Crystal violet
Description
A dark green, metallic powder that forms a deep violet aqueous solution. Gentian violet is a synthetic triphenylmethane dye that was first synthesized in 1883 by Alfred Kern, a Swiss chemist. It was initially used as a biological stain for bacteria. Later the deep purple color use used by the dye and textile industry under the name crystal violet. Gentian violet is also used in blue-black ballpoint inks, typewriter ribbons, printing inks, and as an acid-base indicator. The color is chemically sensitive and prolonged exposure to light, acidic environments, or strong oxidizers will cause fading or color shifts. Because of its high toxicity, Gentian violet has also been used as an antiseptic and vermicide.
Synonyms and Related Terms
hexamethyl-p-rosaniline chloride; aniline violet; crystal violet; CI 42555; Pigment Violet 3; Basic Violet 3; Solvent Violet 9; Pigment Violet 39 (phosphomolybdic salt); violeta genciana (Esp.); violeta de genciana (Port.)
Risks
- Toxic by ingestion (1 ounce may be lethal).
- Inhalation and contact cause irritation.
- CDH Fine Chemicals: SDS
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Soluble in water, chloroform. Lightly soluble in ethanol, glycerol.
- Insoluble in ether.
- pH indicator: <1=yellow, 1-2=green, >2 = violet
- Composition = C25H30ClN3 (mol. wt. = 408 g/mol.)
- CAS = 548-62-9
- Melting Point = 215 C
Resources and Citations
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 4401; CAS=8004-87-3
- Colour Index International online at www.colour-index.org Comment: CAS=548-62-9
- Sigma Dyes, Stains and Natural Pigments, Infrared Library, Nicolet, 1991-1995 Comment: OMNIC: formula= C25H30ClN3, CAS= 548-62-9
- Wikipedia: Crystal violet Accessed Feb 2026
- CHSOS: Spectra (Reflectance, Raman, FTIR) for Gentian violet