Dye: Sunset Yellow FCF
Caitlin Walker
Sunset Yellow FCF, more commonly known as Yellow 6, is an orange azo dye3. This dye is petroleum-derived and its absorption is dependent on the pH. Minimum absorption occurs at 480 nm with a pH of 1 and maximum absorption occurs at 443 nm with a pH of 13. Sunset Yellow FCF is soluble in cold water2. Sunset Yellow FCF has the following structure (Figure 1).
Sunset Yellow FCF is commonly used in food, cosmetics, and drugs. It is often used to color beverages, cereals, desserts, and ice cream3. Currently Sunset Yellow FCF is FDA approved as a food color additive and is one of the most commonly used coloring agents for food.
According to Culinary Lore, Sunset Yellow FCF is