Histochemical Use of the Cyanocarbon Organic Compounds

Abstract

MEMBERS of the new group of organic compounds called ‘cyanocarbons’¹ appear worthy of investigation as histochemical localization reagents on the basis of preliminary studies made with one of the series, tetracyanoethylene. These compounds are chemically quite active and will take part in a large number of organic reactions.^1–4 For example, tetracyanoethylene may, in proper circumstances, react through additions to its double bonding with such radicals as dienes, ketones and hydrogen, and through replacement of cyano groups, it will react with the alkoxy, hydroxy, and aminoaryl radicals. The products of many such reactions are coloured. Tetracyanoethylene produces an intense yellow colour with benzene, orange with toluene, and red with xylene. Reactions with certain amines will produce 4-tricyanovinylamines, a class of brilliant orange to blue dyes.