oxide in Harriss alum hematoxylin?
Answer. Yes. Mercuric oxide for the oxidation of hematoxylin in Harris’s hemalum can be replaced with sodium iodate (NaIO3) or other oxidants: According to Hansen (1895), one of the following is, in general, needed for the oxidation of 1 gm of hematoxylin to hematein: * KMnO4: 177 mg * KClO3: 114 mg * KIO3: 200 mg * NaIO3: 197 mg * KCr2O7: 276 mg It is advisable to use only half of these quantities, to delay over-oxidation. Vacca (1985) suggested 75 mg NaIO3 per gm hematoxylin, and P. Bock (1989) suggested 98.5 mg NaIO3 per gm hematoxylin. References. Bock, P.: Romeis’ Mikroskopische Technik; 1989 Hansen, F.C.C.: Eine schnelle Methode zur Herstellung des Bohmersen Hematoxylins. Zoolog. Anz. 473; 1895. Vacca: Laboratory Manual of Histochemistry; 1985. Almost every hematoxylin can be used regressively, my favorite for general histology is: “Mayer’s acid hemalum, modified by Lillie”: “Dissolve 5gm hematoxylin by holding overnight in 700 ml distilled water; add 50 gm ammonium alum and 0.25
