Gentian Violet Crystals

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Gentian Violet Crystals is a dark purple crystalline powder known chemically as Hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride. It is a synthetic triphenylmethane dye historically used for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. The “80” typically refers to the dye strength or concentration. Gentian Violet exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used in medical, veterinary, microbiological, histological, cosmetic, and industrial applications. It functions by disrupting bacterial and fungal cell membranes and inhibiting DNA replication. Despite reduced use in some areas due to safety concerns, it remains valuable in certain low-cost, traditional, and veterinary applications.

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Category: Antiseptics and Disinfectants Tags: Antifungal Agent, Antiseptic Dye, Bactericidal Dye, Gentian Violet, Gentian Violet Crystals, Purple Dye

Description

Table of Contents

Gentian Violet Crystals

Primary Uses

Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Topical antiseptic: Used to treat minor cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin infections such as impetigo or infected eczema.
Antifungal agent: Effective against Candida albicans, used in treatment of oral thrush (candidiasis) and vaginal yeast infections.
Antibacterial: Applied for wound care in resource-limited settings; used on umbilical cords in neonatal care in some countries.
Dermatology: Occasionally used in the treatment of skin conditions like intertrigo, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
Veterinary use: Applied as a topical treatment for hoof rot, wounds, and fungal infections in livestock, poultry, and pets.

Microbiology and Laboratory Use

Staining agent: Used in Gram staining procedures for bacterial classification (Gram-positive bacteria retain the dye).
Cell viability assays: Used to differentiate viable from nonviable cells in microbiological studies.
Culture media additive: Inhibits unwanted microbial growth in selective media.

Histology and Cytology

Nuclear stain: Used for visualizing cell structures under the microscope, especially in hematological and cytogenetic studies.
Mast cell staining: Useful in identifying mast cells in tissue sections.
Microorganism identification: Helps highlight fungi and some protozoa in histological sections.

Veterinary and Agricultural Use

Used to treat bacterial and fungal infections in animals, especially on skin and hooves.
Employed in fish farming to treat superficial fungal infections on fish skin and gills (though use is regulated in some regions).
Disinfectant for animal housing and tools.

Textile and Ink Industry

Formerly used as a dye for cotton, silk, wool, and leather, though less common today due to synthetic alternatives and safety concerns.
Used in the formulation of inks, markers, and carbon papers.

Secondary Uses

Forensic Science and Crime Labs

Employed in latent fingerprint detection and blood enhancement techniques on various surfaces.

Religious and Cultural Practices

Occasionally used to mark the skin in traditional healing and religious rituals in some cultures.

Tattoo Industry

Used in stencil transfer solutions for temporary skin marking before tattooing.

Research and Experimental

Used in mutagenicity testing due to its ability to intercalate into DNA.
Studied for anti-parasitic and antitumor activity in experimental settings.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): [4-[Bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]methylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]dimethylammonium chloride
Common/Trade Name: Gentian Violet 80 Crystals
CAS Number: 548-62-9
HS Code: 3204.13 (Synthetic organic coloring matter and preparations based thereon)
Molecular Formula: C25H30ClN3
Molecular Weight: 407.98 g/mol
Synonyms:
- Crystal Violet
- Methyl Violet 10B
- Basic Violet 3
- Hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride
- C.I. 42555

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Crystalline powder
Color & Odor: Deep purple to violet; faint odor
Melting Point: 137–145 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol; forms intensely colored solutions
pH (1% solution): Approx. 3.0–5.0
Stability: Stable under dry conditions; light-sensitive
Dye Strength: 80% (indicates concentration relative to standard)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS):
- H302: Harmful if swallowed
- H315: Causes skin irritation
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation
- H351: Suspected of causing cancer (based on animal studies)
Toxicity: Potential mutagen and carcinogen with prolonged exposure; limited systemic use
Exposure Limits: No official OEL; minimize occupational exposure

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed, light-resistant containers
Container Type: Glass or HDPE containers, UV-protected
Shelf Life: Up to 36 months under proper storage conditions
Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; avoid inhaling dust

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Banned/Restricted Uses: Internal use is restricted in many countries due to genotoxicity concerns
Approved External Use: Allowed for topical use under prescription in some jurisdictions
Listed: In pharmacopeias (e.g., USP, BP) for external medicinal use
Veterinary: Permitted under specific dosage and application guidelines

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Poorly biodegradable; persistent in the environment
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; must not be released into waterways
Bioaccumulation: Low
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Animal studies indicate potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator, protective clothing
Handling Guidelines:
- Use only in well-ventilated areas
- Avoid generating airborne dust
- Prevent environmental release
Storage Measures: Protect from light, moisture, and heat
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating or smoking in the work area

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash immediately with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation occurs
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Not highly flammable, but combustible
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products: May produce nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides