PR 177 – anthraquinone red

One of the first synthetic dyes was used to replace natural madder lake

Manufacturer/ product code:  Kremer / 23230
Chemical Description:  anthraquinone
Color: red
Color Index: PR 177
Date:  1913

PR 177 – Anthraquinone Red is a synthetic organic pigment belonging to the anthraquinone family, a class of pigments renowned for their strong color intensity, chemical stability, and lightfastness. Characterized by its deep, bluish-red hue, PR 177 occupies a position between traditional cadmium reds and quinacridone reds in terms of chromatic warmth and saturation, offering a versatile option for both fine arts and industrial applications.

Chemically, PR 177 is derived from anthraquinone, a structure based on the anthracene molecule with two keto groups, which imparts exceptional thermal and chemical stability. Its molecular structure provides resistance to solvents, alkalis, and mild acids, making it suitable for high-performance coatings, printing inks, plastics, and automotive paints. The pigment’s inherent stability also ensures excellent permanence in artistic media such as oil, acrylic, and watercolor.

In addition to its durability, PR 177 demonstrates moderate to strong tinting strength and transparency, which allows for subtle layering and glazing effects in painting. Its chromatic depth can be finely tuned by blending with other reds, blues, or earth tones, providing artists and designers with a flexible tool for achieving nuanced color effects.

Overall, PR 177 – Anthraquinone Red combines vibrant hue, chemical resilience, and artistic versatility, making it a valuable pigment in both contemporary art and industrial applications. Its rich, sophisticated red appeals to those seeking a stable, high-performance pigment with both aesthetic and functional qualities.