet international standards and are trusted by professionals across South Africa and around the world.
What Is Alizarin Red S?
Alizarin Red S (also known as Alizarin Carmine or 1,2-Dihydroxyanthraquinone-3-sulfonic acid sodium salt) is a sulfonated derivative of alizarin. It belongs to the anthraquinone family of dyes and is known for its strong affinity to calcium and other metal ions.
- Chemical formula: C₁₄H₇NaO₇S
- Molecular weight: 342.26 g/mol
- Appearance: Orange to deep red powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol
- pH indicator range: pH 4.0–6.0
The dye’s color intensity and pH sensitivity make it highly valuable for scientific visualization and analytical testing.
Applications of Alizarin Red S
1. Histology and Biomedical Research
In biological and medical laboratories, this chemical is primarily used to detect calcium deposits in tissues and cells. The dye binds specifically to calcium salts, forming bright red or orange complexes that are easily visible under a microscope. This makes it ideal for studying osteogenesis, calcification, and bone tissue formation in cell cultures and histological samples.
Reflecta Laboratory Supplies provides research-grade Alizarin Red S that delivers consistent staining performance, ensuring reliable results in both educational and professional laboratory environments.
2. Analytical Chemistry and Metal Detection
Alizarin Red S is an effective reagent for complexometric titrations and metal ion detection, particularly for elements such as calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. It forms colored chelate complexes that can be measured spectrophotometrically, allowing for precise quantitative analysis.
This property makes it a preferred reagent in laboratories that perform water quality analysis, mineral testing, and environmental monitoring.
3. Industrial and Material Applications
Beyond biological and analytical laboratories, Alizarin Red S is also used in dyeing and textile industries for coloring fibers and synthetic materials. Its stability, brightness, and solubility make it suitable for creating vivid red to orange hues in specialized textile processes and coatings.
In materials science and engineering laboratories, it is sometimes employed to visualize mineral structures and test the presence of calcium or metallic compounds in industrial samples.
4. Mining and Geological Research
Mining laboratories often rely on Alizarin Red S to identify calcium carbonate and related minerals during geological analysis. The dye’s reactivity helps distinguish between calcite and dolomite, assisting in the classification and evaluation of mineral samples.
Reflecta Laboratory Supplies supports South Africa’s mining and geological sectors with consistent, laboratory-grade Alizarin Red S for accurate mineral identification and testing.
Handling and Storage Recommendations
To maintain the quality and performance of Alizarin Red S, it should be stored in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. The compound is stable under normal conditions but should be handled using standard laboratory safety precautions, including gloves, protective eyewear, and a lab coat.
Reflecta Laboratory Supplies provides clear safety data sheets (SDS) and product documentation with every order, ensuring compliance with local and international chemical safety standards.
Why Source from Reflecta Laboratory Supplies?
As a trusted South African chemical supplier serving global clients, Reflecta Laboratory Supplies offers high-quality chemicals for laboratory, industrial, and research applications. Each batch is thoroughly tested to ensure purity, consistency, and performance. Click here to order
We provide:
- Laboratory-grade and analytical-grade Alizarin Red S
- Certificates of Analysis and SDS with every shipment
- Flexible order sizes — from small laboratory quantities to bulk supply
- Fast, reliable delivery across South Africa and international destinations
Customers can order Alizarin Red S online directly through our secure e-commerce platform or place bulk orders for industrial or institutional use.
Final Thoughts
Alizarin Red S continues to play a vital role in laboratories, research institutions, and industrial settings worldwide. From identifying calcium in biological tissues to detecting metals in chemical analysis, its precision and versatility make it an essential reagent for professionals in science and industry.
For dependable quality, professional service, and international supply, trust Reflecta Laboratory Supplies — your reliable source for high-purity chemicals and other laboratory-equipment.
Order online today from Reflecta Laboratory Supplies.
We supply laboratory, medical, mining, and industrial clients across South Africa and internationally — providing premium-quality reagents with fast and secure delivery
