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E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in the food industry as a green colorant.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are incorporated into processed foods such as soups, sauces, and ready meals to enhance visual appeal.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are utilized in fat-based systems like spreads and dressings due to their oil-soluble forms.
E141(i) – Copper complexes of chlorophylls
CAS Number: 11006-34-1 (commonly used for chlorophyll copper complex mixtures)
EC Number: 215-800-7 (general chlorophyll derivative registry entry)
E141(ii) – Copper complexes of chlorophyllins
CAS Number: 11006-34-1 / 28302-36-5 (varies depending on salt/derivative form, especially sodium copper chlorophyllin)
EC Number: 286-918-9 (commonly assigned for chlorophyllin copper complexes)
Molecular Formula: Not fixed (mixture of porphyrin-type structures)
Representative molecular forms: chlorophyll derivatives typically based on C34–C55 porphyrin skeletons with copper substitution
Molecular Weight: Not fixed (varies ~600–900 g/mol depending on derivative and side chains)
SYNONYMS:
chlorophyll copper complex, chlorophyllins copper complexes, copper chlorophyll, copper chlorophyllin, chlorophyllin copper complex sodium salt, E141, natural green 3, CI Natural Green 3, sodium copper chlorophyllin, chlorophyll derivative green pigment, chlorophyll copper complex (E141i), chlorophyllins (E141ii), Copper complexes of chlorophylls, Natural green 3, Chlorophyllin copper sodium salt, Chlorophyllin, potassium, sodium, and copper metallo-complex, Potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin, Copper sodium chlorophyllin
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are a food additive in the category of natural colorants.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins give the color green, and it is allowed to be used in any type of food, except those meant for infants and young children, according to the quantities provided by their recipes.
This colorant can be found as E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(i) – copper phaeophytin, soluble in water, or E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(ii) – sodium or potassium salts of copper complexes of chlorophyllin, soluble in oil.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are a green to black powder prepared from chlorophyll by saponification and replacement of magnesium by copper.
Chlorophyll is solvent extracted from alfalfa (Medicago sativa).
Chlorophylls, copper complexes are obtained by addition of an organic salt of copper to the substance obtained by solvent extraction of grass, lucerne, nettle and other plant material.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins contain other pigments such as carotenoids as well as fats and waxes derived from the source material; the principal coloring matters are the copper phaeophytins.
For chlorophyllins, E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are obtained by the addition of copper to the product obtained by the saponification of a solvent extraction of grass, lucerne, nettle and other plant material.
After the addition of E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins, the acid groups are neutralized to form the salts of potassium and/or sodium and the commercial products may be presented as aqueous solutions or dried powders.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins refer to a group of green food colorants based on copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins, derived mainly from plant materials such as spinach, nettle, and grass.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are not a single chemical compound but a mixture of structurally related porphyrin pigments where the central magnesium ion of natural chlorophyll is replaced by copper, improving stability.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are a semi-synthetic, olive-green to dark green pigment used as a food colorant.
Derived from natural chlorophyll (e.g., nettles, grass) by substituting magnesium with copper, it provides high heat/light stability.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins includes oil-soluble E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(i) and water-soluble E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(ii), commonly used in dairy, sweets, and beverages.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are obtained from plant extracts (typically from grasses, mulberry leaves, nettles, and spinach).
The water-soluble coloring agent, E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins, is called sodium copper chlorophyllin.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are permitted as a food coloring in the European Union.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are derived from chlorophyll, the natural green pigment found in plants.
In its natural form, chlorophyll is not very stable, especially when exposed to light and heat.
To overcome this instability, chlorophyll can be transformed into more stable compounds through a process involving copper.
The resulting copper complexes are classified into two main types: E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(i) – and E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(ii) – chlorophyllins.
The main difference between the two is that chlorophylls are oil-soluble, while chlorophyllins are water-soluble, extending their applications in various food products.
The color of E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins can range from blue-green to dark green, depending on the source.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins contains other pigments, such as carotenoids, as well as fats and waxes derived from the source material.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins is a semi-synthetic green pigment system derived from natural chlorophyll found in plants.
