Erythrosine

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Erythrosine is a high-purity red synthetic dye classified as a tetraiodofluorescein salt, commonly used as a colorant in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. It is a water-soluble, dark red to reddish-brown powder with excellent tinting strength and brightness. Erythrosine is valued for its vivid red color, good stability under normal conditions, and compatibility with a variety of formulation systems. It is widely used to impart red hues in candies, beverages, cosmetics, and diagnostic reagents.

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Category: Colorants(food) Tags: Biological staining, Cosmetics, Erythrosine, Food coloring, Food dye, Red food coloring

Description

Table of Contents

Erythrosine Uses

Primary Uses

Food Industry

Used as a permitted color additive in foods, beverages, candies, and bakery products to provide a bright cherry-red color.
Commonly found in processed fruits, jams, gelatin desserts, and chewing gums.
Enhances visual appeal and consumer acceptance of food products.

Pharmaceuticals

Employed as a coloring agent in tablets, capsules, syrups, and topical medications to improve product identification and aesthetics.
Used in diagnostic kits and reagents for staining and tracing purposes.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Incorporated in lipsticks, blushes, eye shadows, and other makeup products for vibrant red pigmentation.
Used in hair dyes and bath products requiring red coloring.

Industrial Applications

Utilized in inks, paints, and coatings for coloration.
Applied in textile dyeing for specific red shades.
Used as a tracer dye in water treatment and leak detection.

Secondary Uses

Biological Staining

Applied in histology and microbiology as a stain for biological tissues and cells.
Used in fluorescence microscopy due to its iodine content and fluorescence properties.

Printing Inks

Added to printing inks for packaging and decorative printing requiring bright red colors.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Disodium 2',4',5',7'-tetraiodofluorescein
Common/Trade Name: Erythrosine 86%
CAS Number: 16423-68-0
HS Code: 3204.17.00
Molecular Formula: C20H6I4Na2O5
Synonyms: FD&C Red No. 3, Erythrosin B, Tetraiodofluorescein disodium salt

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Dark red to reddish-brown crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (~300°C)
pH (1% aqueous solution): Approximately 5.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic)
Stability: Stable under dry conditions; sensitive to strong light and oxidizing agents

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous but may cause eye and skin irritation
Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; avoid ingestion in large amounts
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture
Container Type: Sealed plastic or glass containers, moisture-proof packaging
Shelf Life: 24 months if stored properly
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; minimize exposure to light to prevent degradation

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA Status: Approved as a color additive for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics under regulated conditions (e.g., FD&C Red No. 3)
REACH Registration: Registered for industrial and cosmetic use in the EU
Food Additive Code: E127 in Europe
Usage Restrictions: Maximum permitted levels specified by regulatory authorities; banned or limited in some countries

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms; avoid release into waterways
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; some historical concerns regarding high doses but generally safe within regulated use levels

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:

Protective gloves (nitrile or latex)
Safety goggles or face shield
Dust mask or respirator in dusty environments
Protective clothing or lab coat

Handling Guidelines:

Use in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust ventilation
Avoid inhalation of dust and skin contact
Prevent dust accumulation and spills

Storage Measures:

Keep containers tightly sealed
Store away from strong oxidizers and light sources
Avoid moisture exposure

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands after handling
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near handling areas
Clean surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for 15 minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large amounts ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible when exposed to high temperatures; may emit toxic fumes upon decomposition
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Special Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing when fighting fires involving erythrosine
Decomposition Products: May emit iodine vapors, carbon oxides, and other toxic gases