25 g avertin (2, 2, 2-Tribromoethanol) [Sigma-Aldrich, #T4, 840-2]
15.5 ml tert-amyl alcohol (2-methyl-2-butanol) [Fisher, #A730-1]
Mix at room temperature for ~12 h in a dark bottle (the bottle that the avertin comes in works well). Stock solution can be stored at room temperature for up to one year.
0.5 ml Avertin stock
39.5 ml 0.9% saline
Mix in an airtight dark or foil covered container. Filter the solution though a 0.2 micron filter into a dark or foil covered container and store at 4° C. The working solution should be replaced each month.
Caution—Avertin is hygroscopic and subject to photo degradation. The degradation products are lethal. Always store in the dark at 4ºC or prepare fresh before use. Never use a solution that is yellow or contains a precipitate because this indicates that oxidation has occurred. Usage:
Dosage is 250-500 mg/kg (0.25-0.5 mg/g) given intraperitoneally (IP) in mice. Avertin is lipid soluble so fat mice may require a larger dose.
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