Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Crystal Violet

Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry

Also known as: Gentian Violet, Hexamethylpararosaniline chloride

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Crystal violet is a basic triphenylmethane dye closely related to methyl violet, used extensively in histology as a nuclear and bacterial stain. The 1930s encyclopedia entry details its chemical properties, color reactions, and specific preparation methods for staining mitochondria.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

CRYSTALLVIOLETT (crystal violet), a basic triphenylmethane dye, close to methyl violet.

Crystal Violet: figure 1 from the 1928–1936 encyclopedia article

(CH3)2N - C6H4 - C = C6H4 = N(CH3)2Cl \ N(CH3)2. Blue-violet crystals with a bronze luster, easily soluble with their color in water and alcohol. Upon the addition of hydrochloric acid, the aqueous solution successively turns blue, green, and yellow. With sodium hydroxide, it gives a violet precipitate. A good nuclear and bacterial stain. It is especially widely used for staining mitochondria. Preparation of the solution: crystal violet - 0.3 g, 70% alcohol - 100 g, aniline water - 100 g (Benda).

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Cite this page

“Crystal Violet.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/crystal-violet/