Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide
Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (CAS: 298-93-1, Formula: C18H16BrN5S, MW: 414.32) is a yellow crystalline powder. It functions as a colorimetric indicator, commonly employed in cellular assays to assess metabolic activity. This reagent is invaluable for quantifying cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity in various biological research applications, including stem cell biology and general cell culture studies.
- IUPAC
- 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide,MTT,Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide
- Synonyms
- 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromideMTTMethylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide

Cell Viability and Cytotoxicity Assays
Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide is widely used to measure the metabolic activity of cells, which correlates with viability. It is reduced by viable cells to form a coloured formazan product, allowing for quantitative assessment of cell proliferation and the effects of cytotoxic agents.
Stem Cell Research
This tetrazolium salt is applicable for in vivo and in vitro tracking of stem cells. It aids in evaluating stem cell health, proliferation rates, and responses to various experimental conditions or therapeutic interventions.
Drug Discovery and Screening
In pharmaceutical research, Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide serves as a crucial reagent for high-throughput screening of potential drug candidates. It enables rapid assessment of compound effects on cell viability and growth.
Cell Culture Monitoring
The reagent is suitable for general cell culture applications, including monitoring cell health in serum-free conditions. Its use helps researchers maintain optimal cell growth and experimental integrity.
| Molecular weight | 414.32 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C18H16BrN5S |
| Assay | ≥97.5% (HPLC) |
| Form | powder |
| Solubility | H2O: soluble5 mg/mL |
| Storage temperature | 2-8°C |
| Application | Use as a colorimetric metabolic activity indicator in cell viability assays. |
| Melting point | 195 °C (dec.)(lit.) |
| Suitability | suitable for cell culturesuitable for insect cell culture |


Hazard statements
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H335May cause respiratory irritation
- H341Suspected of causing genetic defects
Precautionary statements
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
- P281Use personal protective equipment as required
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | Eyeshields, Gloves, type N95 (US), type P1 (EN143) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xn |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38-68 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36/37 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Product Line | BioReagent |
|---|
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide used for?
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Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide is primarily used as a colorimetric indicator for measuring cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity in various cell-based assays. It assesses metabolic activity by quantifying the reduction to a formazan product by viable cells.
What are the CAS number and chemical formula for Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide?
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The CAS number is 298-93-1, and the empirical formula (Hill notation) is C18H16BrN5S.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide with a purity of ≥97.5% (HPLC). This product is suitable for research applications and is not supplied as USP, BP, EP, or pharmacopoeia grade.
How should Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide be handled safely?
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Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide is a Warning substance that causes skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and may cause respiratory irritation (H335). It is also suspected of causing genetic defects (H341). Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment including eyeshields and gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation or use a suitable respirator. Avoid breathing dust.
Is Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide a controlled substance?
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The provided data does not indicate that Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide is a controlled or scheduled substance.
How is Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide shipped and exported?
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Tech Serve Solutions is a global supplier and exporter of fine chemicals. Specific shipping and export details for Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide can be provided upon request.
How can I request a sample or quote for Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide?
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Please contact our sales team or use the online portal to request a sample or obtain a quote for Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide.
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