Crocin, CAS No. 42553-65-1, also named crocetin digentiobioside, is the major bioactive pigment naturally extracted from saffron (Crocus sativus L.). It appears as reddish-brown needle-like crystals with a faint, slight odor.
In terms of solubility, Crocin dissolves readily in hot water to form an orange aqueous solution. It is sparingly soluble in absolute ethanol, ether and other common organic solvents, while completely insoluble in oils and lipid phases. Its aqueous solution is weakly acidic or neutral, showing transparent bright yellow color, with a maximum absorption wavelength at 442 nm.
Its color shade remains nearly unchanged across a wide pH range, which is one of its outstanding advantages. For light and heat stability: Crocin exhibits excellent resistance to light and heat under neutral or alkaline conditions, yet its stability declines noticeably in acidic environments. When exposed to metal ions, it performs well with most metal cations, except iron ions — contact with iron will cause discoloration and blackening of the product.
Crocin delivers superior dyeing performance on proteins compared with starch substrates. Its coloring effect on protein is stable within pH 4–10, free from pH interference. Thanks to these unique physicochemical characteristics, it serves as a premium natural colorant and antioxidant, widely used in functional foods, dietary supplements, beverage formulations and high-end cosmetic products.
| Crocin Chemical Properties |
| Melting point | 186° (effervescence) |
| Boiling point | 1169.0±65.0 °C(Predicted) |
| density | 1.54±0.1 g/cm3(Predicted) |
| storage temp. | 2-8°C |
| solubility | DMSO (Slightly, Heated), Methanol (Very Slightly, Sonicated) |
| pka | 12.20±0.70(Predicted) |
| form | Powder |
| color | Orange to Very Dark Purple |
| Merck | 14,2589 |
| Stability: | Light Sensitive |
| Major Application | diagnostic assay manufacturing hematology histology |
| Cosmetics Ingredients Functions | ANTIOXIDANT COLORANT |
| InChIKey | OXNHRKGZZFWUQZ-QORFUXSJSA-N |
| LogP | -4.742 (est) |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 42553-65-1 |
| Safety Information |
| Safety Statements | 24/25 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| RTECS | HL7380000 |
| F | 1-8-10 |
| HS Code | 32129000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 42553-65-1(Hazardous Substances Data) |
