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Cosmetic antioxidants

Violacein

Also known as 2-Indolinone, 3-(2-(5-hydroxyindol-3-yl)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolin-4-ylidene)-, 3-(2-(5-Hydroxyindol-3-yl)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolin-4-ylidene)-2-indolinone, 4-26-00-00715 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)

CAS 548-54-9Formula C20H13N3O3Molar mass 343.34 g/mol
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Violacein chemical structure, C20H13N3O3, CAS 548-54-9
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
CAS number
548-54-9
Formula
C20H13N3O3
Molar mass
343.34 g/mol
HS code
293399
Category
Cosmetic antioxidants

What is Violacein?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Violacein is a member of the class of hydroxyindoles resulting from the formal oxidative coupling between the 3-position of 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one and the 3-position of 1,3-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one, which is substituted at the 5 position by a 5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl group, where the newly-formed double bond has E configuration. It is a purple chromobacterial pigment that has antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoan, and anticancer properties. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, an antineoplastic agent, an antifungal agent, an apoptosis inducer and a bacterial metabolite. It is a member of pyrroles, a member of oxindoles, an olefinic compound and a member of hydroxyindoles. It is functionally related to a proviolacein.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]indol-2-one
CAS number
548-54-9 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 774154-34-6
Molecular formula
C20H13N3O3
UNII
QJH0DSQ3SG
MDL number
MFCD01718468
INCI name
VIOLACEIN
InChIKey
SHLJIZCPRXXHHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C20H13N3O3/c24-10-5-6-15-12(7-10)14(9-21-15)17-8-13(19(25)23-17)18-11-3-1-2-4-16(11)22-20(18)26/h1-9,21,23-25H
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=CC2=C(C(=O)N=C2C=C1)C3=C(NC(=C3)C4=CNC5=C4C=C(C=C5)O)O

Synonyms

  • 2-Indolinone, 3-(2-(5-hydroxyindol-3-yl)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolin-4-ylidene)-
  • 3-(2-(5-Hydroxyindol-3-yl)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolin-4-ylidene)-2-indolinone
  • 4-26-00-00715 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • (E)-3-(5-(5-Hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene)indolin-2-one
  • (3E)-3-[5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene]-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one
  • Anorosin
  • (3Z)-violacein
  • Oxindole, 3-(2-(5-hydroxyindol-3-yl)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolin-4-ylidene)-
  • Oxindole, 3-(2-(5-hydroxyindol-3-yl)-5-oxo-2-pyrrolin-4-ylidene)- (6CI)
  • 3-[2-hydroxy-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]indol-2-one
  • (3E)-3-[5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-1H-pyrrol-3-ylidene]indolin-2-one
  • (Z)-3-(5-(5-Hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene)indolin-2-one
  • 3-(5-(5-Hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene)indolin-2-one
  • (3E)-3-(1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene)-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one
  • 2H-Indol-2-one, 3-(1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene)-1,3-dihydro-, (3E)-
  • 3-[1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1h-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-3h-pyrrol-3-ylidene]-1,3-dihydro-2h-indol-2-one
  • Violacein, 3-(1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indole-3-yl)-2-oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene)-1,3-dihydro-2H-indole-2-one

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

No measured properties are recorded for this substance yet. Ask suppliers for a technical data sheet.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
343.34 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
343.0957 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.93calc.
Topological polar surface area
101.5 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
4calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
26calc.
Rings
5calc.
Aromatic rings
4calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=C1N=c2ccccc2=C1c1c[nH]c(-c2c[nH]c3ccccc23)c1

O=C1N=c2ccccc2=C1c1c[nH]c(-c2c[nH]c3ccccc23)c1

5 rings, 24 atoms.

1 other chemical share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

No GHS hazard classification is recorded for this substance yet. That does not mean it is harmless.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Violacein suppliers

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All 3 suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

3 suppliers in 2 countries

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Violacein price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name VIOLACEIN(antimicrobial, antioxidant, colorant)

Roles

  • antibacterial agent
  • antifungal agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • apoptosis inducer
  • bacterial metabolite
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • prokaryotic metabolite

Functional uses

  • Antioxidant
  • Biocide
  • Dye

Cosmetic functions

  • Antimicrobial
  • Antioxidant
  • Colorant

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Violacein is traded under.

HS 2933.99Indicative HS code

Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, other

World exports in 2024
$12.1B
−31.0% vs 2023, imports $28.8B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China30.5%
  2. India * partner reported16.3%
  3. Ireland9.0%
Top importers
  1. Slovenia31.7%
  2. Italy24.2%
  3. United States5.0%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Violacein is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Violacein, based on the data on this page

What is Violacein?

Violacein is a member of the class of hydroxyindoles resulting from the formal oxidative coupling between the 3-position of 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one and the 3-position of 1,3-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-one, which is substituted at the 5 position by a 5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl group, where the newly-formed double bond has E c…

What is the CAS number of Violacein?

The CAS registry number of Violacein is 548-54-9. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 774154-34-6.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Violacein?

The molecular formula of Violacein is C20H13N3O3 and its molar mass is 343.34 g/mol.

What is Violacein used for?

Known uses and roles of Violacein include preservatives in cosmetics and personal care, antioxidants in cosmetics and personal care, colorants in cosmetics and personal care, antibacterial agent, antifungal agent and 12 more.

Is Violacein hazardous?

No GHS hazard classification for Violacein is recorded on CompoundList yet. That does not prove it is safe. Always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Violacein?

Violacein is usually classified under HS code 293399 (Heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Violacein?

CompoundList lists 3 suppliers of Violacein in China and Australia. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Violacein?

Suppliers quote Violacein on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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