What is the difference between indigo carmine and methylene blue?

Question

What is the difference between indigo carmine and methylene blue?

Answer 1

Indigo Carmine is mostly used as a dye in fabrics. It's a crystal form that is not soluable in water, alcohol, or ether. The chemical compound is C16H10N2O2, and it is used in testing for renal function because it is a reagent for detecting nitrates and chorates which relate to the function of the kidneys.

Methylene Blue is most often used as a histology stain and is common in chemistry and biology. It is soluable in water but is also found in the chrystaline form. The chemical compound is C16H18CIN3S. In science it is used for staining DNA, RNA, Wright's stain, Jenner's stain, the life of yeast, and in pH indicators.