Crystal violet is a triarylmethane dye used in microbiology as a stain for bacterial cells. It binds to the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall and stains it purple.
| IUPAC Name | 3-(dimethylamino)phenylmethyl]dimethylazanium |
| Molecular Formula | C25H30ClN3 |
| CAS Number | 548-62-9 |
| Synonyms | Gentian violet, Methyl violet 10B, Basic violet 3, Hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride, Crystal scarlet, Green victor, New fuchsin |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C25H30N3.ClH/c1-26(2)21-13-7-19(8-14-21)25(20-9-15-22(16-10-20)27(3)4)23-17-11-18(12-24(23)26)28(5)6;/h7-17H,1-6H3;1H/q+1;/p-1 |
Crystal violet molar mass
The molar mass of Gentian violet is 407.9 g/mol. Molar mass is the mass of a substance in one mole of that substance. In other words, it is the mass of one mole of a substance. Molar mass is a crucial factor in determining the amount of a substance required to make a specific concentration solution. The molar mass of Gentian violet is essential in determining its concentration in solution and in calculating its stoichiometry.
Crystal violet boiling point
The boiling point of Gentian violet is 424 °C. Boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure. At this point, the liquid changes into the gaseous state. The boiling point is an important physical property that is used to characterize a substance. The boiling point of Gentian violet is relatively high, which makes it useful in applications that require high-temperature stability.
Crystal violet melting point
The melting point of Gentian violet is 212 °C. Melting point is the temperature at which a solid substance changes into a liquid state. The melting point of a substance is dependent on its molecular structure, and it is used to identify and characterize a substance. The melting point of Gentian violet is relatively high, which indicates that it is a stable solid at high temperatures.
Crystal violet density g/ml
The density of Gentian violet is 1.1 g/ml. Density is the measure of mass per unit volume of a substance. The density of a substance is used to determine the amount of substance present in a given volume. The density of Gentian violet is relatively high, which indicates that it is a relatively dense substance. This physical property of Crystal violet is essential in determining its behavior in solutions, such as its ability to sink or float.
Crystal violet molecular weight
The molecular weight of Gentian violet is 407.9 g/mol. The molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. It is an important property that is used to identify and characterize a substance. The molecular weight of Gentian violet is crucial in determining its concentration in solution and in calculating its stoichiometry.
Crystal violet Structure
Gentian violet is a triarylmethane dye that has a three-dimensional structure. It consists of three aromatic rings that are linked by a central carbon atom. Gentian violet has a highly conjugated system of double bonds, which gives it its characteristic deep purple color. The molecule also contains two positively charged nitrogen atoms, which make it highly water-soluble. The structural features of Gentian violet make it a useful dye in biological and microbiological applications.
Crystal violet formula
The chemical formula of Gentian violet is C25H30ClN3. The formula indicates the number and type of atoms that make up the molecule. The formula of Gentian violet is essential in determining its chemical properties, such as its reactivity and solubility. It is also used to calculate its stoichiometry and determine its concentration in solution.
| Appearance | Dark purple powder |
| Specific Gravity | 1.1 g/cm3 |
| Color | Deep purple |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 407.9 g/mol |
| Density | 1.1 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 212 °C |
| Boiling Point | 424 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, acetone, and ether |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| pKa | 8 |
| pH | 6.0 – 8.0 |
Crystal Violet Safety and Hazards
Gentian violet is a hazardous substance and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation of its dust or mist can cause lung irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to Gentian violet may lead to the development of asthma or other respiratory problems. Ingestion of Gentian violet may result in gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It is also a potential carcinogen and should be used in a well-ventilated area while wearing appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and a respiratory mask. Proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures should be followed to avoid potential hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | Xi (Irritant) |
| Safety Description | S22: Do not breathe dust. S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S36: Wear suitable protective clothing. |
| UN IDs | UN2811 |
| HS Code | 29214200 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic Substances) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | LD50 (rat, oral) = 300 mg/kg, LC50 (rat, inhalation) = 6.7 mg/L (4 hours) |
Crystal Violet Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize Gentian violet, also known as gentian violet.
One method involves the reaction of dimethylaminobenzaldehyde with diethyl malonate in the presence of sodium ethoxide to yield the intermediate compound, followed by condensation with dimethylaniline in the presence of zinc chloride and subsequent oxidation with potassium permanganate to yield the final product.
In another method, To facilitate the reaction between p-toluidine and p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, the chemist uses acetic acid, which forms an intermediate compound. Then, the chemist adds sodium ethoxide to condense the intermediate compound with diethyl malonate. The resulting compound is subsequently oxidized with potassium permanganate, resulting in the synthesis of Gentian violet.
In the third method,the chemist reacts 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde with ethyl acetoacetate in the presence of ammonium acetate to form an intermediate compound. Next, the chemist uses zinc chloride to condense the intermediate with dimethylaniline. Finally, the chemist oxidizes the resulting compound with potassium permanganate to produce Gentian violet.
Overall, the synthesis of Gentian violet requires careful control of reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, and reaction time to yield high purity and yield of the final product.
Crystal Violet Uses
Gentian violet has several applications in various industries. Here are some of its uses:
- Histological Staining: Used as a stain in histology to visualize cells and tissues under the microscope.
- Microbial Staining: Used to stain bacteria and fungi, allowing them to be visualized under the microscope.
- Dyeing Textiles: Used in the textile industry as a dye for silk, wool, and other fabrics.
- Antifungal Agent: Used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm.
- Disinfectant: Used as a disinfectant in the medical industry due to its ability to kill bacteria and fungi.
- Photographic Film: Used in the production of photographic film as a sensitizing agent.
- Biological Research: Used in biological research as a tool to study cellular processes and as a marker for gene expression.
- Ink: Used as a component in fountain pen ink, as it produces a vivid purple color.
Overall, Gentian violet’s diverse properties make it a valuable tool in many industries, including histology, microbiology, textile, medical, and biological research.
Questions:
Q: What is crystal violet used for?
A: Crystal violet has several applications in various industries, including as a histological and microbial stain, dye for textiles, antifungal agent, disinfectant, sensitizing agent in photographic film, and marker in biological research.
Q: Would removing bile salts and/or crystal violet from MacConkey agar affect its selectivity or specificity?
A: Yes, removing either bile salts or gentian violet from MacConkey agar would affect its selectivity and specificity. Bile salts and gentian violet are added to MacConkey agar to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and select Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Enterobacteriaceae. Removing either of these components would alter the agar’s ability to select for these specific bacteria and could lead to false-positive or false-negative results.