During processing, chlorophyll is chemically modified by:
*removing magnesium ion
*replacing it with copper
*sometimes hydrolyzing phytol side chains (chlorophyllins)
This modification produces a more stable green pigment suitable for industrial food coloring applications.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins, also known as Copper complexes of chlorophylls, are typically a solid in the form of powder green in color.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are chemical compound, semi-synthetic mixture of the water-soluble sodium salt of copper chlorophyllin.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are obtained from herbs, nettles and other plants.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are a green dye.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins include two main types of compounds:
Copper complexes of chlorophylls (additive E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(i));
Sodium and potassium salts of copper complexes of chlorophyllins (additive E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(ii)).
USES and APPLICATIONS of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
Sweets: E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins provide a green hue to candies, jellies, and other sweets.
Beverages: soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic drinks.
Dairy products: E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in ice cream and yogurt.
Processed foods: sauces, soups, and canned vegetables.
Apart from its applications in the food industry, food additive E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are also used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries, leveraging their coloring properties and stability.
Food manufacturers using E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins in their production process must comply with strict labeling requirements, ensuring transparency and allowing consumers to make informed choices.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in products subject to heat-treatment, a process in which the copper is released.
Typical applications of E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins include confectionery, desserts, beverages, dairy products, ice cream, fruit preparation, bakery products, soups, sauces, snack food, seasonings, and convenience foods.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are incorporated into processed foods such as soups, sauces, and ready meals to enhance visual appeal.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are utilized in fat-based systems like spreads and dressings due to their oil-soluble forms.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in pharmaceuticals for tablet coatings and liquid formulations requiring green coloration.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are applied in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and personal care formulations.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in jams and fruit preparations to maintain a natural green appearance.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are suitable for clean-label and plant-based product formulations.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in encapsulated or emulsified forms to improve stability and dispersion in aqueous systems.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are predominantly used as a food colorant.
However, E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins can be used in a wide range of products.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in ice cream, confectionery, dry beverage mixes, and other food products.
Food additive E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are a group of natural green colorants consisting of copper complexes of chlorophylls and their derivatives.
Additives of the E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins group are derivatives of E140 and are distinguished by increased thermal and light stability, as well as acid resistance.
Unlike the original chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, colorant E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are soluble in water and water-alcohol solutions and retain an intense emerald-green color even during long-term storage.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins colorants are obtained from various edible plants — nettle, alfalfa, broccoli, etc. — using special solvents and adding copper salts.
Copper complexes E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are actively used in the food industry.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are more often used in products with neutral or slightly acidic environments, such as ice cream, creams, dairy desserts, and butter-based sauces, whereas colorant E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in beverages, fermented dairy products, aqueous sauces, and confectionery.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used as a natural green food colorant in: Confectionery products (candies, jellies, gummies), Beverages (flavored drinks, herbal drinks), Ice creams and dairy desserts, Sauces, soups, and dressings, Bakery decorations and icing, Processed foods requiring green coloration, Nutraceutical and herbal formulations.
Non-food uses of E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins: Cosmetics (green pigments in creams, soaps, makeup), Pharmaceutical coatings, Textile dye research (limited use).
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are widely used as a natural green colorant alternative to synthetic dyes.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used as green colorants in dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are applied in beverages to provide stable green shades, especially in mint and lime-flavored drinks.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in confectionery products like candies, chewing gum, and decorative coatings.
-Medical uses of E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins:
This clinical study demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in the repair of photo-aged skin by topical treatment with a test formulation containing a 0.05% liposomal dispersion of E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins have been used topically for many years as a treatment for wound healing, but have also demonstrated inhibition of hyaluronidase activity in vitro, supporting the concept that topical application of this component may be useful in reversing age-related reductions in hyaluronic acid, acting to improve the appearance of facial skin.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins appears as a dark green to bluish-green powder, paste, or liquid concentrate, depending on formulation (oil-soluble or water-soluble forms).
