What Is Copper Chlorophyllin?
Copper chlorophyllin, also known as copper chlorophyll, is a compound in which magnesium in chlorophyll is replaced by copper.
Copper chlorophyllin is soluble in oil but insoluble in water.
Chlorophyll, the source of copper chlorophyllin, is a natural green pigment found in plants. It gives plant leaves their green color. However, when used as a green coloring agent, chlorophyll fades over time.
Copper chlorophyllin is used as a coloring agent in place of chlorophyll. It is more stable against acid and light than natural chlorophyllin, allowing it to produce a stable green color.
Uses of Copper Chlorophyllin
Copper chlorophyllin is primarily used as a coloring agent. It is virtually insoluble in water, limiting its use in this capacity.
Water-soluble sodium copper chlorophyllin, obtained by hydrolyzing copper chlorophyllin, is used as a coloring agent in the food and cosmetic industries. Copper chlorophyllin often serves as an intermediate raw material to obtain sodium copper chlorophyllin.
1. Uses in the Food Industry
Copper chlorophyllin is used as a green coloring agent in various food products. Examples of food products where sodium copper chlorophyllin is used include:
- Kelp
- Stored vegetables and fruits
- Chewing gum
- Fish paste products
- Fresh confectionery
- Chocolate
- Agar in canned honey beans
- Candy
Both copper chlorophyll and sodium copper chlorophyllin are approved as designated additive colorants. Maximum amounts in each type of food product are specified.
The amount of copper chlorophyllin or sodium copper chlorophyllin is determined by the content of copper (Cu) it contains.
2. Uses in Non-food Products
Copper chlorophyllin is added to cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals for green coloring. It is used in products like cleansing agents, shampoos, facial soaps, and toothpastes.
In certain quasi-drugs (medicated cosmetics), maximum amounts are specified:
- Medicated mouthwash (0.050%)
- Medicated toothpaste (0.050%)
Properties of Copper Chlorophyllin
Copper chlorophyllin produces a long-lasting green color. It is less susceptible to fading than natural chlorophyll due to the stability of copper (Cu) in its molecule.
Natural chlorophyllin’s magnesium (Mg) is more readily released than copper (Cu), causing faster fading. Copper (Cu) is more stable in the tetrapyrrole ring of copper chlorophyllin than magnesium (Mg) in chlorophyll.
Therefore, replacing magnesium (Mg) in natural chlorophyllin with copper (Cu) forms copper chlorophyllin, stabilizing the green color.
Structure of Copper Chlorophyllin
Copper chlorophyllin’s molecular structure is similar to that of chlorophyll. It has a tetrapyrrole ring and a hydrophobic long-chain alkyl structure, with copper (Cu) replacing magnesium (Mg).
Due to its hydrophobic long-chain alkyl structure, copper chlorophyllin is oil-soluble but not water-soluble. Hydrolyzing oil-soluble copper chlorophyllin makes it water-soluble. Sodium copper chlorophyllin, the salt form, is more soluble in water.
Other Information on Copper Chlorophyllin
Types of Chlorophyll
Several types of chlorophyll exist, including chlorophyll A (common in plants and algae), chlorophyll B (only in plants), and chlorophyll C1 and C2 (only in algae).