E110 or Sunset Yellow FCF or FD&C Yellow No. 6 is an azo dye, a class of commercial organic dyes.

Description of raw materials used in production. 

• The raw materials for the production of FD&C Yellow No. 6 include petroleum derivatives and other chemicals that undergo various chemical reactions to produce the dye.

Step-by-step summary of industrial production process.

• Synthesis of Sulfanilic Acid. The first step involves synthesizing sulfanilic acid from aniline and sulfuric acid.
• Diazotization Coupling. The sulfanilic acid is then converted into a diazonium salt, which is coupled with a compound called 2-naphthol.
• Isolation and Purification. The formed dye is isolated, purified, and then converted into its sodium salt form to make it water-soluble.
• Drying. The dye is then dried and ground into a fine powder.

Form and color. It is generally comes as an orange/reddish powder and, when dissolved, produces a yellow/orange hue in solution.

Commercial applications. 

This dye is widely used in various food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products to impart a yellow/orange hue. It is used in beverages, candies, ice cream, drugs, and many other products.

Safety.The problem with azo dyes (monoazo or diazo) is photocatalytic degradation leading to oxidation and subsequent formation of impurities such as aromatic amines, some of which have carcinogenic activity.

It is used in:

• biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products) 
  
• fertilisers
  
• cosmetics 
  
• personal care products
  
• inks and toners
  
• air care products
  
• textile treatment products
  
• dyes
  
• paper chemicals

CI 15985 Sunset Yellow FCF studies

Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₁₀N₂Na₂O₇S₂

Molecular Weight: 452.363 g/mol

UNII: H77VEI93A8

CAS: 2783-94-0    1325-37-7  15790-07-5   1342-61-6  12707-27-6

EC Number: 220-491-7  239-888-1  215-393-6

PubChem Substance ID 24870256

MDL number MFCD00036437

Colour Index Number 15985