5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate p-toluidine salt

Chemical Properties

White to light brown powder

Uses

For the colorimetric detection of alkaline phosphatase-labeled molecules, 5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) are available. The BCIP/NBT substrate system is versatile and functions in a variety of applications, including Northern Southern, and Western blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry.
BCIP is provided in two salt forms: the disodium salt which is soluble in water and the p-toluidine form which is soluble in dimethylformamide. These salt forms may be used to prepare a stock solution that in combination with NBT and a reaction buffer, form a substrate solution for alkaline phosphatase. This substrate system, when incubated with alkaline phosphatase, produces an insoluble NBT diformazan product that is easily observable with its purple color. For added convenience, a mixture of BCIP and NBT is provided in an easily dissolvable tablet form or as a ready-to-use liquid.

General Description

BCIP serves as substrate for alkaline phosphatase. The reaction product has a blue color and is insoluble in water. The blue color can be visually detected.

Biochem/physiol Actions

5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) can be used to visualize the phosphatase activity. It can be used as a substrate to monitor secreted embryonic alkaline phosphataseactivity in solution.