Crystal violet synthesis (hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride

I am doing a research project on the gram staining protocol and would like to synthesise some crystal violet to use. A quick google search led to finding this route:

The dye can be prepared by the condensation of formaldehyde and dimethylaniline to give a leuco dye:

CH2O + 3 C6H5N(CH3)2 → CH(C6H4N(CH3)2)3 + H2O
Second, this colourless compound is oxidized to the coloured cationic form: (A typical oxidizing agent is manganese dioxide).

CH(C6H4N(CH3)2)3 + HCl + ​1⁄2 O2 → [C(C6H4N(CH3)2)3]Cl + H2O

My thoughts for getting to dimethylaniline were to use iodomethane (synthesis this from red p, iodine and methanol) however an acid catalysed reaction is mentioned which might be easier and cheaper.


Any pointers on this route, or ideas for a different route please?

Thanks very much