PV 3 – gentian violet

It used to dye fabrics and paper and for printing and ballpoint inks

Manufacturer/ product code:  Dimor
Chemical Description:  synthetic triphenylmethane dye
Color: violet
Color Index: PV 3
Date: 

PV 3 – Gentian Violet is a synthetic organic pigment belonging to the triarylmethane dye family, widely recognized for its deep, bluish-violet hue and historical significance as both a dye and pigment. Chemically, it is a cationic dye (methyl violet type) that, when precipitated as a lake, can be classified as PR/PV 3 in pigment form. Its rich violet coloration and strong staining properties have made it notable in both artistic and industrial contexts, although its lightfastness is limited compared to modern quinacridone or dioxazine pigments.

The molecular structure of Gentian Violet features a central carbon atom bonded to three aromatic rings, with nitrogen substituents that contribute to its chromophore and intense coloration. This structure also imparts strong solubility in polar solvents, while the lake form improves its applicability in opaque media. However, PV 3 is chemically sensitive: prolonged light exposure, acidic environments, or strong oxidizers can lead to significant fading or color shifts.

Historically, Gentian Violet has been used in textiles, inks, paper coloring, and decorative paints. In artistic applications, its use is largely limited to ephemeral materials or decorative coatings due to its fugitive nature. It is sometimes found in historical objects, providing a marker of industrial dye usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

From an analytical standpoint, PV 3 is best identified using UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, or chromatographic techniques, as XRF does not detect organic dyes.