Curiosity has always driven scientists to explore new chemical structures, and Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine stands as proof of this search. Chemists started paying attention to the phenazine core back in the nineteenth century. Over time, synthesis techniques improved, opening doors to more complicated nitrogen-containing aromatic systems. Researchers in the 1970s recognized the compound's unique planar structure and began investigating its electronic and photophysical properties. Even before modern instrumentation, chemists grasped that the structure’s stability and strong conjugation might open many possibilities, especially in fields like dye chemistry and molecular electronics. Continuous research has placed this compound at the intersection of organic chemistry and material science.
Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine represents a type of polycyclic aromatic compound. Its repeating fused rings grab attention for their electronic characteristics and stackable planar geometry. Folks who work with functional materials value these features. The compound arrives as a yellow to orange powder, signaling its broad absorption profile. Bulk suppliers and fine chemical companies frequently stock it for use in research, and the substance rarely sits on a shelf for long at advanced laboratories. Demand spikes in both analytical and synthetic efforts, thanks to its versatility.
The compound’s rigid structure resists deformation and imparts thermal stability. Melting points often exceed 200°C, sometimes approaching 320°C, and the powder doesn’t dissolve readily in water. Organic solvents—like dimethyl sulfoxide, dichloromethane, or ethanol—do the job for labs needing solution work. The nitrogen atoms positioned in the rings affect electron distribution, leading the molecule to display strong electron-acceptor properties. The planar geometry supports π–π stacking in the solid state, which plays into its role in molecular electronics and as a ligand in coordination complexes.
Chemical suppliers mark Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine with a molecular formula of C18H10N4, and its CAS registry number usually appears both on bottles and digital safety documents. Purity often reaches 98% or higher, given the compound’s use in research. Batch numbers and certificate of analysis ensure traceability. Product data sheets give details like melting point, storage temperature, and molecular weight. Many suppliers also mention recommended storage: usually cool, dark, dry spaces, in tightly sealed containers to prevent degradation from light and moisture.
Most standard preparations take advantage of condensation reactions, often employing 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives with suitable dicarbonyl compounds under reflux conditions. The synthesis process rarely causes trouble for trained chemists, but cutting corners with temperature or reactant ratios kills yields and invites byproducts. Purification follows either crystallization or column chromatography, depending on scale. Attention to solvent choice reduces impurities. Most academic reports detail robust, reproducible routes, though industrial-scale processes adjust parameters for efficiency and cost control.
The backbone of Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine lends itself to functionalization at wing or core positions. Nitration, sulfonation, and halogenation expand its chemical utility. Researchers push these modifications to tweak solubility, redox potential, and coordination properties. For example, attaching alkyl chains affects crystallinity and electronic band structure—features prized in organic electronics. Coordination chemistry uses the nitrogen atoms to anchor metal ions, producing complexes with optical and catalytic properties. Modifying the structure marks a significant step for chemists aiming to target specific interactions or applications in sensors, light-harvesting assemblies, or DNA intercalators.
Chemists use a handful of names for this compound. Laboratory language often shortens it to dppz, and some suppliers stick to Dipyridophenazine. You might also see it described as “phenazine, dipyrido,” “dppz ligand,” or similar trade names, but these refer to the same base structure. Product labels differ slightly depending on country and purveyor, but structure and capabilities remain consistent regardless of naming conventions.
Chemical safety depends on good habits and clear information. Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine doesn’t pose acute hazards in small amounts, but dust can irritate eyes or airways. Safety datasheets suggest gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, and labs running large syntheses enforce adequate local exhaust or chemical fume hoods. Standard protocols require immediate cleanup of spills to avoid airborne particles. Waste typically goes out as organic chemical residues under hazardous waste guidelines. These practices prevent accidents and foster responsible research conditions.
Application stretches across several scientific disciplines. In advanced materials research, the planar framework finds use in constructing molecular wires and organic semiconductors, because current flows easily through well-aligned stacked molecules. Scientists in photochemistry exploit the molecule’s photostability and broad absorption. Bioinorganic teams harness its coordination tendency to build metal complexes for DNA intercalation studies—a method valuable in cancer research and as chemical probes in molecular biology. Electrochemists look for modified versions to serve as electron shuttles, taking advantage of robust redox chemistry. Environmental chemists have also used the compound as part of analytical systems for pollutant detection.
