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E155, also known as Chocolate Brown, is a synthetic food colorant primarily used to provide a brown color in various food and beverage products.
It is often used in confectionery, baked goods, sauces, and processed meats, as well as in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The color is derived from a combination of synthetic dyes and is considered safe for consumption within the allowable limits set by food safety authorities.
CAS Number: 21027-88-3
Synonyms:,Chocolate Brown HT,CI Food Brown 3,Brown HT,E 155
Introduction
Definition and Historical BackgroundE155, also known as Chocolate Brown HT, is a synthetic brown coal tar azo dye primarily used in food and beverage products.
It is a water-soluble colorant that imparts a deep brown hue resembling chocolate.
First synthesized in the mid-20th century, it was developed to meet the food industry's need for consistent and stable brown coloring that could withstand various processing conditions.
Classification and Regulatory StatusE155 belongs to the group of azo dyes and is classified as a synthetic food colorant.
Its regulatory status varies significantly across countries.
While it is permitted in certain regions, such as Australia and New Zealand, it is banned in others, including the European Union and the United States, due to safety concerns.
Chemical Properties
Molecular StructureE155 is a complex aromatic compound with the molecular formula C27H18N4Na2O9S2.
It contains azo (-N=N-) linkages, sulfonate groups for solubility, and aromatic rings that contribute to its color.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Dark brown powder or granules
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Stability: Stable under light and heat but can degrade in strong acidic or alkaline conditions
Melting Point: Decomposes upon heating
Stability and SolubilityE155 is stable under normal storage conditions and is not significantly affected by exposure to light or moderate temperatures.
Its sulfonate groups enhance its water solubility, making it ideal for aqueous food systems.
Synthesis and Manufacturing
Industrial Synthesis MethodsThe production of E155 involves diazotization of an aromatic amine, followed by azo coupling with another aromatic compound.
This multistep process ensures the formation of the desired chromophore.
Raw Materials Used
Aromatic amines (e.g., aniline derivatives)
Sulfonic acid derivatives
Sodium nitrite and hydrochloric acid for diazotization
Coupling components such as naphthol or resorcinol derivatives
Purification and Processing TechniquesAfter synthesis, the dye is purified using filtration, crystallization, and drying processes.
Advanced chromatographic techniques may be used to ensure product purity and remove unreacted intermediates.
Applications
Use in Food ProductsE155 is used in confectionery, desserts, bakery products, sauces, and certain beverages to provide a chocolate-like color.
It is often combined with other colorants to achieve the desired shade.
Non-Food ApplicationsBeyond food, E155 is employed in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals (e.g., pill coatings), and certain industrial products like inks and textiles.
Dosage and Concentration GuidelinesPermitted levels of E155 usage depend on regulatory authorities. Typical concentrations range from 50 to 200 mg/kg in food products, though these limits vary.
Metabolism and Biotransformation
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME)E155 is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is largely excreted unchanged in feces.
The small absorbed fraction undergoes metabolism in the liver via reduction of azo bonds, forming aromatic amines.
Human and Animal StudiesStudies in rats and mice show that E155 and its metabolites can accumulate in the liver and kidneys.
Human data are limited but suggest minimal absorption and rapid clearance.
Health Concerns and Controversies
Allergic ReactionsE155 has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions, especially in individuals with asthma or aspirin intolerance.
Hyperactivity and Behavioral IssuesSome studies link artificial food colorants, including E155, with hyperactivity in children. These findings have led to precautionary labeling in some jurisdictions.
Risk-Benefit AnalysisGiven the lack of essential function and potential health risks, many health authorities consider the risk of E155 to outweigh its benefits in food applications.
Regulations and Legal Status
Approval Status in Different Countries
European Union: Banned
United States: Not approved
Australia/New Zealand: Permitted with restrictions
India: Approved for limited use
Labeling RequirementsWhere permitted, products containing E155 must declare its presence on labels.
Warnings about possible allergic reactions or hyperactivity in children may also be required.
Bans and RestrictionsMany countries have banned E155 due to health concerns, especially related to carcinogenic potential and hypersensitivity.
Analytical Methods
Detection and Quantification in ProductsE155 can be detected and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Techniques
HPLC with diode-array detection for precise quantification
UV-Vis spectrometry for routine screening
LC-MS/MS for trace analysis and metabolite detection
Environmental Impact
Persistence and DegradationE155 is resistant to degradation in natural environments.
Its sulfonated aromatic structure hinders microbial breakdown, leading to persistence in soil and water.
Impact on Wastewater and EcosystemsEffluents containing E155 may contribute to water coloration and affect aquatic organisms.
Treatment processes such as advanced oxidation or activated carbon filtration are required to remove it.
Alternatives to E155
Natural and Synthetic Alternatives
Caramel coloring (natural)
Annatto and cocoa powder (natural)
Iron oxide pigments (in non-food uses)
Comparative Safety and FunctionalityNatural alternatives often have better safety profiles but may lack the intensity or stability of E155.
Reformulation is sometimes required to match sensory characteristics.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Summary of FindingsE155 is a synthetic colorant with useful applications but poses potential health risks.
Regulatory actions have led to its prohibition in many regions.
Ongoing Research and Future TrendsFuture trends emphasize the replacement of synthetic dyes with natural alternatives.
Continued research into the toxicological profile of E155 is necessary to inform policy decisions.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT E 155 CHOCOLATE BROWN
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
