FlavScents AInsights Entry for Orange B (CAS: 15139-76-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Orange B
• IUPAC Name: Sodium 4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo]benzenesulfonate
• CAS Number: 15139-76-1
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C16H11N2NaO4S
• Molecular Weight: 350.32 g/mol

Orange B is a synthetic azo dye characterized by its vivid orange color. The compound contains functional groups such as azo (-N=N-) and sulfonate (-SO3Na), which contribute to its solubility in water and its application as a colorant. The azo linkage is significant for its chromophoric properties, influencing both its color and potential reactivity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Orange B is primarily used as a colorant rather than for its sensory properties. It does not have a significant odor or flavor profile that contributes to its use in flavor or fragrance applications. Its role is more aligned with visual enhancement rather than sensory modification.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Orange B is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is produced through a chemical synthesis process involving the diazotization of 2-naphthol followed by coupling with sulfanilic acid. As a synthetic dye, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Orange B is not typically used in flavor formulations due to its primary function as a colorant. However, when used, it is important to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding its concentration in food products. The typical use levels are not well-documented in flavor systems, as its application is more common in non-food items.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Orange B is not commonly used in fragrance formulations. Its primary application is as a colorant in various products, including cosmetics and personal care items. It does not contribute to the olfactory profile of a fragrance but may be used to enhance the visual appeal of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Orange B is not approved for use in food products by the FDA. It may be used in certain non-food applications under specific conditions.
• European Union: Not approved for use in food products under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no divergence reported.
• Asia: Regulatory status varies; not widely approved for food use.
• Latin America: Generally not approved for food use; specific regulations may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Orange B's safety profile is primarily evaluated in the context of its use as a colorant. Oral exposure is limited due to regulatory restrictions on its use in food. Dermal exposure considerations are relevant for its use in cosmetics, where it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is not a primary concern due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Formulators should be aware that Orange B is primarily a colorant and not a flavor or fragrance component. Its use should be carefully controlled to comply with regulatory standards. It is valuable for its vibrant color but should be used with caution to avoid regulatory non-compliance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on Orange B is well-documented in terms of its chemical identity and regulatory status. However, its use in flavor and fragrance applications is limited, leading to gaps in sensory and formulation data. Industry practices are typically guided by regulatory compliance rather than sensory enhancement.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for Orange B)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for Orange B)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-06-03 16:34:43 GMT (p2)