Fast-moving research centers on tuning the material’s photonic and electronic properties. Synthesizing derivatives attracts researchers keen to develop new dyes for bioimaging or optimized materials for organic solar cells. The robust skeleton encourages experiments with substituents that tweak spectral properties or fine-tune binding affinity to biological targets. Pharmaceutical research pursues these derivatives to increase DNA selectivity, often hoping to treat specific genetic diseases or develop antiviral agents. High-throughput screening, computational modeling, and spectroscopy now support these efforts, slashing development cycles and bringing new applications to light.
Knowing the risks allows for safer experimentation. So far, most toxicity data covers cell assays and animal models. At low concentrations, the parent compound displays modest toxicity, but certain derivatives cross biological membranes more readily and can cause DNA damage. Researchers test analogs extensively in cancer biology, seeking selective toxicity toward diseased cells. Long-term environmental impact studies remain less complete, making careful containment routines a must. Ongoing screening of metabolites helps spot unforeseen hazards before widespread adoption.
Looking ahead, the diversity of potential modifications and applications means Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine will likely remain on the research agenda. Breakthroughs in organic electronics, especially flexible and printable devices, may call for molecules with strong π–π stacking and tailored electronic gaps—both strengths of this structure. In biomedical science, attention gravitates to engineered complexes for targeted therapy or diagnostic imaging. Advances in synthesis open new routes to smart materials and responsive sensors. Key progress will emerge as interdisciplinary teams collaborate, using fresh tools and ideas to solve persistent challenges in electronics, medicine, and environmental science.
Cancer scientists have always looked for smarter ways to hunt down rogue cells. Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine stands out in this field because of its knack for binding with DNA. Researchers use this molecule as a foundation for drugs meant to latch onto DNA in abnormal cells. This binding actually influences the process of cell division, which has helped uncover how some types of cancer grow out of control. By modifying Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine, labs have achieved better targeting and fewer side effects than older chemotherapy agents. The chemical structure opens up new pathways for creating therapies that attack tumors while protecting healthy tissue.
Biologists see Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine as a “molecular flashlight.” Its unique structure makes it glow when exposed to certain types of light. In practice, scientists attach it to metal ions and inject it into living systems. Picture researchers tracing these glowing compounds through the body to find cancer cells, track immune cells, or reveal the movement of new drugs. High-resolution, colorful images help spot tiny changes early—before a problem explodes. This isn’t just a pretty sight; it lets doctors and scientists react before the damage runs deep. Today, more imaging agents built from this molecule help diagnose cancers, viral infections, and even monitor the effectiveness of treatments in near real time.
Molecular biologists often need proof that their experiments are on the right track. With Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine, they can see if DNA is present or missing. The compound slips into double-stranded DNA and then shines under UV light. This neat trick gives a quick, visual result—saving time and money. Tests based on this approach speed up the hunt for genetic mutations, making disease screening more accurate. PCR labs in hospital settings and forensic specialists both appreciate reliable readouts, which come from tools built around this molecule.
Hospitals all over the world deal with antibiotic resistance. Scientists have discovered that metals bound to Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine attack bacteria that laugh in the face of common antibiotics. The molecule pushes its way into the microbe’s genetic code, jamming up the machinery that keeps these bugs alive. This opens up hope for a fresh wave of treatments that could help curb hospital infections and slow the march of superbugs. A larger investment will speed research into versions that work in real patients, not just in the petri dish.
Dive into the world of water protection, and you’ll find Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine there, too. Researchers build sensors with it to detect toxins and pollutants. Its chemical sharpness lets it “taste” for metals like lead or cadmium. Sharp changes in color or brightness send fast signals that water isn’t safe to drink. In communities facing contaminated wells, field techs trust that devices using this chemistry offer a first warning—before anyone falls ill. Developing more rugged, portable tools could bridge the gap for remote towns or disaster zones, where traditional labs fall short.
Experience in the lab shows that progress usually starts with small gains—the right molecule, the right design. As more teams work with Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine, its influence keeps spreading across fields. It deserves more attention as drug developers, doctors, and environmental advocates work to build safer communities. Focusing research efforts here could save lives, deliver faster results, and help society stay ahead of the next challenge.
