Acid Red 27

Amaranth (FD & C Red No. 2) 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. Amaranth may be converted to the corresponding aluminum lake.

solid

Dyeing wool and silk bright bluish-red from an acid bath. Food colorant. As indicator. In color photography.

An azo dye derived from naphthionic and R acids.

Approval of amaranth as a permitted colouring agent in foods and pharmaceutical products was withdrawn by the United States FDA in 1976, on the basis of positive findings in carcinogenicity tests which were later disputed on technical grounds and which have not been confirmed in subsequent tests. It has since been withdrawn by some other national regulatory authorities because of uncertainty regarding its safety, but elsewhere it remains widely used.

Dark red to dark purple powder. Almost no odor. Tastes salty. pH (1% solution in water) approximately 10.8. Used to dye wool and silk bright bluish-red from an acid bath.

Can be explosive as an airborne dust at certain concentrations. Moderately soluble in water.

Acid Red 27 may form toxic gases with acids, aldehydes, amides, carbamates, cyanides, inorganic fluorides, halogenated organics, isocyanates, ketones, metals, nitrides, peroxides, phenols, epoxides, acyl halides, and strong oxidizing or reducing agents. May form flammable gases with alkali metals. Explosive combination can occur with strong oxidizing agents, metal salts, peroxides, and sulfides.

A questionable carcinogen. May not be used in foods, drugs, or cosmetics.

Flash point data for Acid Red 27 are not available; however, Acid Red 27 is probably combustible.