CHLOROPHYLLINS, COPPER COMPLEXES SODIUM and POTASSIUM SALTS
Prepared at the 31st JECFA (1987), published in the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). Corrected at the 69th JECFA (2008). An ADI of 0-15 mg/kg bw was established at the 22nd JECFA (1978).
SYNONYMS Sodium copper chlorophyllin, potassium copper chlorophyllin, C.I. (1975) No. 75815, INS No. 141(ii)
DEFINITION The alkali salts of Copper Chlorophyllins are obtained by the addition copper to the product obtained by the saponification of a solvent extraction of grass, lucerne, nettle and other plant material; the saponification removes the methyl and cyclophytol ester groups and may partially cleave the pentenyl ring; after addition of copper to the purified chlorophyllins, the acid groups are neutralised to form the salts of potassium and/or sodium; the commercial products may be presented as aqueous solutions or dried powders. Only the following solvents may be used for the extraction: acetone, dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol and hexane.
Chemical names The major colouring principles in their acid forms are 3-(10-Carboxylato-4-ethyl-1,3,5,8-tetramethyl-9-oxo-2-vinylphorbin-7-yl)propionate, copper complex (Copper chlorophyllin a) 3-(10-carboxylato-4-ethyl-3-formyl-1,5,8-trimethyl-9-oxo-2-vinylphorbin-7-yl)propionate, copper complex (Copper chlorophyllin b)
Depending on the degree of hydrolysis the cyclopentenyl ring may be cleaved with the resultant production of a third carboxyl function.
Formula weight Copper chlorophyllin a: 640.20
Copper chlorophyllin b: 654.18
Each may be increased by a 18 Daltons if the cyclopentenyl ring is cleaved.
Assay Not less than 95% total copper chlorophyllins after drying (100º, 1 h).
DESCRIPTION Dark green to blue/black powder or dark green solution.
FUNCTIONAL USES Colour
