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Sigma-Aldrich

Osmium tetroxide solution

suitable for electron microscopy, 2% in H2O

Synonym(s):

Osmium(IV) oxide

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About This Item

Linear Formula:
OsO4
CAS Number:
20816-12-0
Molecular Weight:
254.23
MDL number:
MFCD00011150
UNSPSC Code:
12171500
PubChem Substance ID:
57652577
NACRES:
NA.47

form

solution

reaction suitability

reagent type: oxidant

concentration

2% in H2O

technique(s)

electron microscopy: suitable

color

colorless to yellow

density

1.0 g/mL at 20 °C
1.0 g/mL at 20 °C

application(s)

hematology
histology

storage temp.

2-8°C

SMILES string

O=[Os](=O)(=O)=O

InChI

1S/4O.Os

InChI key

VUVGYHUDAICLFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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General description

Osmium tetroxide (OsO4) also referred to as osmium, is a heavy tetrahedral, symmetrical molecule. It is both a dye and a non-coagulant fixative agent in electron microscopy primarily used for the examination of biological tissue components in the histopathology laboratory. Specimens are postfixed with osmium tetroxide to ensure the preservation of the lipids.

Application

Osmium tetroxide solution has been used as a fixative in electron microscopy.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Osmium tetroxide is also referred to as osmium and is mainly used as a secondary fixative of tissues. The molecule reacts with lipid moieties and is responsible for the oxidation of unsaturated bonds of fatty acids. This reaction adds density and contrast to biological samples. In normal tissues, presence of osmium results in intense black staining which can be viewed by normal eye. In addition, it can be used as a mordant (a molecule which combines with stain or dye at later stages) in electron microscopy, thereby enhancing lead staining.

Pictograms

Skull and crossbonesCorrosion
GHS06,GHS05

Signal Word

Danger

Hazard Classifications

Acute Tox. 2 Dermal - Acute Tox. 4 Inhalation - Acute Tox. 4 Oral - Eye Dam. 1 - Skin Irrit. 2

Storage Class Code

6.1B - Non-combustible acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2 / very toxic hazardous materials

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

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