C.I. pigment yellow 12

C.I. Pigment Yellow 12 (CAS 6358-85-6, EC 228-787-8) is a disazo organic pigment also known by the colour index number C.I. 21090/21100 and commercially referred to as Benzidine Yellow. It belongs to the diarylide pigment family and is supplied as a nanomaterial-grade solid.

In printing inks, PY12 delivers strong yellow hues in lithographic and flexographic systems through its ability to absorb light selectively in the blue-violet region while resisting bleed into adjacent ink layers. In plastics and coatings, it provides surface colouration with moderate heat stability, functioning as a pigmentary colorant rather than a dye, meaning it remains insoluble in the substrate matrix.

PY12 is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU and should be evaluated against applicable restrictions on benzidine-derived pigments in regulated end-use sectors such as textiles and food-contact materials. Procurement teams should request supplier Safety Data Sheets confirming nanomaterial classification and confirm grade suitability for the intended application.