Bixin is an apocarotenoid found in the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana) from which it derives its name. It is commonly extracted from the seeds to form annatto, a natural food coloring, containing about 5% pigments, of which 70–80% are bixin.
Applications
Several thousand tons are harvested annually.
Chemical properties
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Bixin is unstable. It isomerizes into trans-bixin (β-bixin), the double-bond isomer.
Bixin is soluble in fats and alcohols but insoluble in water. Upon exposure to alkali, the methyl ester is hydrolyzed to produce the dicarboxylic acid norbixin, a water-soluble derivative.
