AInsights Entry for Brilliant Green (C.I. 42040) (CAS: 633-03-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Brilliant Green
- IUPAC Name: N-[4-[(4-diethylaminophenyl)phenylmethylene]-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene]-N-ethylethanaminium chloride
- CAS Number: 633-03-4
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: C.I. 42040
- Molecular Formula: C27H34N2Cl
- Molecular Weight: 420.03 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Brilliant Green is a triarylmethane dye, characterized by its vibrant green color. Its structure includes aromatic rings and amine groups, which contribute to its stability and color properties rather than odor.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Brilliant Green is primarily used for its color rather than its sensory properties. It does not have a significant odor or flavor profile, which makes it suitable for applications where color is desired without altering the sensory characteristics of the product. Its role is typically as a visual impact note rather than a sensory one.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Brilliant Green is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is produced through chemical synthesis involving the reaction of diethyl aniline with benzaldehyde, followed by oxidation. As a synthetic dye, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Brilliant Green is not typically used in flavor applications due to its synthetic nature and lack of flavor properties. When used, it serves solely as a colorant to enhance the visual appeal of food and beverage products. Typical use levels are not well-documented in flavor systems, as its primary function is not flavor-related.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, Brilliant Green is used as a colorant rather than for its olfactory properties. It can be used in various product types, including soaps and cosmetics, to impart a green hue. Its volatility is low, and it does not contribute to the fragrance profile as a top, middle, or base note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Brilliant Green is not approved for use in food by the FDA but may be used in non-food applications.
- European Union: Not listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use; primarily regulated as a colorant.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with similar restrictions.
- Asia: Regulations vary; not typically approved for food use in Japan and China.
- Latin America: Usage is restricted; specific regulations depend on the country.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Not typically used in food; therefore, oral exposure is minimal. No ADI or MSDI established.
- Dermal Exposure: Used in cosmetics; potential for irritation exists, but generally considered safe at low concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility minimizes inhalation risk; occupational exposure should be controlled.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Brilliant Green is valued for its vibrant color, making it useful in applications where visual appeal is critical. It is stable under various conditions but should be used with caution to avoid staining. Formulators should ensure compatibility with other ingredients to prevent color bleeding.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on Brilliant Green is well-established for its use as a colorant. However, its application in flavors and fragrances is limited, leading to gaps in sensory and toxicological data specific to these uses.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for this material)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for this material)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-07-06 12:58:59 GMT (p2)