In every chemistry class, someone always wonders if understanding a molecule's architecture, right down to the positioning of every ring and nitrogen atom, has any real-world impact outside the lab. The structure of Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]phenazine answers that with a resounding yes. This compound brings together two pyridine rings and one phenazine core into a seamless, three-ring fusion without any gaps or angular fuss. Each ring links up in a way that creates a flat, fully conjugated molecule. Chemists read this like an instruction manual for potential reactivity and usefulness.
Its molecular formula, C18H10N4, gives twelve hydrogens a rest compared to your average hydrocarbon for this size, turning the molecule into a rigid, planar system. Those extra nitrogens are not just along for the ride—they play a crucial role in how the molecule interacts with metals and other chemicals. I remember working with similar aromatic heterocycles; the nitrogen atoms turned simple interactions into a gold mine for coordination chemistry, making compounds like this one perfect for research in fields like photophysics, DNA binding, and advanced materials.
A planarity like this does not go unnoticed. Chemists value flat molecules because they stack efficiently. Think of it like sliding books neatly onto a shelf: the better the fit, the more you can do. Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine packs together in the solid state, creating opportunities for electronic communication across neighboring molecules. This makes it a strong candidate for electronic applications, sensors, and molecular recognition. Its nitrogen atoms up the ante, binding perfectly with certain metal ions. Complexes formed this way become powerful tools, whether for catalysis, lighting, or pushing the boundaries of DNA-based tech.
Studies published in journals like Chemical Reviews and Inorganic Chemistry often feature this ring system. Researchers highlight its ability to intercalate into DNA, which spins off many possibilities in drug discovery and cancer treatment. When I worked in an interdisciplinary research group, we used its planar structure to create metal complexes that lit up under UV light, opening new pathways for biomedical imaging. This kind of hands-on work illustrates how this molecule, far from being just an academic curiosity, lives up to the hype in real applications.
Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine is not stuck in the back of a dusty chemical catalog. It gets chosen precisely for its structure—solid, predictable, and full of possibilities. Developing new materials, sensors, or therapies starts with choosing the right building blocks. Molecules like this one, with a well-understood arrangement and a proven molecular formula, give teams a head start. I have seen first-hand how clear knowledge of a molecule's structure speeds up project timelines and improves results.
Challenges lie ahead, especially in scaling up production or finding eco-friendly synthesis routes. Sustainable chemistry keeps pushing for new solutions, and the community responds by tweaking how these types of molecules get made. Teams keep hunting for cleaner, more efficient processes to match the advances they've driven in the lab. Bringing basic structural knowledge to the forefront helps inform these choices and keeps innovation grounded and on track.
This compound pops up in quite a few advanced labs, usually around DNA research and photochemistry. It’s a bright yellow solid with real punch—uncommon but not impossible to find on a bench. Anyone coming across it should know the handling habits aren’t just another item on a protocol list. The risks push way past basic dust allergies or skin dryness.
Storing a powder like this in open air invites moisture, dust, and all sorts of finger-pointing if something goes wrong. For Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine, a tightly sealed bottle sitting in a cool, dry cupboard covers the basics. Those amber glass containers—ones that keep UV light away—stop the sun from breaking things down. Below 25°C is a good target. Heat speeds up unwanted changes, and water lets the powder clump or even trigger side reactions. In labs I’ve worked in, we kept the original packaging as a habit. Labels stay visible, and chemical suppliers design these vessels for long-haul stability.
It’s tempting to shrug off gloves and pull open small bottles bare-handed, but any direct skin or eye contact with Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine spells trouble. It’s not just about staining your fingertips yellow — it goes deeper. The compound often acts as a mutagen in lab experiments. Disposable nitrile gloves, lab coats, and—especially with powders—a fitted mask make sense. Dust in the air is a sneaky hazard. In small, drafty rooms it floats for a long time. Fume hoods or local extraction fans deal with the issue before a whiff becomes a headache.
