---
title: Oxidase reagent
description: "Oxidase reagent consists of either N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride or p-aminodimethylaniline in distilled water. The chemical serves as the artificial final electron acceptor from the [terminal cytochrome oxidase](https://vumicro.com/docs/oxidase-test/), turning from clear to purple/indigo blue when reduced by the added electrons. Bacteria lacking…"
url: "https://vumicro.com/es/docs/oxidase-reagent/"
updated: "2022-06-17"
category: Reference Library / Reagents, Chemicals, Stains
---

# Oxidase reagent

Oxidase reagent consists of either N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride or p-aminodimethylaniline in distilled water.

The chemical serves as the artificial final electron acceptor from the [terminal cytochrome oxidase](https://vumicro.com/docs/oxidase-test/), turning from clear to purple/indigo blue when reduced by the added electrons. Bacteria lacking cytochrome oxidase cannot add electrons to this chemical, and their colonies do not change color.  For the software, the [oxidase test](https://vumicro.com/docs/oxidase-test/) is performed using paper strips impregnated with the reagent.

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