FD&C Blue No. 1 powder, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic food dye that is commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
_Chemical Structure_
The chemical structure of FD&C Blue No. 1 is C16H10N2O6S2Na2, which is a disodium salt of a sulfonated azo compound.
_Properties_
1. _Color_: FD&C Blue No. 1 is a bright blue powder with a vibrant color.
2. _Solubility_: The dye is highly soluble in water and has a solubility of approximately 20% at 20°C.
3. _Stability_: FD&C Blue No. 1 is a stable dye that is resistant to heat, light, and pH changes.
4. _pH range_: The dye is stable over a wide pH range, from 3 to 10.
_Applications_
1. _Food industry_: FD&C Blue No. 1 is used as a food coloring in a variety of products, including baked goods, beverages, and candies.
2. _Pharmaceutical industry_: The dye is used as a coloring agent in pharmaceutical products, such as tablets, capsules, and syrups.
3. _Cosmetics industry_: FD&C Blue No. 1 is used in some cosmetics and personal care products, such as hair dyes and makeup.
4. _Biological staining_: The dye is used as a biological stain in histology and cytology applications.
_Benefits_
1. _Vibrant color_: FD&C Blue No. 1 produces a bright, vibrant blue color that is highly visible.
2. _Stability_: The dye is stable and resistant to fading, which makes it a reliable choice for use in a variety of applications.
3. _Solubility_: The high solubility of the dye makes it easy to mix and use in a variety of formulations.
4. _Cost-effective_: FD&C Blue No. 1 is a cost-effective alternative to other blue dyes on the market.
