For the last several years our research group has concentrated some effort on the xanthene dyes, in particular Rose Bengal. Rose Bengal, 2,4,5,7-tetraiodo-3,'4',5',6'- tetrachlorofluorescein3, was originally synthesized by Gnehm4 as a fabric dye to mimic the red colors in "bengalis"5. Its name is connected to the red symbolic spot worn at the part of the hair by Bengali women to symbolize marriage. Much of the history of Rose Bengal has been reviewed elsewhere7,8.
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