Spills in the lab aren’t rare, but the way we react shapes the outcome. For something this potent, blotting with dry wipes and brushing into a waste container keeps fibers and particles from floating up. In my early days, we skipped this and ended up with bright stains on shoes and desktops for months. Soap and water follow-up handles any tiny traces left behind. Used wipes, gloves, and rags go straight into a sealed chemical waste bin.
Long days can tempt anyone to cut corners, but letting a container of Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine sit open or picking up dust with bare hands often has ripple effects: a small asthma attack, skin itching, or worse yet, lab-wide contamination. Rubber-sealed lids, reminder labels, and regular stock checks keep things running smooth. In places with stricter safety codes, a designated chemical manager tracks expiry dates and disposal schedules—no expired solids left to mystery fate.
Updating handling protocols never hurts. New team members shouldn’t have to guess whether eye protection counts for specialty chemicals. Labs I trust keep chemical safety sheets right above the storage shelves. Training workshops show everyone, especially students, what happens to gloves, glassware, or clothes after a close call. Clear routines become a habit rather than a hassle, and everyone takes pride in returning bottles clean and intact.
Dipyrido[3,2-A:2',3'-C]Phenazine deserves respect, not fear. Simple but firm storage—cool, dark, and dry—keeps the material stable. Handling with gloves and masks nips many accidents in the bud. Being quick to clean up spills and sticking with habits that protect the whole lab makes a difference. Every time things run by the book, experience wins out and everyone goes home healthy.
In college research days, I got my hands dirty with more chemical stocks than I'd cooked real meals. One thing jumped out: You get nowhere in organic synthesis or bioassay work unless you know if your compound wants to hang in water or hide out in organics. Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, often popping up in DNA-binding research and photo-physical studies, looks impressive with all those rings stuck together. Loving aromatic structure signals one thing—water isn’t its best friend.
Straight from the bottle, dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine looks pretty, deep yellow solid. Now, you dunk it in water, expecting it to break in—nope. That structure packs planarity and a whole lot of pi-stacking, meaning the molecules love to sit on each other more than float around in H2O. A published study in the Journal of Organic Chemistry describes those planar aromatic compounds as practically insoluble in water. My bench test confirmed it: stir all you want, you’ll barely get a haze, not real dissolution.
Hand me a vial of DMSO or DMF, though, and the powder vanishes right in. This fits with decades of data on planar, conjugated systems. Even plain old ethanol or acetonitrile works in a pinch. Organic chemists lean heavy on polar aprotic solvents because you don’t want your valuable dye or probe clumping at the bottom. Google Scholar pours out plenty of papers backing this up: organic solvents turn dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine from a stubborn solid into a solution on demand.
The moment researchers want to use dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine in biological systems, this hydrophobic character gets tricky. Wanting to target DNA or use it in live cell stains, but not being able to dissolve it in aqueous buffers, can stall projects. It creates a split: do you force solubility with a cosolvent like DMSO, risking cell toxicity, or try to tweak the structure? Both routes crop up in research circles. For some, it’s about adding little charged groups (sulfonates, carboxylates) to the backbone, borrowing tricks from drug design to nudge water in the right direction.
Dye chemistry deals with this problem every day. It isn’t only about what you can dissolve; it changes performance, how you store it, and even how you measure concentration. Scratching out a quick calculation by UV-Vis? You’ll want a precise solvent—organic, not aqueous—so you don’t misjudge how much of that sharp yellow signal comes from floating molecules versus stubborn clumps.
For anyone starting with dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, skip the wishful thinking about water. Go straight to DMSO, DMF, or acetonitrile. For biological work, gradient dilution—tiny amount in DMSO topped off with buffer—sometimes walks the tightrope. There are groups engineering derivatives that tag on hydrophilic handles, and those sometimes pay off, boosting solubility and opening new research doors.
Understanding a molecule's stubborn nature up front saves time and funds. Students, researchers, anyone running an experiment deserves the truth: this compound belongs to that classic aromatic family where organic solvents are king. Bring it into your workflow with that in mind, and things run smoother, projects jump fewer hurdles, and results tell a clearer story.
Ask anyone who’s handled aromatic nitrogen compounds in a research lab: things don’t always stay nice and tidy. Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, sometimes shortened to DPPZ, is a staple in some chemistry and biochemistry labs, especially those focused on DNA binding agents or photochemistry. True, it doesn’t hit the headlines like big-name toxins, but its risks sit on the radar of safety officers for a reason.
