Allura red AC (CED0013277)

Allura red AC is a solid compound with the formula C18H16N2O8S2 and an average molecular weight of 452.46 g/mol. Allura red AC belongs to the naphthalene sulfonic acids and derivatives, a subclass of naphthalenes within the organic compounds. This exogenous substance is known by several names, including Allura Red, Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, FD&C Red 40, E129, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-, disodium salt, and disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalene-sulfonate. Industrially, the compound is utilized as a dye, fragrance, and flavouring and nutrient. It is used as a food dye in products such as beverages, dairy products, bakery products, gelatins, puddings, custards, sauces, toppings, fruits, jams, jellies, condiments, and meat and poultry. Allura red AC was originally introduced in the United States to replace amaranth as a food coloring and is categorized as one of many High Production Volume Chemicals. The compound is found in or released from 37 recorded sources. These include food, food processing and cookware, household cleaning and consumer products, drinking water and water supply, aquatic systems and sediments, wastewater, sanitation and biosolids, and electrical and electronic equipment. Exposure routes include oral, inhalation, and touch. In terms of biological interaction, Allura red AC has one recorded protein target: the D(2) dopamine receptor (DRD2).