Post XIV - Chemistry

The Amaranth color can be found in chemistry as a sulfonic acid-based naphthylazo dye for food, medicine or to color cosmetics. In 1796, many countries, such as the United States of America, Austria, Russia, and Norway, prohibited its use due to the possibility of E123 being carcinogenic. It's still legal in other countries, like England that uses it to give the bright color to their cherries. 

As a food additive it has E number E123. 

E123 gives products a red / purple colouration and is highly soluble in water - making it useful as a dye in photography. E123 is often used in wines and spirits.


Chemical Formula     C₂₀H₁₁N₂Na₃O₁₀S<sub>3

Molar Mass</sub>                604.47305

Melting Point            120 °C


A similar color can be found in Azorubine or Carmoisine, E number E122. It is a synthetic red food dye from the azo dye group and it tends to be used in fermented foods that require treatment by heat. Like Amaranth dye, it was also banned from some countries because it's believed to worsen asthma and hyperactivity in children and to cause allergic reactions to those allergic to aspirin.

Chemical Formula    C₂₀H₁₂N₂Na₂O₇S<sub>2

Molar Mass</sub>               502.44

Melting Point           >300 °C

Solubility in Water   Soluble (120g/l)