CAS Number: 60-10-6
Linear Formula: C6H5NHNHCSN=NC6H5
Molecular Weight: 256.33
IUPAC Name: (1E)-3-anilino-1-phenylimino-thiourea
Other Names: Diphenylthiocarbazone, 1,5-Diphenylthiocarbazone
Dithizone is a sulfur-containing organic compound. It is a good ligand, and forms complexes with many metals such as lead and mercury.
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. Exocrine tissue also present in the preparations does not bind dithizone, and is therefore not stained.
