Ponceau_4R
Ponceau 4R
Chemical compound
Ponceau 4R (known by more than 100 synonyms,[1]: 460–461 including as C.I. 16255,[2] cochineal red A,[2] C.I. acid red 18,[2] brilliant scarlet 3R,[2] brilliant scarlet 4R,[2] new coccine,[1]: 460 ) is a synthetic colourant that may be used as a food colouring. It is denoted by E Number E124.[2] Its chemical name is 1-(4-sulfo-1-napthylazo)-2-napthol-6,8-disulfonic acid, trisodium salt. Ponceau (17th century French for "poppy-coloured") is the generic name for a family of azo dyes.
Ponceau 4R is a strawberry red azo dye which can be used in a variety of food products, and is usually synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons; it is stable to light, heat, and acid but fades in the presence of ascorbic acid.[1]: 460
It is used in Europe, Asia, and Australia, but has not been approved for human consumption by the United States Food and Drug Administration.[1]: 460 [2]