CompoundList
Sign in
Antibiotics and anti-infectives

Ethidium bromide

Also known as Homidium bromide, Dromilac, 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide

CAS 1239-45-8Formula C21H20BrN3Molar mass 394.32 g/molEC 214-984-6
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Acute toxicity (severe), Serious health hazard 88 suppliers listed
Get quotes Compare 88 suppliers
Ethidium bromide chemical structure, C21H20BrN3, CAS 1239-45-8
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Dark red crystals from alcohol
Melting point
260 to 262
Density
0.34 g/cm³
Flash point
>100
Solubility
Soluble in 20 parts water at 20 °C
HS code
293399
Category
Antibiotics and anti-infectives
UN number
UN 2811
Illustrative photo, red pigment powder in an open fibre drum in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Ethidium bromide?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Ethidium bromide is the organic bromide salt of ethidium. It has a role as a geroprotector, an intercalator and a trypanocidal drug. It contains an ethidium.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide
CAS number
1239-45-8 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
214-984-6
Molecular formula
C21H20BrN3
UNII
059NUO2Z1L
InChIKey
ZMMJGEGLRURXTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C21H19N3.BrH/c1-2-24-20-13-16(23)9-11-18(20)17-10-8-15(22)12-19(17)21(24)14-6-4-3-5-7-14;/h3-13,23H,2,22H2,1H3;1H
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC[N+]1=C2C=C(C=CC2=C3C=CC(=CC3=C1C4=CC=CC=C4)N)N.[Br-]

Synonyms

  • Homidium bromide
  • Dromilac
  • 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide
  • EtBr
  • Ethydium bromide
  • Bromure d'homidium
  • Bromuro de homidio
  • Homidii bromidum
  • 2,7-Diamino-10-ethyl-9-phenylphenanthridinium bromide
  • 2,7-Diamino-9-phenyl-10-ethylphenanthridinium bromide
  • 2,7-Diamino-9-phenylphenanthridine ethobromide
  • RD 1572
  • Bromide, Ethidium
  • Bromide, Homidium
  • 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium bromide
  • Phenanthridinium, 3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenyl-, bromide
  • Ethidium (bromide)
  • Ethidium bromide(EB)
  • Phenanthridinium, 3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenyl-, bromide (1:1)
  • 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine, bromide
  • ethidiumbromide
  • 3,8-Diamino-1-ethyl-6-phenylphenantridinium bromide
  • 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridine-3,8-diamine, bromide
  • Ethidium bromide, 98%
  • Ethidium bromide, >=95.0%
Show all 28 synonyms
  • 5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridin-5-ium-3,8-diamine bromide
  • Ethidium bromide, ~95% (HPLC)
  • Ethidium bromide solution, 1% in H2O

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Dark red crystals from alcoholexp.
Taste
Bitter tastingexp.
Melting point
260 to 262exp.
Density
0.34 g/cm³exp.
Flash point
>100exp.
Solubility
Soluble in 20 parts water at 20 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1.2 × 10⁻¹² mm Hg at 25 °C /Estimated/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
394.32 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
393.0841 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.14calc.
Topological polar surface area
55.92 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
25calc.
Rings
4calc.
Aromatic rings
4calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Components
2calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccc(-c2nc3ccccc3c3ccccc23)cc1

c1ccc(-c2nc3ccccc3c3ccccc23)cc1

4 rings, 20 atoms, the Phenanthridine, 6-phenyl- ring system.

122 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS06: Acute toxicity (severe)
Acute toxicity (severe)
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H330Fatal if inhaled.
  • H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2811
Transport hazard class
6.1
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Ethidium bromide suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 88 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

88 suppliers in 15 countries

Send one request to many suppliers

Choose up to 10 suppliers or let us match your request. Compare quotes side by side, free.

Choose suppliersPost a request

Ethidium bromide price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

Get latest price

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Used as a DNA probe.

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • antiinfective agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antimicrobial drug
  • antiparasitic agent
  • antiprotozoal drug
  • genotoxin
  • geroprotector
  • intercalator
  • mutagen
  • pharmaceutical
  • protective agent
  • trypanocidal drug

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 612-278-00-6

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Ethidium bromide, 3,8-diamino-1-ethyl-6-phenylphenantridinium bromide, Ref no: 1521, Annex ref: II/1521

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Ethidium bromide is traded under.

HS 2933.99Indicative HS code

Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, other

World exports in 2024
$12.1B
−31.0% vs 2023, imports $28.8B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China30.5%
  2. India * partner reported16.3%
  3. Ireland9.0%
Top importers
  1. Slovenia31.7%
  2. Italy24.2%
  3. United States5.0%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Ethidium bromide is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Ethidium bromide, based on the data on this page

What is Ethidium bromide?

Ethidium bromide is the organic bromide salt of ethidium. It has a role as a geroprotector, an intercalator and a trypanocidal drug. It contains an ethidium.

What is the CAS number of Ethidium bromide?

The CAS registry number of Ethidium bromide is 1239-45-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Ethidium bromide?

The molecular formula of Ethidium bromide is C21H20BrN3 and its molar mass is 394.32 g/mol.

What is Ethidium bromide used for?

Used as a DNA probe.

Is Ethidium bromide hazardous?

Ethidium bromide carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, fatal if inhaled, suspected of causing genetic defects. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Ethidium bromide?

Ethidium bromide is usually classified under HS code 293399 (Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Ethidium bromide?

CompoundList lists 88 suppliers of Ethidium bromide in United States, China, India, Germany and 11 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Ethidium bromide in India?

7 suppliers in India list Ethidium bromide on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Ethidium bromide?

Suppliers quote Ethidium bromide on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Ethidium bromide

Get quotes for Ethidium bromide

Post one free request with your grade, quantity and destination. Matching suppliers send quotes you can compare side by side.
Post a request Sell Ethidium bromide
Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
Embed this structure on your websiteShow code

Paste this code into your page to show the 2D structure of Ethidium bromide with a 3D view, its CAS number where known and a link back to this page. Free to use with the link kept.

<iframe src="https://www.compoundlist.com/embed/structure/ethidium-bromide-1239-45-8" title="Ethidium bromide structure on CompoundList" width="360" height="420" style="border:1px solid #E7E2DA;border-radius:12px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
Preview the embed

Explore more in Antibiotics and anti-infectives or HS code 293399

88 suppliers
Free quotes, contact stays private
Get quotes