Carminic acid
CAS 1260-17-9
EC 215-023-3
Formula C22H20O13
MW 492.39 g/mol
Pigments & Colorants Food & NutritionTextile, Leather & PaperPersonal Care & Cosmetics
Description
Carminic acid (CAS 1260-17-9, E 120, CI 75470) is a natural anthraquinone dye extracted from cochineal insects. It is registered under EC 215-023-3 and recognised by alternative designations including Sun Red 1 and NSC 326224. The compound carries a molecular formula of C22H20O13.
In food and beverage manufacturing, carminic acid functions as a pH-sensitive colorant, shifting from orange-red in acidic conditions to purple in alkaline matrices, enabling consistent hue control in products such as yoghurts, meat preparations, and confectionery. In cosmetics, it provides stable red pigmentation in lipsticks and blushers where synthetic azo dyes are restricted.
Carminic acid is supplied as a crystalline powder conforming to E 120 specifications under EU food additive regulation, with grades available to FCC and Ph.Eur. standards for food and pharmaceutical applications respectively. The product falls under HS code 32129000 and is subject to REACH registration requirements for industrial supply within the European Economic Area.
In food and beverage manufacturing, carminic acid functions as a pH-sensitive colorant, shifting from orange-red in acidic conditions to purple in alkaline matrices, enabling consistent hue control in products such as yoghurts, meat preparations, and confectionery. In cosmetics, it provides stable red pigmentation in lipsticks and blushers where synthetic azo dyes are restricted.
Carminic acid is supplied as a crystalline powder conforming to E 120 specifications under EU food additive regulation, with grades available to FCC and Ph.Eur. standards for food and pharmaceutical applications respectively. The product falls under HS code 32129000 and is subject to REACH registration requirements for industrial supply within the European Economic Area.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 136 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 506.2°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.4504 (rough estimate) |
| Flash Point | 12°C |
| Appearance | red to dark red crystalline powder |
| Color | Red to dark red |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | 1.298g/L(room temperature) |
| Refractive Index | 1.6000 (estimate) |
| pH | 1.6 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | 1.532 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 32129000 |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
E 120CARMINECarminicCI 75470Sun Red 1KarminsureCARMINE 40CARMINE 2G
Related Products
Derivatives
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