Ponceau 4R (Molecule of the Month for September 2007)
E124, Food Red 7, C.I. 16255, Cochineal Red A, New Coccine, Acid Red 18, SX purple
Ponceau 4R is a synthetic colourant that may be added to foods. It is denoted by E Number E124. Ponceau 4R is a red azo dye which can be used in a variety of food products.
Ponceau 4R is considered carcinogenic in some countries, including the USA, Norway, and Finland, and it is currently listed as a banned substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [2] Since 2000, the FDA has seized Chinese-produced haw flakes (a fruit candy) on numerous occasions for containing Ponceau 4R.
A study commissioned by the UK's Food Standards Agency found that when used in a mixture of other colourants and preservatives, increased levels of hyperactivity in children were observed.
Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
trisodium (E)-7-hydroxy-8-((4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl)naphthalene-1,3-disulfonat
References
click on the picture of Ponceau 4R above to interact
with the 3D model of the
Ponceau 4R structure
(this will open a new browser window)
C20 H11 N 2Na3 O10 S3
Update by Karl Harrrison
(Molecule of the Month for
September 2007
)
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