Methylene blue, a redox reaction indicator

A 1% solution of alcoholic methylene blue serves the purpose for a redox test.
Normally in its normal form (slightly oxidized by atmospheric oxygen) it has a marine blue colour

And has the following molecular structure: *note the positive charge

Methylene blue, a redox reaction indicator

Oxydation
In the presence of an oxidative agent it is oxidized at the quaternal nitrogen bound to the 2 methyl
groups; it loses a methyl group but it still retains its positive charge. It can be oxidized until no
methyl groups are bound to the lateral nitrogen atoms (but still retaining a positive charge). As it
loses methyl groups it also changes colour to a violet to violet-pink.

This makes it a good solution for easy determination of an oxidizing agent

*experiments with MnO2 did not show any oxidizing properties ( the time of exposure was only 1 min; it
was compared to the time necessary for KNO3 or KClO3 to oxidize the solution) In the picture
oxidation in the presence of air and sunlight

Methylene blue, a redox reaction indicator

Reduction
In the presence of a reducing agent (e.g. Glucose) it turns from the marine blue to a colorless
solution; which is very sensible to atmospheric O2, O2 oxidizes it back to marine blue upon
shaking the vial.

In its reduced form it loses its positive charge this corresponding with the solution turning
colourless.

Conclusion
The 1% solution serves as a good redox indicator for most purposes but it still needs more testing
regarding its sensitivity.