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are:
*Insoluble in water (chlorophyll copper complexes)
*Water-dispersible in chlorophyllin sodium salt form
*Soluble in oils and fats (lipophilic forms)
*Odorless or with a mild plant-like odor
*Stable green coloration ranging from olive green to deep emerald green
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are more stable than natural chlorophyll due to copper complexation, but still sensitive to:
*strong acids
*strong alkalis
*prolonged heat exposure
*light (moderate sensitivity)
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are non-volatile and remain stable under normal food processing conditions when properly formulated.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are based on porphyrin macrocyclic compounds, structurally related to natural chlorophyll.
Key chemical features:
*Central metal:
*Copper (Cu²⁺) replaces magnesium in chlorophyll
*Core structure:
*Porphyrin ring system
*Highly conjugated π-electron system responsible for green color
*Exists as mixtures of derivatives (chlorophylls and chlorophyllins)
Chemical behavior:
*More stable than natural chlorophyll
*Resistant to moderate heat compared to chlorophyll
*Stable in neutral to mildly alkaline conditions (especially chlorophyllins)
*Decomposes in strong acidic environments (loss of green color)
*Sensitive to oxidation over long exposure periods
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are semi-polar to amphiphilic, depending on whether phytol side chains are present (fat-soluble vs water-soluble variants).
BENEFITS AND CHARACTERISTICS of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins offer several functional advantages:
*Natural plant-derived origin (chlorophyll-based)
*Stable green coloration compared to natural chlorophyll
*Available in both oil-soluble and water-soluble forms
*Suitable for clean-label formulations
*Compatible with a wide range of food systems
*Provides stable green tones (olive to emerald green)
*Low toxicity and widely accepted as food additive
LIMITATIONS of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
*Sensitive to strong acids (color degradation)
*Moderate sensitivity to heat and light
*Color tone can shift depending on pH and formulation
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL STABILITY SUMMARY of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins show:
Moderate to high stability compared to natural chlorophyll
Improved heat resistance due to copper complexation
Sensitivity to acidic environments
Moderate light stability
Better stability in neutral to alkaline conditions (especially chlorophyllins)
Lipid solubility in chlorophyll forms, water solubility in chlorophyllin salts
Gradual degradation under prolonged storage
Chlorophyll is an oil-soluble pigment that is obtained from green-colored vegetables like Lucerne, Nettle, Spinach, and Grass which is responsible for giving an olive-green color.
The addition of Copper results in the formation of Copper Chlorophyllin.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins is a water-soluble form of copper chlorophyllin that is obtained by the process of saponification (Saponification is a process by which triglycerides are reacted with sodium or potassium hydroxide (lye) to produce glycerol and a fatty acid salt) of oil-soluble forms.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are added to foods and beverages at concentrations up to a maximum permitted level as established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
KEY DETAILS ABOUT E141 COPPER COMPLEXES OF CHLOROPHYLL AND CHLOROPHYLLINS:
*Types:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(i) Copper complexes of chlorophylls (oil-soluble) and E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins(ii) Copper complexes of chlorophyllins (water-soluble).
*Source & Production:
Extracted from natural sources like nettles, alfalfa, or grass, then treated with copper to enhance color stability against heat and light.
*Applications:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins are used in products requiring a stable green color, such as dairy products, ice cream, processed foods, sweets, beverages, and jams.
WHAT IS FOOD ADDITIVE E141 COPPER COMPLEXES OF CHLOROPHYLL AND CHLOROPHYLLINS?
Food additive E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins, also known as copper complexes and chlorophylls, are natural food additives primarily used for their coloring properties.
As a food colorant, E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins provide a green hue and are valued for their stability and vibrant shade, making it a popular choice in the food industry.
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins have a molecular formula of C34H34CuN4O.
THERE ARE TWO OTHER 2 DESIGNATIONS FOR E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins (i) Copper pheophytin
E141 Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins (ii) Sodium or potassium salts of chlorophyll complexes with copper
The synthesis process takes place in several stages:
Chlorophyll extraction.
Chlorophyll is first extracted from plants, spinach or nettles, using a solvent such as acetone or ethanol.
