Kristallvioleti

Kristallvioleti, also known as crystal violet, is a vibrant purple synthetic dye. It belongs to the triarylmethane class of dyes and has a long history of use across various applications. Its chemical name is gentian violet or methyl violet 10B. The dye's intense color and ability to bind to various substances have made it a versatile compound.

Historically, crystal violet found its primary use as a biological stain. It is a crucial component of the Gram stain, a differential staining technique used to classify bacteria based on their cell wall composition. In this method, Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain, appearing purple, while Gram-negative bacteria lose the stain and are counterstained by safranin, appearing pink. Beyond Gram staining, it is also used in histology for staining nuclei and in cell culture for detecting microbial contamination.

The applications of crystal violet extend beyond the laboratory. It has been used as an antiseptic and topical antifungal agent, though its use in this capacity has diminished with the advent of more targeted medications. It has also been employed as a dye for textiles, paper, and inks. Due to its staining properties, it is also found in some indelible inks and marking pens. Crystal violet is generally considered safe for its intended uses, but like many dyes, it can cause temporary staining of skin and surfaces.