Fluorescamine (CAS: 38183-12-9) is a sophisticated chemical reagent that has found indispensable applications in analytical chemistry and life sciences due to its unique ability to render primary amines fluorescent. Understanding its underlying science is crucial for researchers and procurement specialists aiming to leverage its full potential. As a leading chemical manufacturer and supplier, we are dedicated to providing high-quality Fluorescamine and sharing our expertise.

The Reaction Mechanism: From Non-fluorescent to Fluorescent

At its core, Fluorescamine functions as a derivatizing agent. It is itself non-fluorescent. However, when it encounters a primary amine (R-NH₂), it undergoes a rapid condensation reaction under mild basic conditions. This reaction forms a stable derivative where the amine is incorporated into a highly fluorescent isoindole system. The typical reaction involves the amine attacking the lactone carbonyl of Fluorescamine, followed by ring-opening and subsequent rearrangement to form the fluorescent isoindole. The fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of the primary amine, making it an excellent tool for quantitative analysis.

Key Physicochemical Properties:

  • Appearance: Typically an off-white to yellow powder.
  • Melting Point: Around 153-157 °C, indicating a stable solid form.
  • Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents like acetone, DMSO, ethanol, and chloroform; slightly soluble in water.
  • Spectral Characteristics (after derivatization): Excitation: ~380-390 nm, Emission: ~470-486 nm. These specific wavelengths are critical for instrumental setup when performing fluorescence measurements.
  • Stability: The reagent should be stored protected from light and moisture, ideally under inert atmosphere and at room temperature or refrigerated for long-term storage. The derivatives formed are generally stable.

Advantages in Analysis:

The popularity of Fluorescamine stems from several advantages:

  • High Sensitivity: Enables detection of analytes at picomolar to nanomolar concentrations.
  • Low Background: Minimal hydrolysis of the reagent results in low blank values, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Rapidity of Reaction: The derivatization is quick, often complete within minutes.
  • Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of primary amines, including those in amino acids, peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules.

Sourcing Fluorescamine: A Strategic Decision

When you need to buy Fluorescamine, selecting a reputable supplier is crucial. Our company, a prominent manufacturer in China, specializes in producing high-purity Fluorescamine (CAS 38183-12-9). We ensure rigorous quality control throughout the manufacturing process to guarantee consistent product performance. We offer competitive pricing, especially for bulk purchase orders, making us an economically sound choice for your laboratory or industrial needs. Contact us to explore our product catalog, discuss your specific requirements, and obtain a detailed quotation.