ABSTRACT
The photochromic properties of some naturally occurring 3-deoxyanthocyanidin pigments were investigated in various nontoxic solvents. When luteolinidin, a representative 3-deoxyanthocyanidin, was dissolved in a mixture of weakly acidic water and an organic solvent with a relative permittivity between 20 and 34, it was possible to repeatedly induce coloration via ultraviolet irradiation and decoloration under light-shielded conditions. 1,3-Butanediol and ethanol, which are approved for use in foods, cosmetics, and household goods, were found to be appropriate organic solvents for this process. In addition, we confirmed that other 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, specifically apigeninidin and tricetinidin, which are commonly found in food grains and tea leaves, also exhibit photochromic properties.
Subject(s)
Anthocyanins/analysis , Food Handling , Apigenin/analysis , Butylene Glycols/chemistry , Color , Ethanol/chemistry , Food Irradiation , Plant Extracts/analysis , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Solvents/chemistry , Tea/chemistry , Ultraviolet Rays , Whole Grains/chemistryABSTRACT
The aim of this study is the improvement of the photostability of several natural anionic dyes, carmine (CM), carthamus yellow (CY), and annatto dye (ANA), by complexation with hydrotalcite. The composite of the dyes and hydrotalcite is prepared by the coprecipitation method. CM is successfully intercalated in the hydrotalcite layer when the amount of introduced CM is large. The photostability of CM in CM/HT composites is superior to the CM adsorbed on silica surface. The effect of the stability enhancement is larger when the amount of introduced CM exceeds 0.23 g/g-host, or when the layer charge density of the hydrotalcite is larger. CY is also stabilized by complexation with hydrotalcite, whereas ANA is not stabilized by complexation with hydrotalcite. The photostability of an anionic natural dye can be improved by intercalation into the hydrotalcite layer, if the dye has a hydrophilic nature and a rather planar structure. The intercalated dye is stabilized by the protection from the attack of the atmospheric oxygen. In addition, contribution of the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged hydrotalcite layer and the intercalated anionic dye is also proposed.
Subject(s)
Aluminum Hydroxide/chemistry , Coloring Agents/chemistry , Intercalating Agents/chemistry , Light , Magnesium Hydroxide/chemistry , Anions , X-Ray DiffractionABSTRACT
A sensitive and simple color sensor for indole vapors has been developed based on the Ehrlich-type reaction in solid polymer film. Upon 60-min exposure of the film sensor to the air containing 5 - 100 ppb of indole vapors, pink or magenta color could be recognized by the naked eyes. Alternatively, a trial gas detector tube has been prepared by mixing the reagents with sea sand. When air (100 mL) was pumped through the detector tube, indole vapors above 20 ppb could be detected within 1 min. The sensing was selective to the vapors of indoles and pyrroles, and other VOCs or ambient moisture did not interfere.
