Read Next
Science & Tech
malachite green
drug and dye
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
Also known as: aniline green, benzaldehyde green, china green
Category:
Science & Tech
- Also called:
- aniline green, benzaldehyde green, or china green
- Related Topics:
- triphenylmethane dye
- antiseptic
- brilliant green
malachite green, triphenylmethane dye used medicinally in dilute solution as a local antiseptic. Malachite green is effective against fungi and gram-positive bacteria. In the fish-breeding industry it has been used to control the fungus Saprolegnia, a water mold that kills the eggs and young fry.
Malachite green also is used as a direct dye for silk, wool, jute, and leather and to dye cotton that has been mordanted with tannin. Prepared from benzaldehyde and dimethylaniline, the dye occurs as lustrous green crystals soluble in water and in alcohol. For malachite green G, see brilliant green.
Britannica Quiz
The Origins of Colors, Pigments, and Dyes