What is the oxidizing agent and mordant used in Heidenhain's Hematoxylin?

Heidenhain's Hematoxylin is a staining procedure that employs ferric ammonium sulfate as both the oxidizing agent and the mordant. The role of the oxidizing agent is crucial for converting hematoxylin into its active form, hematein, which is necessary for staining tissues effectively. As a mordant, ferric ammonium sulfate helps to form a complex with the dye, enhancing its binding to specific cellular components within the tissue.

This staining technique is primarily used for histological studies, where the visualization of cellular structures is essential. The ability to stain tissue sections accurately relies on both the oxidation process and the mordanting effect, making ferric ammonium sulfate an integral part of the Heidenhain's Hematoxylin protocol. In contrast, the other substances listed, such as silver nitrate and osmic acid, serve different purposes in histopathology and are not utilized in this specific staining methodology.