LYCOPENE (SYNTHETIC)
New specifications prepared at the 67th JECFA (2006) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 3 (2006). A group ADI “not specified” for lycopene from all sources was established at the 71st JECFA (2009).
SYNONYMS INS 160d(i)
DEFINITION Synthetic lycopene is produced by the Wittig condensation of synthetic intermediates commonly used in the production of other
carotenoids used in food. Synthetic lycopene consists predominantly of all-trans-lycopene together with 5-cis-lycopene and minor quantities of other isomers. Commercial lycopene preparations intended for use in food are formulated as suspensions in edible oils or water-dispersible powders and are stabilised with antioxidants.
Chemical names Ψ,Ψ-carotene all-trans-lycopene (all-E)-lycopene
(all-E)-2,6,10,14,19,23,27,31-octamethyl-2,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22,24,26,30-dotriacontatridecaene
CAS number 502-65-8
Chemical formula C40H56
Formula weight 536.9
Assay Not less than 96% total lycopenes; not less than 70% all-translycopene
DESCRIPTION Red crystalline powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Colour, nutrient supplement
