Tag: Pigments

According to the USGS, approximately 85% of commercial chromium is used for the production of stainless steel and chrome plating. This lustrous, hard metal is valued for its remarkable hardness, corrosion resistance, and ability to take a high polish. The purpose of chromium extends far beyond industry, with a small amount also being a key trace element in human biology.

Iron salts are among the most widely used chemical compounds globally, with ferrous sulfate alone seeing over 6 million prescriptions in the United States in 2021. What are iron salts used for across various sectors, from essential medical treatments to widespread industrial processes?

According to regulatory information, the food additive E172, composed of iron oxides and hydroxides, is widely permitted as a safe food colorant in many regions globally, including the EU. It is a durable, heat-stable mineral pigment used to produce a range of yellow, red, black, and brown shades in various processed food products.

Carotenoids are the yellow, orange, and red organic pigments responsible for the vibrant coloration in pumpkins, carrots, and tomatoes. These essential compounds possess specific physical properties that are intrinsically linked to their molecular structure, governing their behavior and function in both biological systems and food applications.

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, has been consumed for centuries by civilizations like the Aztecs, who harvested it from Lake Texcoco and made it into dried cakes called "tecuitlatl". Its unique color is the result of a fascinating combination of specific photosynthetic pigments.

Over 90% of the Earth’s biomass consists of plants, and the pigment responsible for the success of nearly all of them is chlorophyll. This green molecule is central to the process of photosynthesis, prompting many to ask, "Do greens have chlorophyll?" The answer is a resounding and fundamental yes.

Over 750 types of carotenoids are naturally synthesized by plants, algae, and some bacteria, with beta-carotene being one of the most prominent. This organic pigment is responsible for the vibrant yellow, orange, and red colors seen in many foods and is a crucial precursor to Vitamin A in the human diet.

Broccoli is recognized by the UN as one of the most nutritionally valuable vegetables, offering a dense concentration of beneficial compounds, including various pigments. These pigments not only give broccoli its signature vibrant green color but also provide significant antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Understanding these compounds reveals the science behind this superfood.

Blueberries contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any common fruit, but these powerful compounds are also the same pigments responsible for their notorious staining power. This deep blue-purple hue, so beneficial for our health, can become a menace when it transfers to clothing, teeth, or countertops.

Despite both being yellow, yellow iron oxide and Yellow 5 are entirely different substances with distinct chemical compositions and origins. This article will clarify the fundamental differences, exploring their distinct origins, chemical properties, and practical applications across various industries to answer the question: Is yellow iron oxide the same as yellow 5?