SANCO/11368/2011-EN Rev. 3 - Izba Mleka

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Definition Bixin is prepared by the extraction of the outer coating
of the seeds of the annatto tree (Bixa orellana L.) with
one or more of the following solvents: acetone,
methanol, hexane or dichloromethane, carbon dioxide
followed by the removal of the solvent.
Colour Index No 75120
Norbixin is prepared by hydrolysis by aqueous alkali
of the extracted bixin.
Bixin and norbixin may contain other materials
extracted from the annatto seed.
The bixin powder contains several coloured
components, the major single one being bixin, which
may be present in both cis- and trans- forms. Thermal
degradation products of bixin may also be present.
The norbixin powder contains the hydrolysis product
of bixin, in the form of the sodium or potassium salts
as the major colouring principle. Both cis- and transforms
may be present.
EINECS Annatto: 215-735-4, annatto seed extract: 289-561-2;
bixin: 230-248-7
Chemical name Bixin: 6′-Methylhydrogen-9′-cis-6,6′diapocarotene-6,6′-dioate6′-Methylhydrogen-9′-trans-6,6′diapocarotene-6,6′-dioate
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Norbixin: 9′cis-6,6′-Diapocarotene-6,6′-dioic
acid
9′-trans-6,6′-Diapocarotene-6,6′dioic
acid
Chemical formula Bixin: C25H30O4
Norbixin: C24H28O4
Molecular weight Bixin: 394,51
Norbixin: 380,48
Assay Content of bixin powders not less than 75 % total
carotenoids calculated as bixin.
Content of norbixin powders not less than 25 % total
carotenoids calculated as norbixin
Bixin: E1 cm 1 % 2 870 at ca 502 nm in chloroform