Erythrosine

Products

Erythrosine is available as a pure substance in specialized stores.

Structure and properties

Erythrosine (C20H6I4Na2O5, Mr = 879.9 g/mol) is present as a disodium salt, a red, odorless powder that is soluble in water. It belongs to the xanthene dyes. Erythrosine is not an azo dye, but an iodinated fluorescein.

Effects

Erythrosine colors products pink to red.

Fields of application

Erythrosine is used as a colorant for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. For food, it is approved exclusively for processed cherries, i.e., cocktail cherries, candied cherries, and Kaiser cherries (Bigarreaux cherries).

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include intolerance reactions. Critics see a possible link to thyroid disease. However, erythrosine is judged by authorities to be safe and tolerable within the permitted daily doses. It is absorbed only to a small extent, does not accumulate, and is excreted predominantly unchanged.