Acid Blue 9: Properties, Applications, and Safety of a Key Synthetic Blue Dye
Discover the versatile world of Acid Blue 9, a vital synthetic dye shaping industries from food to pharmaceuticals.
Get a Quote & SampleProduct Core Value

Acid Blue 9
Acid Blue 9, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic triarylmethane dye with the CAS number 2650-18-2. It is highly valued for its vibrant blue hue and its solubility in water and ethanol, making it a versatile colorant across numerous applications. Its stability and safety profile, when used within regulated limits, have cemented its place in industries ranging from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and textiles.
- Exploring the synthesis of Acid Blue 9 reveals a multi-step process involving condensation and oxidation, highlighting its chemical complexity.
- The applications of Acid Blue 9 are diverse, including its use as a food coloring agent (E133) and in cosmetic formulations for coloring purposes.
- Investigating the safety of Brilliant Blue FCF involves understanding its regulatory status and potential health effects, ensuring responsible usage.
- Acid Blue 9 serves as a crucial water tracer agent and is also employed as a biological stain in various scientific research contexts.
Key Advantages and Applications
Versatile Coloration
Acid Blue 9 provides a vibrant and stable blue hue, making it indispensable for applications in food coloring, cosmetics, and textile dyeing, where consistent color is paramount.
Industrial Utility
Beyond consumer products, its function as a water tracer agent and its use in biological staining underscore its utility in industrial and scientific research settings, contributing to efficient process monitoring and analysis.
Biomedical Research Potential
Emerging research highlights Acid Blue 9's role as a purinergic receptor inhibitor, suggesting potential applications in understanding and managing inflammatory responses and other cell processes.
Key Applications
Food Industry
As E133, Acid Blue 9 is widely used to color beverages, confections, and dairy products, enhancing their visual appeal.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
It imparts color to various cosmetic products, including hair dyes and personal hygiene items, contributing to product aesthetics.
Pharmaceuticals
Acid Blue 9 is utilized in some medications to provide color, aiding in product identification and patient compliance.
Textile Dyeing
In the textile industry, it serves as an acid dye for wool, silk, and nylon, offering vibrant and lasting blue shades.