Conversion to Clorophylline.
The extracted chlorophyll is converted to water-soluble Chlorophyllin by replacing the magnesium ion in the center of the molecule with a hydrogen ion.
This is typically done by adding an acid to the chlorophyll solution.
Complexion with Copper.
Chlorophyllin is released in a reaction with a copper salt, such as copper sulfate, to form the copper complex.
This reaction involves the formation of a coordinate bond between the copper ion and the Clorofillin molecule.
Purification.
The reaction mixture is purified to isolate the copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophylls.
This typically involves processes such as filtration and drying.
Quality control test.
The final product is tested to ensure it meets the required specifications.
This may involve testing for color intensity, purity, and other physical and chemical properties.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
Appearance: Dark green to bluish-green powder, paste, or liquid concentrate
Odor: Mild, plant-like odor or odorless (refined grades)
Taste: Neutral to slightly herbal/vegetal (in crude extracts)
Physical state: Solid powder, oil-soluble paste, or water-dispersible solution (depending on form)
Color range: Olive green → deep emerald green → bluish-green
Solubility in water:
Chlorophyllins (E141ii): soluble or dispersible in water
Chlorophyll copper complexes (E141i): insoluble in water
Solubility in oils/fats: High (especially chlorophyll forms)
Solubility in organic solvents: Soluble in ethanol, acetone, and other polar organic solvents
Density: Not fixed (depends on formulation and matrix)
Viscosity: Low to medium (liquid formulations)
Volatility: Non-volatile
Stability to light: Moderate (better than natural chlorophyll but still light-sensitive)
Stability to heat: Moderate (more stable than natural chlorophyll)
Stability to oxygen: Moderate (slow oxidation over time)
pH behavior: Stable in neutral to mildly alkaline conditions; unstable in acidic conditions
Physical form in foods: Dispersed pigment in aqueous or lipid phase
Chemical nature: Copper complexes of porphyrin-based chlorophyll derivatives
Main structural system: Porphyrin macrocycle with conjugated π-electron system
Central metal ion: Copper (Cu²⁺) replacing magnesium in natural chlorophyll
Molecular formula: Not fixed (mixture of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin derivatives)
Molecular weight: Not fixed (~600–900 g/mol depending on derivative)
Polarity: Amphiphilic (varies with chlorophyll vs chlorophyllin form)
Functional groups:
Porphyrin ring system
Ester or carboxylate groups (in chlorophyllins)
Copper coordination center
Reactivity:
Stable toward moderate heat
Sensitive to strong acids (decomposition and color loss)
Stable in neutral to alkaline conditions (especially chlorophyllins)
Chemical stability: Improved compared to natural chlorophyll due to copper complexation
Redox behavior: Relatively stable but may undergo slow oxidation
Photochemical behavior: Moderate light sensitivity (better than natural chlorophyll)
Acid-base behavior:
Acidic conditions → demetallation and color loss
Alkaline conditions → improved stability (especially chlorophyllins)
Degradation pathway: Porphyrin ring breakdown → loss of green color → brown/yellow products
cas number: 11006-34-1 (commonly used for chlorophyll copper complex mixtures)
ec number: 215-800-7 (general chlorophyll derivative registry entry)
ec number: 286-918-9 (commonly assigned for chlorophyllin copper complexes)
molecular formula: not fixed (mixture of porphyrin-type structures)
representative molecular forms: chlorophyll derivatives typically based on c34–c55 porphyrin skeletons with copper substitution
molecular weight: not fixed (varies ~600–900 g/mol depending on derivative and side chains)
name copper complexes of chlorophylls, chlorophyllins
class colours
groups group ii: food colours authorised at quantum satis
additional details green color
origin semi-natural
common sources most of plants and algae, nettles, herbs and alfalfa
common applications refreshments, liqueurs, chewing gum, caramels, ice creams, gelatin, yogurts, cheese, pastry
FIRST AID MEASURES of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of E141 COPPER COMPLEXES of CHLOROPHYLL and CHLOROPHYLLINS:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
