Ruthenium hexammine trichloride, [Ru(NH3)6]Cl3, is a cationic ruthenium(III) coordination complex used as an electron microscopy stain. In proteoglycan-rich tissues, ruthenium hexammine trichloride (RHT) can help retain anionic extracellular matrix components that may otherwise be extracted during aqueous fixation and processing.
CAS: 14282-91-8 | Molecular formula: Ru(NH3)6Cl3 | Molecular weight: 309.61 g/mol
Related names: Hexaammineruthenium(III) chloride; RHT; RuHex.
In cartilage fixation, RHT has been used with glutaraldehyde to reduce proteoglycan extraction and preserve pericellular matrix ultrastructure. The hexaammineruthenium(III) cation is also used in electrochemical research as an outer-sphere redox probe.
Key Properties
- Cationic ruthenium(III) coordination complex
- Electron microscopy stain
- CAS: 14282-91-8
- Molecular formula: Ru(NH3)6Cl3
- Molecular weight: 309.61 g/mol
- Physical state: solid
- Common abbreviations: RHT and RuHex
- Package size: 1 g
- Storage: 4°C
Applications
Electron Microscopy of Proteoglycan-Rich Matrices
RHT is used in electron microscopy methods for visualization and preservation of proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrices. Its cationic character supports interaction with anionic matrix components, including glycosaminoglycan-containing proteoglycans.
Cartilage Ultrastructure
In cartilage fixation methods, RHT can reduce aqueous extraction of pericellular proteoglycans. When combined with glutaraldehyde in established protocols, it has also been used to preserve the association between the chondrocyte plasma membrane and surrounding pericellular matrix.
For related electron microscopy fixation workflows, see Glutaraldehyde, EM Grade, 8%.
Electrochemical Research
The hexaammineruthenium(III) cation, commonly abbreviated RuHex, is used as an outer-sphere redox probe in electrochemical characterization of electrode materials. Experimental conditions such as RuHex concentration, supporting electrolyte, electrode material, and scan rate are selected according to the electrochemical method.
Electron Microscopy Considerations
- RHT is a cationic reagent used to retain and visualize anionic components of proteoglycan-rich matrices
- Cartilage fixation methods commonly combine RHT with glutaraldehyde
- RHT concentration, buffer composition, pH, fixation sequence, and specimen type are method-dependent
- RHT and ruthenium tetroxide are chemically distinct reagents with different microscopy applications
For a different ruthenium-based electron microscopy reagent, see Ruthenium Tetroxide, 0.5% Stabilized Aqueous Solution.
Application Tips
- Use RHT concentrations and fixation conditions established for the specimen and microscopy method
- When using RHT with glutaraldehyde, maintain consistent fixative composition, buffer, pH, and treatment sequence across specimens
- For proteoglycan localization studies, minimize procedural differences that could alter extraction or redistribution of anionic matrix components
- For electrochemical measurements, control RuHex concentration, supporting electrolyte, reference electrode, and scan conditions
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C
- Keep cool in a well-ventilated location
- Avoid breathing dust
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection during handling
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
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FAQ
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1. What is ruthenium hexammine trichloride?
Ruthenium hexammine trichloride is a cationic ruthenium(III) coordination complex with the formula Ru(NH3)6Cl3. It is used as an electron microscopy stain, particularly in methods involving proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrices.
2. What is RuHex?
RuHex is common shorthand for the hexaammineruthenium(III) cation, [Ru(NH3)6]3+. Ruthenium hexammine trichloride is the chloride salt containing this cation.
3. Why is “hexammine” used instead of “hexamine”?
In coordination chemistry, ammine denotes an ammonia ligand bound to a metal center. Ruthenium hexammine therefore refers to a ruthenium complex containing six coordinated NH3 ligands.
4. What is RHT used for in electron microscopy?
RHT is used to retain and visualize anionic components of proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrices during electron microscopy specimen preparation.
5. How is RHT used in cartilage fixation?
RHT has been used with glutaraldehyde to reduce extraction of pericellular proteoglycans and preserve cartilage ultrastructure during fixation. Fixative composition and treatment conditions should follow the established protocol for the specimen being studied.
6. Is RuHex used in electrochemistry?
Yes. The hexaammineruthenium(III) cation is commonly used as an outer-sphere redox probe in electrochemical studies of electrode materials.
7. Is ruthenium hexammine trichloride the same as ruthenium tetroxide?
No. Ruthenium hexammine trichloride, Ru(NH3)6Cl3, and ruthenium tetroxide, RuO4, are chemically distinct compounds used in different microscopy methods. See Ruthenium Tetroxide, 0.5% Stabilized Aqueous Solution.
8. What is the molecular weight of ruthenium hexammine trichloride?
The molecular weight is 309.61 g/mol.
9. How should ruthenium hexammine trichloride be stored?
Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location.
10. What package size is available?
Available in a 1 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Ruthenium hexammine trichloride is harmful if inhaled and can cause skin and eye irritation. Use adequate ventilation, protective gloves, and eye protection during handling. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling and safety information, the Product Specification for current product specifications, and the Histology Guide for related microscopy reagents and workflows.
