Brilliant Black BN is a chemical compound, black diazo dye included in the list of European food additives as E151 and in the International Colour Index as CI 28440 .

It is also known as

Brilliant Black PN,  Black PN.

Chemical name: tetrasodium 4-acetamido-5-hydroxy-6-[7-sulphonato-4-(4-sulphonatophenylazo)-1-naphtylazo]naphthalene-1,7-disulphonate,

Cosmetics

Colorant. It is an ingredient that makes the final product more attractive from an aesthetic point of view, but can pose a potential health risk with undesirable side effects especially when used continuously as it can be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes.

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.

The Food Additives Panel found Brilliant Black BN to be positive in a micronucleus test and in an in vitro Comet test, but negative in long-term carcinogenicity studies. However, an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) of 5 mg/kg bw/day was established. (1).

Molecular Formula   C₂₈H₁₇N₅Na₄O₁₄S₄

EC number    219-746-5

UNII    2WPR32U0CP

DTXSID2020183

Synonyms: 

• Brilliant black PN
• 1,7-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 4-(acetylamino)-5-hydroxy-6-((7-sulfo-4-((4-sulfophenyl)azo)-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-, tetrasodium salt

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) EFSA  Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Brilliant Black BN (E 151) as a food additive. doi 10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1540