Summary

A 3-dimensional plastic model of the molecular structure of Pigment Red 57.1 (Beta oxynapthoic acid - sulpho-one- amino benzine [calcium salt]). The model is made up of coloured spheres in two sizes, corresponding to element types: small White (Hydrogen), Black (Carbon), Red (Oxygen), Blue (Nitrogen), Yellow (possibly Sulfur) and large White (unknown). The number and type of spheres is determined by the molecular formula for the pigment.

One of a group of three plastic molecular models of pigments manufactured by Pigment Manufacturers of Australia, Laverton, Victoria, Australia. The models were hung in the foyer of the main office in Laverton, Victoria, Australia, circa 1970 - 1990.

Pigment Manufacturers of Australia (P.M.A.) was established at Laverton in 1961. It manufactured two main classes of pigments, azo and phthalocyanine, which were sold mainly to the local ink and paint markets. P.M.A. closed down in 1990 due to various economic and environmental factors.

Physical Description

Several coloured plastic spheres connected together. Some are fixed and some can be rotated. There are 18 black (carbon), 13 small white (hydrogen), two blue (nitrogen), 7 red (oxygen), one yellow (possibly sulfur) and one large white (unknown) spheres. The model is missing two of its small white hydrogen spheres, which are now stored separately. There are also two points that may have been used to hang the model.

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