Erythrosine, also known as Red No. 3, is an organoiodine compound, specifically a derivative of fluorone. It is cherry or melon-pink synthetic, primarily used for food coloring. It is the disodium salt of 2,4,5,7-tetraiodofluorescein. Its maximum absorbance is at 530 nm in an aqueous solution, and it is subject to photo degradation.
Erythrosine (FD&C red no. 3) is one the best characterized chemicals that acts as a 5′-deiodinase inhibitor and results in perturbations of thyroid function. It is a tetra iodinated derivative of fluoresce in, with iodine accounting for ~58% of the molecular weight. Erythrosine is a red dye used widely as a color additive in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Erythrosine (C20H8I4O5) is commonly referred to as red dye #3. FDA has regulatory oversight for color additives used in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. Red Dye #3 can be used in food and drugs per the FDA. According to the FDA, FD&C Red No. 3 may be safely used for coloring foods generally (including dietary supplements) in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice. Red Dye #3 is commonly used to color maraschino cherries.
Erythrosine is an artificial red colouring agent obtained from coal tar. Commonly referred as red dye, erythrosine is composed of iodine and sodium compounds. Erythrosine belongs to xanthene group which represents wide range of brilliant fluorescent dyes ranging from yellow to bluish red. Erythrosine is widely used in food and beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparation to impart synthetic cherry-pink colour.