Hansa Yellow 10G: Characteristics and Applications - Cultural Heritage Science Open Source

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PY 3 – hansa yellow 10G

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.

Available to the artists from about 1915, it was the first permanent organic yellow pigment and often replaced the more expensive cadmium yellow. The letter G indicates the amount of toning (Green), which in this greenish-yellow is quite high (10G).

Manufacturer/ product code: Kremer / 23850
Chemical description: monoazo yellow or arylamide yellow- C16H12Cl2N4O4
Color: yellow
Color Index: PY 3
More info:

Fardi, T., Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2018.09.001 “Analytical characterization of artist’s paint systems based on emulsion polymers and synthetic organic pigments”

PY 3 – Hansa Yellow 10G is a synthetic organic pigment belonging to the monoazo family, widely recognized for its bright, clear yellow hue, excellent lightfastness, and chemical stability. Part of the Hansa Yellow series, PY 3 is characterized by a warm, slightly greenish yellow with high chromatic purity, making it a versatile choice for both artistic and industrial applications.

Chemically, PY 3 is based on a monoazo structure, formed by the coupling of a diazonium compound with an aromatic amine. This molecular arrangement produces a stable chromophore, providing excellent resistance to light, heat, and chemical degradation. Its inertness ensures compatibility with a wide range of binders and other pigments, allowing for reliable long-term color retention in paints, inks, plastics, and coatings.

In practical applications, Hansa Yellow 10G exhibits strong tinting strength and semi-opaque to transparent behavior depending on particle size and formulation. It mixes cleanly with other yellows, oranges, and greens, producing a wide palette of warm to neutral tones. Its transparency also allows for glazing and layering techniques in oil, acrylic, and watercolor media, giving artists nuanced control over brightness and color depth.

From a conservation standpoint, PY 3 is highly stable and resistant to fading, maintaining its chromatic purity over extended periods. Its chemical robustness ensures minimal degradation even in complex pigment mixtures.