Crystal Violet (Synonyms: Basic Violet 3; Gentian Violet; Methyl Violet 10B)

Name: Crystal Violet
Brand: MedChemExpress
SKU: HY-B0324A
Rating: 5.0 (64 reviews)

Cat. No.: HY-B0324A Purity: 95.16%: Data Sheet
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Crystal Violet, also known as Gentian violet, methyl violet 10B, is a triphenyl-methane, an alkaline dye that binds to DNA in the nucleus of a cell, staining it a deep purple. It is often used for Gram staining to classify bacteria, or for cell or histological staining[1].

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

CAS No. : 548-62-9

Size	Stock	Quantity
500 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
5 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
10 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
50 g	Get quote

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Based on 64 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of Crystal Violet:

Crystal Violet (solution) In-stock
Crystal Violet-d₆ Get quote

64 Publications Citing Use of MCE Crystal Violet

Cell Migration/Invasion Assay

Cell Imaging/Staining

Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay

: Crystal Violet purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Feb 8:e2415229. [Abstract]; Transwell assays with Matrigel show the invasion capabilities of SNU-449 after transfection with HCETSR or its negative control. Cells were fixed with paraformaldehyde, stained with Crystal Violet, and counted to assess invasive capacity.

: Crystal Violet purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Feb 8:e2415229. [Abstract]; Transwell assays with Matrigel show the invasion capabilities of LM3 after transfection with HCETSR or its negative control. Cells were fixed with paraformaldehyde, stained with Crystal Violet, and counted to assess invasive capacity.

: Crystal Violet purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Death Discov. 2025 Dec 8. [Abstract]; Transwell assay measuring migration of endothelial cells. Migrated cells on the lower membrane surface were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and stained with 10% Crystal Violet for 15 min.

: Crystal Violet purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Death Dis. 2023 Aug 29;14(8):573. [Abstract]; Clonogenic capacity identification of KG-1α and Kasumi-1 cells was performed by determining the percentage of CFUs. A total of 5 × 105/mL KG-1α or Kasumi-1 cells were treated with DMSO, 100 nM venetoclax and 10 μM chiglitazar alone or in combination for 24 h. Subsequently, 1000 cells from every treatment were incubated in 6-well soft agar and cultured for 14 days at 37 °C. Colonies were stained with 0.5% crystal violet stain solution and CFUs consisting of at least 50 cells were counted.

: Crystal Violet purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Deliv. 2022 Dec;29(1):3123-3133. [Abstract]; Colony formation of A549 cells. Cells were treated with 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.1% crystal violet.

: Crystal Violet purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2018 Nov 29;37(1):294. [Abstract]; Transwell assays (left) and statistical results (right) of cellular migration and invasion at 48 h. magnification 100×. Forty-eight hours later, migratory and invasive cells on the bottom surface of the filters were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, stained by 0.1% crystal violet solution and quantified under an inverted microscope.

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Biological Activity
Purity & Documentation
References
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Description

