MF: C₅₆H₆₈Cl₄CuN₁₆S₄
MW: 1298.86
EINECS: 278-333-8
Melting Point: 148 °C
Storage temp: Store at RT.
Appearance: dark blue powder
Water Solubility: moderately soluble
Product Categories: Dyes and Pigments;Organometallics
Synonyms: Alcian ; Copper(4++),[[N,N’,N’’,N’’’-[29h,31h-phthalocyaninetetrayltetrakis[methyleneth ; Io[(dimethylamino)methylidyne]]]tetrakis[n-methylmethanaminiumato]](2-)-N29,N39 ; Ingrain blue ; Ingrain blue I ; Ingrain blue 1 ; CI NO 74240 
 Following is the molecular structure of Alcian blue 8GX (CAS NO.12633-95-3):

Safety Information of Alcian blue 8GX (CAS NO.12633-95-3):
Xi: Irritant
Risk Statements: 21-35-36/37/38 
21: Harmful in contact with skin 
35: Causes severe burns
36/37/38: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin
Safety Statements: 26-36/37/39-45-24/25-36 
26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice 
36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection
45: In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible)
24/25: Avoid contact with skin and eyes
36: Wear suitable protective clothing 
WGK Germany: 3

 Alcian blue (AB), also called Alcian blue 8GX (CAS NO.12633-95-3), Ingrain blue 1, and C.I. 74240, is a phthalocyanine dye that contains copper. The dye stains acid mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans, for which it is one of the most widely used cationic dyes; the stained parts are blue to bluish-green. It can be combined with H&E staining and van Gieson staining methods. It bonds by electrostatic forces with the negatively charged macromolecules. Gradual increases in the electrolyte concentration used to wash the bound dye selectively identifies neutral, sulphated, and phosphated mucopolysaccharides.