Benzidine
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| Benzidine | |
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| IUPAC name | 4,4'-diaminobiphenyl |
| Other names | Benzidine |
| Molecular formula | C12H12N2 |
| Molar mass | 184.25 |
| CAS number | [] |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Benzidine is the trival name for 4,4'-diaminobiphenyl, a carcinogenic aromatic amine which has been used as part of a test for cyanide and also in the synthesis of dyes. It has been linked to bladder cancer.
In common with benzidine some other aromatic amines such as 2-aminonaphthalene have been withdrawn from use in almost all industries because they are so carcinogenic.
In the past a common test for blood used benzidine but this has largely been replaced by tests using phenolphthalein / hydrogen peroxide and luminol. An enzyme in blood causes the benzidine to be oxidized to a polymer which is blue coloured. The test for cyanide uses similar chemistry to give the blue colour.
Benzidine is a known human carcinogen. [1]
