Synthesis of a novel thio-anthraquinone derivative-based tissue dye

Abstract

In this study, a new dye, Neurange stain, was developed for histopathological examination of brain tissue using light microscopy. In addition, Neurange dye can be used in routine analyses and microscopic imaging of tissue sections. The synthesis of 1-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)anthracene-9,10-dione (3), a new thio-anthraquinone derivative used in the preparation of Neurange dye, began with the substitution reaction of 4-hydroxythiophenol (2) and 1-chloroanthraquinone (1) as starting materials.1 Neurange dye shows specific staining of white matter in brain tissue sections. It shows brown-orange staining in areas such as the optic nerve, the cortex in the brain tissue, and areas where axon bundles are located, and especially areas related to the myelin sheath. In conclusion, Neurange dye could be used to distinguish different brain areas using a light microscope.