PG 36 – phthalo green YS

Great lightfastness it is always used with extenders and fillers to make it more workable

Manufacturer/ product code:  Kremer / 23010
Chemical Description: bromated and chlorinated copper phthalocyanine
Color: green
Color Index: PG 36
Date:  from 1957

PG 36, known as Phthalo Green YS (Yellow Shade), is a synthetic organic pigment belonging to the phthalocyanine family, one of the most important classes of modern green pigments. Introduced in the mid-20th century, PG 36 is a copper phthalocyanine derivative modified to produce a yellowish-green hue, distinct from the cooler blue-green of Phthalo Green BS. It is characterized by its intense color, high tinting strength, excellent transparency, and remarkable chemical and lightfastness.

Chemically, PG 36 is a macrocyclic copper complex with extensive conjugation, which provides both its brilliant chroma and exceptional stability. It is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, heat, and UV exposure, making it ideal for demanding applications in oil, acrylic, tempera, plastics, and industrial coatings. Its strong tinting power and transparency allow for nuanced mixtures and glazing, enabling artists to produce a wide range of green tones.

From a conservation perspective, PG 36 is extremely durable and generally does not fade or discolor under normal conditions. Its copper content allows for elemental detection via XRF, though detailed identification of the phthalocyanine structure requires molecular methods such as Raman spectroscopy or UV–Vis analysis. The presence of PG 36 in an artwork or industrial object is indicative of mid-20th-century or later materials, reflecting the modern shift toward synthetic, highly stable pigments with vibrant, controllable colors and exceptional longevity.