rose bengal lactone

Rose bengal lactone is a synthetic organic small molecule classified as a xanthene dye and a derivative of fluorescein. It features multiple halogen atoms (chlorine and iodine) attached to a xanthene backbone with a distinctive lactone ring that influences its solubility and reactivity. It acts primarily as a photosensitizer generating reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen upon light activation, which induces cytotoxic effects useful in photodynamic therapy. Additionally, it inhibits motor proteins like kinesin by binding to specific sites disrupting intracellular transport processes. The compound has applications as a biological stain and colorant in inks, cosmetics, foods, medicine (diagnostic aid), and research fields including photodynamic therapy due to its unique photophysical properties. Its molecular formula is C20H4Cl4I4O5 with an average molecular weight of approximately 973.66 g/mol.

Other names

Food Red 105Rose Bengal BRose Bengal B dipotassium salt 131I-labeled compoundRose Bengal B disodium salt