Amaranth
CAS 915-67-3
EC 213-022-2
Formula C20H14N2O10S3.3Na
MW 604.47 g/mol
Pigments & Colorants Food & NutritionTextile, Leather & PaperPrinting & Packaging Flavoring & Acidulant
Description
Amaranth (CAS 915-67-3) is a synthetic azo dye registered as E123 under EU food additive legislation, also referenced as Red No. 2, L-Rot 3, and INS 123. It carries the molecular formula C20H14N2O10S3.3Na and is classified under EC 213-022-2.
In food and beverage applications, Amaranth functions as a colorant by absorbing light in the yellow-green spectrum to produce a deep red-purple hue, commonly applied to fish roe, alcoholic beverages, and certain confectionery products. In textile and paper processing, it bonds to fibres through ionic interaction, delivering consistent red shading across dye baths.
Amaranth is supplied as a crystalline powder in food-grade and technical grades, compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for E123 applications and subject to REACH registration requirements for industrial use. Standard packaging includes 25 kg fibre drums. Buyers should confirm regional restrictions, as E123 is not permitted in all jurisdictions.
In food and beverage applications, Amaranth functions as a colorant by absorbing light in the yellow-green spectrum to produce a deep red-purple hue, commonly applied to fish roe, alcoholic beverages, and certain confectionery products. In textile and paper processing, it bonds to fibres through ionic interaction, delivering consistent red shading across dye baths.
Amaranth is supplied as a crystalline powder in food-grade and technical grades, compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for E123 applications and subject to REACH registration requirements for industrial use. Standard packaging includes 25 kg fibre drums. Buyers should confirm regional restrictions, as E123 is not permitted in all jurisdictions.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | >300°C |
| Density | ~1.50 g/cm³ (approx) |
| Flash Point | 214° |
| Appearance | solid |
| Color | Dark reddish-brown to dark brown |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | 50 g/L (20 ºC) |
| pH | 9.65 (28°C, - OECD Test Guideline 122 - alkaline) |
| Log P | -5.13 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H315H319H335
P
P261P264P271P280P319P321P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P403+P233P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 32129000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
Amaranth (Dye)E123Red no 2redno2l-rot31508redredno.2
Related Products
Raw Materials
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.