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
H9c2	CC₅₀	1.5 μM Compound: Gentian violet	Cytotoxicity against rat H9c2 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by alamar blue assay Cytotoxicity against rat H9c2 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by alamar blue assay	[PMID: 29031078]
HeLa	IC₅₀	0.4 μM Compound: Gentian violet	Antiproliferative activity against human HeLa cells Antiproliferative activity against human HeLa cells	[PMID: 30108998]
Huh-7	CC₅₀	1.434 μM Compound: GNF-Pf-880	NOVARTIS: Cytotoxicity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Huh7) NOVARTIS: Cytotoxicity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (Huh7)	[PMID: 18579783]
J774	CC₅₀	0.45 μM Compound: GV	Cytotoxicity against mouse J774 cells assessed as cell viability after 72 hrs by Alamar Blue assay Cytotoxicity against mouse J774 cells assessed as cell viability after 72 hrs by Alamar Blue assay	[PMID: 26549870]
J774	CC₅₀	0.45 μM Compound: Gentian violet	Cytotoxicity against mouse J774 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by alamar blue assay Cytotoxicity against mouse J774 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by alamar blue assay	[PMID: 29031078]
J774	CC₅₀	0.8 μM Compound: Gentian violet	Cytotoxicity against mouse J774 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by Alamar Blue assay Cytotoxicity against mouse J774 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by Alamar Blue assay	[PMID: 32364737]
J774	CC₅₀	4.1 μM Compound: GV	Cytotoxicity against BALB/c mouse J774 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by alamarBlue assay Cytotoxicity against BALB/c mouse J774 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by alamarBlue assay	[PMID: 29523468]
NIH3T3	IC₅₀	5.3 μM Compound: Gentian violet	Antiproliferative activity against mouse NIH/3T3 cells Antiproliferative activity against mouse NIH/3T3 cells	[PMID: 30108998]
RAW264.7	IC₅₀	1.1 μM Compound: Gentian violet	Antiinflammatory activity in mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as decrease in IFN-gamma and LPS-induced nitric oxide production after 24 hrs by ELISA Antiinflammatory activity in mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as decrease in IFN-gamma and LPS-induced nitric oxide production after 24 hrs by ELISA	[PMID: 35998343]
SK-MEL-2	IC₅₀	1.36 μM Compound: Crystal Violet	Cytotoxicity against human SK-MEL-2 cells expressing NRAS mutant assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human SK-MEL-2 cells expressing NRAS mutant assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 36961300]
SK-MEL-2	IC₅₀	2.89 μM Compound: Crystal Violet	Cytotoxicity against human SK-MEL-2 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 24 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human SK-MEL-2 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 24 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 36961300]

In Vitro

Guide (The following is our recommended experimental protocol. This protocol is for reference only and should be modified according to your specific needs).
1. Preparation of Crystal Violet working solution
Dissolve 2 g Crystal Violet in 20 mL of 95% ethanol, then mix with 80 mL of 1% ammonium oxalate aqueous solution. Use after 24 h.
2. Sample preparation
2.1 Paraffin sections: First deparaffinize with xylene for 5-10 min, replace with fresh xylene, and deparaffinize again for 5–10 min. After deparaffinization, treat with 100% ethanol for 5 min; then 90% ethanol for 2 min; followed by 70% ethanol for 2 min; and finally DDH₂O for 2 min.
2.2 Frozen sections: Treat with DDH₂O for 2 min.
2.3 Cultured cells: Fix with 4% paraformaldehyde for more than 10 min. Wash with distilled water for 2 min, replace with fresh distilled water, and wash again for 2 min.
Note: Other fixatives may be selected according to specific experimental needs.
3. Crystal Violet staining
3.1 After processing the samples as described above, directly add Crystal Violet staining solution and stain at room temperature for 10 min (the staining solution should fully cover the samples; the staining time can be adjusted as needed).
3.2 Discard the staining solution and wash thoroughly with distilled water until no dye is washed off.
3.3 Air dry at room temperature.
3.4 Observe and capture images under a light microscope.

Storage conditions
Store at 4°C protected from light for 2 years.

Notes
1. It is recommended to perform a preliminary experiment with 1-2 samples when using this product for the first time.
2. This product is for research use only by professionals and is not intended for clinical diagnosis or treatment, nor for use in food or drugs.
3. For your safety and health, please wear a lab coat and disposable gloves during operation.

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Clinical Trial

Molecular Weight

407.98

Formula

C₂₅H₃₀ClN₃

CAS No.

548-62-9

Appearance

Solid

Color

Light green to green

SMILES

C/[N+](C)=C1C=C/C(C=C/1)=C(C2=CC=C(N(C)C)C=C2)\C3=CC=C(N(C)C)C=C3.[Cl-]

Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

Storage

Store at room temperature 3 years

In solvent	-80°C	1 year
	-20°C	6 months

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : ≥ 100 mg/mL (245.11 mM; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

H₂O : 5 mg/mL (12.26 mM; Need ultrasonic)

*"≥" means soluble, but saturation unknown.

