kristallviolet

Kristallviolett, also known as crystal violet or gentian violet, is a triarylmethane dye. It is commonly used as a histological stain and a Gram stain component. In Gram staining, it stains Gram-positive bacteria purple. It is also used as a topical antiseptic and antifungal agent, although its use in humans has decreased due to concerns about carcinogenicity and availability of safer alternatives. Kristallviolett is soluble in alcohol and water, and its appearance is a dark green powder with a metallic sheen. Its chemical formula is C25H30N3Cl. Historically, it was employed in various applications, including as an ink and a dye for textiles and paper. The dye's vibrant purple color is a result of its molecular structure, which allows it to absorb light in the green-yellow portion of the spectrum. Its efficacy as an antiseptic stems from its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes. While still utilized in some laboratory settings for staining purposes, its medicinal applications are now limited.