Anthradquinone Scarlet
PR168
Alternate Names
Brominated Anthanthrone Red
Scarlet Red
Anthranthrone Red
VAT Orange
Pigment Description
Not to be confused with Anthraquinone Scarlet, Anthradquinone Scarlet is an interesting color. Unfortunately it was recently discontinued, but may be available again for a time. It's a beautiful bright red with a note of orange in it, transparent and useful in madder approximations.
Old Holland has several interesting blends made from this color. The high lightfastness marks, which are hard to find in a transparent red, may or may not translate to oils. It's a slower drier.
PR168 may be carcinogenic, as it is similar to anthraquinones that have been listed as probably carcinogenic (please see Monona Rossol's research work for more information.
In watercolor it seems to behave fairly well for lightfastness. However in oil it is more of an ASTM II instead of ASTM I but it may vary by brand. Some sources give this color solid 8's (highest marks) on the blue wool scale.
Resources
PR168 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Information about PR168 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors,
Rossol, Monona. The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide. New York, NY : Allworth Press, 2001. The book is rather dated, updated information is available from her website.
Stats
Lightfastness
Varies, see notes.
Acrylic and Watercolor, Excellent, however oils may be only ASTM II. Bruce MacEvoy’s tests also place it at ASTM II for watercolor, which is less lightfast than was thought for watercolor. However the 1980s version tested by the NPIRI showed excellent performance in outdoor tests in Florida Sunlight.
Transparency
Transparent to Semi-Transparent
Most oil paints are listed as Semi-Transparent or Semi-Opaque.
Toxicity
Previously thought to be in the category of Low Concern, new research suggests this may be carcinogenic.
Probably carcinogenic. Its structure is similar to other anthraquinones that have been listed as probably carcinogenic (see Monona Rossol's research available upon request here for more information.Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.
Tinting
Moderate to Low
Dry Time
Medium
Chemical Name
anthraquinone, brominated. Also listed as Brominated Anthranthrone, Dibromanthrone
DISCLAIMER: Please note that we are not experts in health and safety and we are not toxicologists, please consult the proper experts. We are not liable for any issues that may arise from the use of our website or its contents. The information contained in this site is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. We do not necessarily endorse any other website that are linked from our site. For any important pigment specs, please reference the manufacturer details. If you discover errors or omissions, please reach out through our contact form. Thank you.
