General description

Crystal violet, also known as Basic Violet 3 or Gentian Violet, is a basic, cationic aminoarylmethane dye. It is the N-hexamethylated derivative of pararosaniline and bears a lipophilic cation. It is primarily used in bacteriology and microscopy as the primary stain in Gram staining to classify and distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is indicator grade, exhibiting a color transition from yellow-green in acidic conditions to blue-violet in basic conditions. It also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Biochem/physiol Actions

The antimicrobial properties of crystal violet are due to free radical generation and the formation of unionized dye-bacteria complexes. It inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and cell wall formation and is especially effective against Gram-positive bacteria.

Principle

Gram staining is used to differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall structure. Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker cell wall with more peptidoglycan and less lipid content, while gram-negative bacteria have a thinner cell wall with less peptidoglycan and more lipid content. During the staining process, crystal violet is applied to the bacteria, followed by the iodine to form a complex that fixes the dye. A decolorizer is then used to remove the dye from gram-negative bacteria by dissolving their lipid layer. Gram-positive bacteria retain the dye due to the dehydration and shrinking of their cell walls. A counterstain, such as safranin or basic fuchsin, is applied to impart a pink color to decolorized gram-negative bacteria.

Molecular Weight: 407.98. Empirical Formula: C₂₅H₃₀ClN₃. linearFormula: C₂₅H₃₀N₃Cl. grade: for microscopy (Bact., Bot., Hist., Vit.), indicator (pH 0.1-2.0). Quality Level: 200. form: powder. visual transition interval: 0.1-2.0, yellow-green to blue-violet. mp: 205 . Â°C (dec.) (lit.). density: 1.190 . g/cm³. Îµ (extinction coefficient): ≥. 1750 at 585-595 . nm in water. suitability: suitable for microscopy (Bact., Bot., Hist., Vit.). antibiotic activity spectrum: fungi. application(s): diagnostic assay manufacturing
hematology
histology. Mode of action: cell membrane | interferes, enzyme | inhibits. storage temp.: room temp. SMILES string: [Cl-].CN(C)c1ccc(cc1)\C(c2ccc(cc2)N(C)C): C3/C: C\C(C: C3): [N+](/C)C. InChI: 1S/C25H30N3.ClH/c1-26(2)22-13-7-19(8-14-22)25(20-9-15-23(16-10-20)27(3)4)21-11-17-24(18-12-21)28(5)6. /h7-18H,1-6H3. 1H/q+1. /p-1. InChI key: ZXJXZNDDNMQXFV-UHFFFAOYSA-M. Pictograms: GHS05,GHS07,GHS08,GHS09. Signal Word: Danger. Hazard Statements: H302 - H318 - H341 - H350 - H410. Precautionary Statements: P202 - P273 - P280 - P301 + P312 - P305 + P351 + P338 - P308 + P313. Hazard Classifications: Acute Tox. 4 Oral - Aquatic Acute 1 - Aquatic Chronic 1 - Carc. 1B - Eye Dam. 1 - Muta. 2. Storage Class Code: 6.1C - Combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects. WGK: WGK 3. Flash Point(F): Not applicable. Flash Point(C): Not applicable. Personal Protective Equipment: Eyeshields, Faceshields, Gloves, type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges.