E123 AMARANTH

E123 amaranth consists essentially of a trisodium 2-hydroxy-l-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthy lazo)naphthalene 3,6-disulfonate and subsidiary coloring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate as the principal uncolored components. 
E123 amaranth may be converted to the corresponding aluminum lake.
E123 amaranth is a synthetic azo dye used as a red food colorant, although its use is highly restricted or banned in some countries due to safety concerns.

CAS Number: 915-67-3
Molecular Formula: C20H11N2Na3O10S3
Molecular Weight: 604.47
EINECS Number: 213-022-2

Synonyms: AMARANTH, 915-67-3, Acid red 27, Azorubin S, Bordeaux S, FD & C Red No. 2, Amaranth (dye), C.I. Food Red 9, Red No. 2, Food red 2, Food Red 9, Amaranthe, Amacid Amaranth, Edicol Amaranth, Kayaku Amaranth, Rakuto Amaranth, Acid Amaranth, Aizen Amaranth, Amaranth Extra, Amaranth Lake, Java Amaranth, Maple Amaranth, Toyo Amaranth, Dolkwal Amaranth, Hidacid Amaranth, Shikiso Amaranth, Takaoka Amaranth, Whortleberry Red, Amaranth A, Amaranth B, Amaranth R, Amaranth S, San-ei Amaranth, Amaranth WD, Calcocid amaranth, Acid Amaranth I, Acid Amaranth N, Amaranth BPC, Amaranth USP, Canacert Amaranth, Daishiki Amaranth, Eurocert Amaranth, Fast Red, Tertracid Red A, Kiton Rubine S, Naphthol Red B, Naphthol Red C, Naphthol Red O, Naphthol Red S, Neklacid Red A, Hispacid Red AM, Naphthol Red SI, S-Azo Rubine, Acilan Red SE, Azo Rubine SF, HD Amaranth B, Dye Red Raspberry, Solar Red O, Victoria Rubine O, Amaranth Dye (80%), C.I. Acid Red 27, Naphthol Red LZS, Azo Ruby S, Cilefa Rubine 2B, HD Amaranth Supra, Acetacid Red 2BR, Azo Rubine S.FQ, Azo Red R, Certicol Amaranth S, Fruit Red A Geigy, Lissamine Amaranth AC, Usacert Red No. 2, Dye FDC Red 2, Hexacert Red No. 2, C.I. 16185, Acid Leather Rubine S, D and C Red 2, Red Dye No. 2, Edicol Supra Amaranth A, KCA Foodcol Amaranth A, L-Red 3, Hexacol Amaranth B Extra, CI 16185, FD&C Red 2, Bordeaux S Extra Pure A, D&C Red 2, Amaranth S Specially Pure, Raspberry Red For Jellies, FD and C Red No. 2, Azo rubine S, Victoria rubine O for food, C.I. Acid Red 27, trisodium salt, Sodium 3-hydroxy-4-((4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, 1302 Red, 1508 Red, L Red Z 3050, Naphthol Red S Specially Pure, Kayaku Food Colour Red No. 2, Amaranthe usp (biological stain), 37RBV3X49K, DTXSID2021232, Naphthol Red S Conc. Specially Pure, C.I.Acid Red 27 (free acid), FD And C Red No. 2-Aluminium Lake, 1-(4-Sulfo-1-naphthylazo)-2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid trisodium salt, 2,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 3-hydroxy-4-((4-sulfo-1-naphthyl)azo)-, trisodium salt, Amaranth (>85%), Lissamine, Amaranth red, Cranberry Red, Azorubine S, Amaranth J, Amarant [Czech], Amaranth 85, Acid Red 27;Azorubin S;FD & C Red Dye No. 2, E123, DTXCID201232, L-Rot 3 [German], Trisodium salt of 1-(4-sulfo-1-naphthylazo)-2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid, Amarant, Naptholrot S [German], Amaranth Dye, Naptholrot S, Acid Leather Red I 2BW, amaranth (FD&C red no. 2), GR 229055A, trisodium 3-hydroxy-4-[(Z)-(4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, Cerven kysela 27, CAS-915-67-3, EEC No. 123, Schultz Nr. 212, Food Red No.2, NSC-4300, CCRIS 2653, HSDB 569, Cerven potravinarska 9, MFCD00004076, Schultz Nr. 212, Cerven potravinarska 9, Bordeaux S Extra Conc. A Export, NSC-215207, L-Rot 3, NCGC00165983-01, NSC 4300, EINECS 213-022-2, NSC 215207, UNII-37RBV3X49K, AI3-52541, E 123, Naphtol rot s., Amaranth [USP], Ci-food red 9, Amaranth (e 123), AMARANTH [IARC], AKA2, 2-Hydroxy-1,1'-azonaphthalene-3,6,4'-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt, AMARANTH [MART.], AMARANTH [USP-RS], 1-(4-Sulpho-1-naphthylazo)-2-naphthol-3,6-disulphonic acid, trisodium salt, Trisodium 3-hydroxy-4-(4'-sulphonatonaphthylazo)naphthalene-2,7-disulphonate, Trisodium salt of 1-(4-sulpho-1-naphthylazo)-2-naphthol-3,6-disulphonic acid, 3-Hydroxy-4-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid trisodium salt, 3-Hydroxy-4-((4-sulpho-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-2,7-naphthalenedisulphonic acid, trisodium salt, AMARANTH DYE [HSDB], SCHEMBL40941, Amaranth, analytical standard, B1717 [LANGUAL], SCHEMBL185413, AMARANTH (DYE) [MI], INS NO.123, orb1299053, orb3025928, SCHEMBL1921217, CHEMBL2356737, SCHEMBL29352916, SCHEMBL29377564, SCHEMBL29869308, CHEBI:34533, INS-123, MSK2417, VOBHRQFELWTZFS-AWLRYRRCSA-K, VOBHRQFELWTZFS-DXVNCNPQSA-K, Azorubine S (C.I. 16185), HMS5085G08, Amaranth, Dye content 85-95%, Tox21_112280, Tox21_202789, Amaranth colour 0.5 mg/mL in Water, FD&C RED NO. 2 (DELISTED), AKOS000283077, AKOS015902413, AKOS040759360, 3-Hydroxy-4-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, trisodium salt, sodium (E)-3-hydroxy-4-((4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl)naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, trisodium;3-hydroxy-4-[(4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, NCGC00260335-01, DA-50380, FD&C RED NO. 2 (DELISTED) [II], A0583, CI-(1975)NO.16185, E-123, F0138, NS00013481, D78436, Q421074, Amaranth R;Amaranth Usp;Basovit Red 470e;Borunil Red A-b;Cogilor Red 318.11;Cranberry Red;D &c Red 2;D And C Red No. 2

E123 amaranth belongs to the azo dye class.
It is used mainly for coloration.
E123 amaranth is an azo compound containing –N=N– (azo) linkages connecting aromatic rings with sulfonate groups.

These groups provide strong color and water solubility.
This enables use in aqueous systems.
Physically, it appears as a dark red to purple powder or granules.

E123 amaranth is highly soluble in water but not in oils.
It has little to no odor.
It provides a deep red to purple coloration, stronger and darker than many other red dyes.

E123 amaranth is effective at low concentrations.
This makes it highly efficient as a colorant.

E123 amaranthis stable in acidic conditions, making it suitable for beverages and fruit-based products.
However, it can degrade in strong alkaline environments.
This affects formulation stability.

E123 amaranth shows moderate heat stability, allowing use in processed foods, though prolonged heating may reduce color intensity.
This limits some applications.
E123 amaranth remains usable in many systems.

The dye is highly water-soluble, ensuring uniform dispersion in liquids and gels.
E123 amaranth is not suitable for fat-based systems without emulsification.
This defines its application range.

E123 amaranth has no nutritional value, serving purely as a coloring agent.
Its function is aesthetic only.
This is typical for synthetic dyes.

E123 amaranth is best described as a synthetic water-soluble azo dye providing deep red coloration, with strong coloring power but restricted use due to safety concerns.
E123 amaranth also exhibits strong affinity for aqueous systems, making it particularly suitable for liquids, gels, and syrups.
It disperses rapidly and evenly in water.

E123 amaranth shows pH-dependent shade variation, appearing bright red in acidic conditions and shifting toward deeper red-purple tones at higher pH.
This allows some control over final color.
This influences formulation design.

The dye has good compatibility with sugars and syrups, which is why it is often used in confectionery and sweetened beverages (where permitted).
It remains stable in high-sugar environments.
This improves product consistency.

E123 amaranth demonstrates moderate thermal stability, allowing it to withstand processes like pasteurization.
However, prolonged or extreme heat can reduce intensity.
This limits high-temperature applications.

E123 amaranth can be used in coatings and surface applications, such as candy shells or decorative layers.
It provides strong surface coloration.
This enhances visual impact.

E123 amaranth is also applied in laboratory and industrial staining applications, outside of food use.
E123 amaranth also demonstrates good compatibility with starch-based systems, such as puddings and thickened desserts.
It disperses uniformly within these matrices.

E123 amaranth is effective in clear liquid systems, where its high solubility allows transparent red coloring without turbidity.
This is useful for beverages and syrups.
This improves visual clarity.

The dye can exhibit interaction with proteins, although weaker than some natural dyes.
This may slightly influence color stability in dairy systems.
E123 amaranth shows good performance in low-moisture systems when pre-dissolved, such as powders that are later reconstituted.

Melting point: >300°C
Density: 1.5
Flash point: 214°
storage temp.: Sealed in dry, Room Temperature
solubility: H2O: soluble 10 mg/mL
form: Crystalline Powder
Colour Index: 16185
color: Dark reddish-brown to dark brown
pH: 9.65 (28°C, - OECD Test Guideline 122 - alkaline)
Water Solubility: 50 g/L (20 ºC)
λmax: 520 nm
Merck: 14,375
BRN: 4122311
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Biological Applications: Detecting membrane-potential change; treating acquired resistance to GABAergic (ARG) agents
Major Application: cleaning products; cosmetics; food and beverages; personal care
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: HAIR DYEING; COLORANT
InChIKey: WLDHEUZGFKACJH-ZRUFZDNISA-K
SMILES: [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].Oc1c(N=Nc2ccc(c3ccccc23)S([O-])(=O)=O)c4ccc(cc4cc1S([O-])(=O)=O)S([O-])(=O)=O
LogP: -5.13

E123 amaranth also shows very high tinctorial strength, meaning only very small amounts are needed to achieve intense red to purple coloration.
This makes it highly efficient in formulations.
E123 amaranth reduces required dosage.

E123 amaranth is commonly used in blended dye systems, where it is combined with other colorants to achieve specific shades such as burgundy or purple tones.
This allows precise color control.
This improves formulation flexibility.

E123 amaranth performs well in acidic aqueous systems, such as beverages and fruit-based products.
Acidic conditions help maintain its color intensity.
This improves stability in drinks.

E123 amaranth demonstrates good compatibility with hydrocolloids, making it suitable for gels like jellies and desserts.
It disperses evenly in gel matrices.
This ensures uniform appearance.

The dye shows moderate resistance to light, though prolonged exposure can lead to fading.
Protective packaging is often required.
This improves shelf stability.

E123 amaranth is used in pharmaceutical formulations, especially in syrups and coated tablets, for visual identification.
It helps differentiate products.
This improves usability.

E123 amaranth is highly water-soluble due to sulfonate groups, allowing quick dissolution in liquid systems.
This ensures even distribution.
This enhances formulation consistency.

E123 amaranth is generally not compatible with fat-based systems unless emulsified, due to its hydrophilic nature.
This limits its application range.
This guides product design.

Due to safety concerns, its use is restricted or banned in several countries, and allowed only under strict regulations in others.
This significantly limits its application.
E123 amaranth is a high-strength synthetic azo dye with strong water solubility and deep red coloration, but limited use due to regulatory restrictions and safety concerns.

E123 amaranth is sensitive to strong oxidizing agents, which can degrade the azo structure and cause color loss.
This requires controlled formulation conditions.
This ensures stability.

E123 amaranth is often subject to strict labeling requirements, especially in regions where it is still permitted.
Consumers must be informed of its presence.
This reflects regulatory oversight.

Because of safety concerns, manufacturers often replace it with alternative colorants (natural or other synthetic dyes) in many markets.
This reduces its current usage.
E123 amaranth is a water-soluble, high-intensity synthetic azo dye with pH-dependent color and good performance in aqueous systems, but limited global use due to regulatory and safety concerns.

E123 amaranth can be used in layered or multi-phase products, where stable coloration in one phase is required.
It maintains separation without bleeding excessively when properly formulated.
This improves product design.

It is sometimes used in analytical chemistry as a tracer dye, due to its strong color and solubility.
E123 amaranth helps visualize fluid movement or mixing.
This extends technical applications.

E123 amaranth exhibits relatively low volatility, meaning it remains stable during storage without evaporation losses.
This ensures consistent concentration.
This improves reliability.

E123 amaranth can undergo gradual photodegradation, especially under UV exposure.
This leads to fading over time.
This requires protective packaging.

Due to regulatory pressure, its use has declined significantly in modern food systems, especially in regions favoring safer or natural alternatives.
This limits its commercial importance today.
E123 amaranth is a highly soluble, strong synthetic azo dye with versatile behavior in aqueous systems, but its practical use is increasingly limited by regulatory restrictions and safety concerns.

Uses Of E123 amaranth:
E123 amaranth has been used in the food industry as a synthetic red colorant, although its use today is restricted or banned in many countries.
Where permitted, it provides deep red to purple shades.
This improves visual appeal.

In beverages such as fruit drinks, syrups, and flavored drinks, it has been used due to its high water solubility.
E123 amaranth disperses evenly in liquids.
This ensures consistent coloration.

E123 amaranth has been applied in confectionery products, including candies, jellies, and dessert gels.
It provides strong and stable red coloring.
This enhances product attractiveness.

E123 amaranth has been used in desserts such as puddings and gelatin-based products.
It integrates well into gel systems.
This ensures uniform appearance.

In bakery decorations and icings, it has been used to create deep red tones.
E123 amaranth maintains color in sugar-based systems.
This improves decorative quality.

E123 amaranth has been used in pharmaceutical products, including syrups and tablet coatings.
It serves as a coloring and identification agent.
This improves product differentiation.

Amaranth is also used in cosmetics, such as some lotions and bath products, where permitted.
It provides red coloration in water-based formulations.
This enhances aesthetic appeal.

Outside food, it is used in laboratory and industrial applications, including dyes and tracers.
It helps visualize processes and reactions.
This extends its utility.

Due to safety concerns, many manufacturers now replace E123 with alternative colorants, especially natural or less controversial synthetic dyes.
This reflects regulatory and consumer trends.
E123 amaranth is used (where allowed) wherever strong red coloration in water-based systems is required, but its application is significantly limited by safety regulations.

E123 amaranth has also been used in instant drink powders and beverage concentrates, where it dissolves quickly after reconstitution.
It provides immediate and uniform red coloration.
This improves consumer experience.

In fruit-flavored dessert mixes and jelly powders, it has been applied to enhance or standardize red shades.
E123 amaranth disperses evenly when hydrated.
This ensures consistent appearance.

It has been used in chewing gum and coated sweets, especially in sugar coatings.
E123 amaranth provides strong surface coloration.
This improves decorative appeal.

E123 amaranth has been applied in ice creams and frozen desserts (in regions where permitted).
It maintains color stability at low temperatures.
This ensures consistent visual quality.

In sauces and sweet toppings, such as flavored syrups, it has been used to create red or berry-like tones.
E123 amaranth performs well in liquid systems.
This enhances product appeal.

E123 amaranth has been used in pharmaceutical lozenges and oral liquids, where it provides identifiable coloring.
It helps differentiate flavors or strengths.
This improves usability.

E123 amaranth is also used in cosmetic bath products and liquid soaps, particularly in water-based formulations.
It provides bright red coloration.
This enhances aesthetic properties.

In educational and laboratory applications, it is used as a tracer dye for demonstrations and experiments.
E123 amaranth helps visualize mixing and flow.
This supports teaching and analysis.

Due to regulatory restrictions, its use today is often limited to non-food or controlled applications in many regions.
Industries frequently switch to alternative dyes.
E123 amaranth is used (where allowed) in aqueous systems requiring strong, uniform red coloration, but its practical use is increasingly limited by safety regulations and market preferences.

Safety Profile Of E123 amaranth:
E123 amaranth is a synthetic azo dye with moderate hazard concerns, and its use is restricted or banned in many countries due to safety evaluations.
E123 amaranths risk profile is mainly based on long-term toxicology and sensitivity concerns.
Regulation varies by region.

One of the main concerns is possible links to hyperactivity in children, especially when consumed with other artificial food colorants.
This has led to precautionary labeling requirements in some jurisdictions.
Evidence is considered limited but influential in regulation.

Some studies have investigated potential carcinogenic or genotoxic effects of azo dyes, including amaranth, under certain experimental conditions.
While results are not fully conclusive for typical dietary exposure, they contributed to regulatory restrictions.
Authorities apply conservative safety margins.

E123 amaranth may cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions in some individuals.
Symptoms can include skin rash, itching, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
These reactions are uncommon but documented.

In sensitive people, it may also trigger pseudo-allergic responses, such as asthma-like symptoms or nasal irritation.
This is more likely in individuals sensitive to azo dyes.
Eye contact can cause mild irritation and staining, especially in concentrated solutions.