DPPZ won’t make most chemical hazard lists right away. Available research and safety data sheets point to moderate acute toxicity and the need for careful handling. I remember talking shop with analytical chemists who all agreed: a little complacency introduces big trouble over time. DPPZ may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract. Though it isn’t flagged as a carcinogen or highly poisonous, its similarity to other polycyclic aromatic compounds means researchers should keep an eye on exposure routes, especially since accidental splashes or inhalation of dust aren’t unheard of.
If you ever tried weighing or diluting DPPZ, you’d understand why ventilation matters. Airborne dust floats up, and, unlike more benign substances, you don’t want to be the person sneezing yellow powder all day. Current data suggests chronic toxicity is low, but a track record of safety incidents remains scanty due to this chemical’s low industrial profile. That sometimes leads to a dangerous sense of security. I’ve learned that even mildly irritating compounds create long-term problems if you ignore standard lab habits.
DPPZ’s environmental impact doesn’t draw much attention in mainstream literature. Yet, most derivatives carry warnings about aquatic toxicity. It feels tempting to wash small residues down the drain during clean-up, especially after a long day running spectroscopic tests. This shortcut just threatens water systems. Over time, persistent organics like DPPZ accumulate, possibly harming algae, aquatic insects, or fish.
Disposal routines stay simple if you follow hazardous organic waste guidelines. Collect solid and diluted liquid residues in marked containers. Most university labs and chemical suppliers now offer take-back systems or approved disposal channels that align with national waste laws. Scraps of practicality like this came from hard lessons after too many accidental chemical releases.
It’s easy to treat every chemical like the last, but the smartest users build habits around specifics. I’ve learned to check up-to-date safety data sheet (SDS) records each semester, since manufacturers revise recommendations as more studies emerge. Gloves, snug lab coats, and safety glasses stop splashes and stains. Fume hoods make air quality reliable. Those rules felt fussy as a student, but I can’t count the number of minor burns and stains dodged by wearing gear that fit well.
Spills still happen. Keeping absorbent pads and neutralization agents nearby saves hassle and embarrassment. If DPPZ lands on your skin, rinse with running water and report it. Underestimating small spills or mild irritation just breeds complacency with chemicals that don’t shout danger but don’t forgive sloppiness either.
Science asks for a little respect along with curiosity. Letting safety routines slide around compounds like Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine underestimates their potential. Upcoming chemists and techs deserve updated safety walkthroughs, so they see practical risks upfront. As the world turns toward new bioactive molecules, building a lab culture where safety blends into daily routines always beats playing catch-up after an avoidable accident.
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| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine |
| Other names |
DPPZ DIPYRIDOPHENAZINE |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˌpɪrɪdoʊ ˌθriː tuː eɪ ˈtuː θriː siː ˈfɛnəziːn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 2050-86-0 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3DModel: C1=CC2=NC3=NC=CC=C3C4=CC=NC=C4N2C=C1` |
| Beilstein Reference | 185918 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:75918 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2016786 |
| ChemSpider | 205823 |
| DrugBank | DB11648 |
| ECHA InfoCard | echa.echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/infocards/100.007.728 |
| EC Number | 211-986-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 119492 |
| KEGG | C11392 |
| MeSH | D03.438.221.173.730 |
| PubChem CID | 71100 |
| RTECS number | SK0650000 |
| UNII | UMD15A1JZZ |
| UN number | Not regulated |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID5030677 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H10N4 |
| Molar mass | 394.397 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellow powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.48 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 1.92 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.29E-11 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 5.57 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 1.33 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Diamagnetic |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.859 |
| Dipole moment | 4.49 Debye |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 229.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | 120.8 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | S01XA22 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | C1=CC2=NC3=CC=CC=C3N=C2C4=CC=CC=C41 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302 + H312 + H332: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P333+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | NFPA 704: 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 325.7 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >2,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| PEL (Permissible) | No PEL established. |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m3 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not Listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Phenazine 1,10-Phenanthroline Diquat Ethidium bromide |
