In the Gram staining method, the Acetone Ethanol Decolorant is used after the primary stain (Crystal Violet) and the mordant (Lugol/Iodine) have been applied. The mixture of Acetone and Ethanol acts by dissolving the lipid-rich outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and increasing the permeability of their thin peptidoglycan layer, allowing the crystal violet-iodine complex to be washed away. Conversely, in Gram-positive bacteria, the solvent dehydrates the thick peptidoglycan layer, trapping the dye inside the cell. The precise ratio of acetone to ethanol in this formulation is designed to be "intermediate" in speed—faster than pure alcohol but more controllable than pure acetone—minimizing the risk of over-decolorization or under-decolorization.
Advantages
- Optimized Kinetics: The balanced solvent ratio provides a consistent decolorization rate, reducing technical errors in the laboratory.
- Standardized Results: Manufactured to ensure batch-to-batch uniformity, essential for diagnostic reliability.
- Ready-to-Use: Saves time and eliminates the variability associated with manual mixing of solvents.
- Clear Differentiation: Enables sharp contrast between purple Gram-positive and (subsequently counterstained) pink/red Gram-negative bacteria.
- High Stability: Formulated to prevent excessive evaporation and maintain its solvent properties over time when stored correctly.
Technical specifications
| Catalogue number |
5059 |
| Brand |
Condalab |
| Application |
Microbiology / Gram Staining Differentiation |
| Physical Appearance |
Clear, colorless, volatile liquid |
| Composition |
Ethanol / Acetone mixture |
| Storage Temperature |
15 – 25 °C (Keep away from heat and open flames) |
Available packaging options
