The metallochromic indicator dye Arsenazo III forms 1:1 complexes with caffeine.

The metallochromic indicator dye, Arsenazo III, forms a 1:1 complex with caffeine, a methylxanthine. Binding is accompanied by a wavelength-dependent shift in the absorption spectrum of the dye. The magnitude of the absorption change is significant at wavelengths typically used to monitor intracellular calcium ion. The equilibrium constant for the caffeine-dye reaction is approx. 20 mM. The complex has a differential molar extinction coefficient of -5.05 X 10(3) M-1 X cm-1 at 630 nm.