Description; General description; 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) is an histochemical phosphatase stain.[1]; Application; 5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate p-toluidine salt has been used in in situ hybridization.[3]; For the colorimetric detection of alkaline phosphatase-labeled molecules, 5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) and Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) are available. The BCIP/NBT substrate system is versatile and functions in a variety of applications, including Northern Southern, and Western blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. BCIP is provided in two salt forms: the disodium salt which is soluble in water and the p-toluidine form which is soluble in dimethylformamide. These salt forms may be used to prepare a stock solution that in combination with NBT and a reaction buffer, form a substrate solution for alkaline phosphatase. This substrate system, when incubated with alkaline phosphatase, produces an insoluble NBT diformazan product that is easily observable with its purple color. For added convenience, a mixture of BCIP and NBT is provided in an easily dissolvable tablet form or as a ready-to-use liquid.; Biochem/physiol Actions; 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP) can be used to visualize the phosphatase activity.[1] It can be used as a substrate to monitor secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase activity in solution.[2]; Packaging; Bottomless glass bottle. Contents are inside inserted fused cone.; Substrates; Histochemical substrate for alkaline phosphatase.; Legal Information; BCIP is a registered trademark of Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC