Azo Red: Spectroscopic Analysis Techniques Explained

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PR 144 – azo red

This page presents the Spectroscopic analysis of this pigment.
The pigment has been examined using XRF spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and Reflectance Spectroscopy. These complementary techniques provide valuable insights into the pigment’s composition and structure.
This page aims to show which analytical methods are most effective for identifying this pigment in artworks and historical materials. By comparing results across different techniques, it serves as a practical reference for Heritage Science, Conservation, and Pigment Analysis.

Manufacturer/ product code: Kremer / 23293
Chemical Description: disazo condensation
Color: red
Color Index: PR 144
Date: —

PR 144 – Azo Red is a synthetic organic pigment belonging to the disazo family, widely used for its strong coloring power, balanced red hue, and good overall stability. Developed as part of the large azo pigment group in the 20th century, PR 144 reflects the industrial drive toward affordable, high-performance reds capable of replacing more expensive or less stable traditional pigments.

Chromatically, PR 144 is a deep, slightly bluish red, often described as a ruby or carmine-leaning red depending on formulation and particle size. It offers good opacity to semi-opacity, making it suitable for solid color applications as well as controlled mixtures. Compared to quinacridone reds, PR 144 is generally less transparent but provides excellent coverage and saturation, especially useful in mass-tone applications. In mixing, it performs well with warm yellows and earth pigments to create robust oranges, browns, and muted flesh tones.

Technically, PR 144 is appreciated for its good lightfastness, thermal stability, and resistance to chemicals, particularly in industrial contexts. While its permanence in fine art paints is generally rated as good, it is most commonly encountered in printing inks, plastics, coatings, and automotive finishes, where durability and cost-efficiency are essential.