FlavScents AInsights Entry for Azorubine (CAS: 3567-69-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Azorubine, Carmoisine
- IUPAC Name: Disodium 4-hydroxy-3-[(4-sulfonato-1-naphthyl)azo]naphthalene-1-sulfonate
- CAS Number: 3567-69-9
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: E Number E122, C.I. 14720
- Molecular Formula: C20H12N2Na2O7S2
- Molecular Weight: 502.43 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure-Odor Relevance: Azorubine is an azo dye characterized by its azo (-N=N-) linkage, which is responsible for its vivid red color. It does not have a direct odor relevance but is used for its coloring properties in various applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Azorubine is primarily used as a colorant and does not contribute to the sensory profile in terms of odor or flavor. It is known for its bright red hue, which can enhance the visual appeal of food and beverage products. The intensity of its color can vary depending on concentration and the medium in which it is used. As a colorant, it plays a role in creating visual impact rather than sensory flavor or odor.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Azorubine is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is produced through a chemical synthesis process involving the diazotization of 4-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid followed by coupling with 2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid. Due to its synthetic origin, azorubine does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Azorubine is used in the food industry primarily as a colorant rather than a flavoring agent. It is commonly found in products such as candies, beverages, and baked goods. Typical use levels in food products range from 10 to 500 ppm, depending on the desired intensity of color. It is stable under a variety of conditions, including heat and pH variations, making it a versatile additive in food formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, azorubine is not used for its scent but may be included in products for its coloring properties. It can be found in personal care products such as shampoos and lotions, where it contributes to the visual appeal. The concentration in these products is typically low, ensuring that it does not interfere with the fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Azorubine is not approved for use in food products by the FDA.
- European Union: Approved as a food additive (E122) under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, allowing its use as E122.
- Asia: Approved in several countries, including Japan and China, with specific usage limits.
- Latin America: Usage varies; approved in some countries with specific regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions exist, but there are known uncertainties and variability in regulations across different countries.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Azorubine has an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-4 mg/kg body weight as established by JECFA. It is considered safe for consumption within these limits.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered non-irritating in cosmetic applications at typical use levels.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not typically a concern due to its use as a colorant rather than a volatile compound.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with safety primarily focused on oral exposure.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Azorubine is valued for its vibrant red color, which can enhance the visual appeal of products. It is often used in combination with other colorants to achieve specific hues. Formulators should be aware of regulatory restrictions in different regions and ensure compliance with local guidelines. Overuse can lead to regulatory non-compliance and potential consumer concerns.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on azorubine is well-established, particularly regarding its use as a food colorant. Regulatory guidelines are clear in most regions, though formulators should remain vigilant about updates. Some industry practices may not be fully documented, but they are generally consistent with regulatory standards.
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
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
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 2026-04-03 07:36:30 GMT (p2)