Bouin solution contains picric acid which hydrolyzes nuclei.

• A. Picric acid
• B. Formaldehyde
• C. Acetic acid
• D. Glutaraldehyde

Answer: (A)

Bouin solution is a three-part fixative used in histology: picric acid, formaldehyde, and acetic acid. The defining component that identifies Bouin’s fixative is picric acid, which provides rapid fixation and helps preserve tissue morphology (and gives the solution its yellow color). The formaldehyde portion cross-links proteins to stabilize structure, while the acetic acid helps maintain nuclei by affecting nuclear detail and preserving nucleic acids. So the component present in Bouin solution is picric acid.