Fluorescein

C₂₀H₁₂O₅

IUPAC: 3',6'-Dihydroxy-3H-spiro[isobenzofuran-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one

CAS: 2321-07-5

Overview

Fluorescein is a synthetic fluorescent dye that glows bright green under UV light. It is used in ophthalmology, water tracing, and forensics.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 12 1.0080
Carbon C 20 12.0110
Oxygen O 5 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×12
3.6%
C
Carbon ×20
72.3%
O
Oxygen ×5
24.1%

Uses

  • • Ophthalmology (eye examination)
  • • Water flow tracing
  • • Forensic detection
  • • Fluorescence microscopy

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Used to trace water flow in rivers, caves, and sewage systems due to its intense fluorescence

Safety

  • ⚠ Non-toxic at standard doses

Structure

SMILES

C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=O)OC23C4=C(C=C(C=C4)O)OC5=C3C=CC(=C5)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
332.31 g/mol
Density
1.6020 g/cm³
Melting Point
314.0 °C
Solubility
slightly soluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
332.0685
XLogP
3.4
TPSA
76.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
5
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
25
Complexity
522.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fluorescein?
Fluorescein (C₂₀H₁₂O₅) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 3',6'-Dihydroxy-3H-spiro[isobenzofuran-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one.
What is the molecular weight of Fluorescein?
Fluorescein has a molar mass of 332.31 g/mol.
What state is Fluorescein at room temperature?
Fluorescein is a solid at room temperature.
Is Fluorescein organic or inorganic?
Fluorescein is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Fluorescein?
Fluorescein (C₂₀H₁₂O₅) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).