Dithizone is a sulfur-containing organic compound. It is a good ligand, and forms complexes with many metals such as lead and mercury. Dithizone may be prepared by reacting phenylhydrazine with carbon disulfide, followed by reaction with potassium hydroxide.

Application

Dithizone is used to assess the purity of human pancreatic islet preparations used for transplantation into patients with type 1 diabetes. Dithizone binds zinc ions present in the islet's beta cells, and therefore stains the islets red.

Technical Specification