Preparing
Stock Solutions

Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg

1 mM	2.4511 mL	12.2555 mL	24.5110 mL
5 mM	0.4902 mL	2.4511 mL	4.9022 mL
10 mM	0.2451 mL	1.2256 mL	2.4511 mL

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

* Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 1 year; -20°C, 6 months. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 1 year. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 6 months.

* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

Molarity Calculator
Dilution Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Concentration _(start)

Volume _(start)

Concentration _(final)

Volume _(final)

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

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mg/kg

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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Calculation results:

Working solution concentration: mg/mL

Purity & Documentation

Purity: 95.16%

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Data Sheet (277 KB) SDS (863 KB)

COA (250 KB) RP-HPLC (279 KB) MS (69 KB)

Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

Dyeing Example

References

[1]. Xiao X, et al. Analysis of trace malachite green, crystal violet, and their metabolites in zebrafish by surface-coated probe nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Talanta. 2020 Sep 1;217:121064. [Content Brief]

[2]. Beveridge, T.J. and S. Schultze-Lam, The response of selected members of the archaea to the gram stain. Microbiology, 1996. 142 ( Pt 10): p. 2887-95. [Content Brief]

[3]. Coico, R., Gram staining. Curr Protoc Microbiol, 2005. Appendix 3: p. Appendix 3C. [Content Brief]

[4]. Bil, J., et al., Statins potentiate cytostatic/cytotoxic activity of sorafenib but not sunitinib against tumor cell lines in vitro. Cancer Lett, 2010. 288(1): p. 57-67. [Content Brief]

[5]. Nagayama A. Inactivation of influenza A virus by gentian violet (GV) and GV-dyed cotton cloth, and bactericidal activities of these agents. J Infect Chemother. 2006 Apr;12(2):73-9. [Content Brief]

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg

H₂O / DMSO	1 mM	2.4511 mL	12.2555 mL	24.5110 mL	61.2775 mL
	5 mM	0.4902 mL	2.4511 mL	4.9022 mL	12.2555 mL
	10 mM	0.2451 mL	1.2256 mL	2.4511 mL	6.1278 mL
DMSO	15 mM	0.1634 mL	0.8170 mL	1.6341 mL	4.0852 mL
	20 mM	0.1226 mL	0.6128 mL	1.2256 mL	3.0639 mL
	25 mM	0.0980 mL	0.4902 mL	0.9804 mL	2.4511 mL
	30 mM	0.0817 mL	0.4085 mL	0.8170 mL	2.0426 mL
	40 mM	0.0613 mL	0.3064 mL	0.6128 mL	1.5319 mL
	50 mM	0.0490 mL	0.2451 mL	0.4902 mL	1.2256 mL
	60 mM	0.0409 mL	0.2043 mL	0.4085 mL	1.0213 mL
	80 mM	0.0306 mL	0.1532 mL	0.3064 mL	0.7660 mL
	100 mM	0.0245 mL	0.1226 mL	0.2451 mL	0.6128 mL

* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

Crystal Violet Related Classifications

Infection

Help & FAQs

Do most proteins show cross-species activity?
Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

Keywords:

Crystal Violet548-62-9Basic Violet 3 Gentian Violet Methyl Violet 10BBasic Violet3Basic Violet-3Fluorescent DyeInfluenza VirusEnvironmental PollutantsBacterialEnvironmental ContaminantsInhibitorinhibitorinhibit

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Crystal Violet (Synonyms: Basic Violet 3; Gentian Violet; Methyl Violet 10B)

Customer Review

Other Forms of Crystal Violet:

Crystal Violet Related Antibodies

64 Publications Citing Use of MCE Crystal Violet

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•Related Small Molecules:

•Related Proteins:

Biological Activity

Purity & Documentation

References

Customer Review

Crystal Violet Related Antibodies

Molarity Calculator

Dilution Calculator

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Crystal Violet Related Classifications

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