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95% Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin
Nanjing Gemsen
CAS 65963-40-8
Introduction：
Product Name | Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin |
Synonyms | SCC; Chlorophyllin Copper Complex Sodium salt |
Appearance | Dark green fine powder |
CAS | 65963-40-8 |
Molecular formula | C34H29CuN4Na3O7 |
Purity | 95%min SCC |
Sample | Available |
Sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) comes from natural chlorophyll, with copper swapped in for magnesium and the phytol tail removed—making it water‑soluble and more stable. Its ring structure delivers three practical traits: strong light absorption for photoactivity, reversible copper redox behaviour, and a flat shape that grabs onto oily or aromatic molecules. That explains why SCC shows up as a colourant, photosensitiser, or binder in foods, toothpastes, cosmetics, and material uses. In practice, how well it works depends on light, pH, and the surrounding formula—so each application needs its own tailored check.
Specification:
| Item | Specification | Results | Test Methods |
| Characteristics | Dark green fine powder | Conforms | Visual |
| Identification | |||
| Absorptance(Assay) | ≥536.75 (95%) on dried basis | 540.2 (95.6%) | USP<857> |
| Ratio(A405/A630) | 3.0-3.9 | 3.8 | USP |
| Other Components | |||
| Content of total copper | ≥ 4.25% | 4.42 % | USP<852> |
| Content of chelated copper | ≥ 4.0% | 4.41 % | USP |
| Content of sodium | 5%~7% on dried basis | 6.1 % | USP<852> |
| Nitrogen determination | ≥ 4.0% | 4.5 % | USP<461> |
| Impurities | |||
| Limit of ionic copper | ≤ 0.25% on dried basis | 0.011 % | USP<852> |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 30% on dried basis | 29.2 % | USP<281> |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg | 0.15 mg/kg | USP<211> |
| Lead | ≤ 10 mg/kg | 0.16 mg/kg | USP<251> |
| Iron | ≤ 0.50% | 0.02 % | USP<241> |
| Specific tests | |||
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 Cfu/g | 80 Cfu/g | USP<61> |
| Yeast & Mould | ≤ 100 Cfu/g | 20 Cfu/g | USP<61> |
| Escherichia Coli * | Negative/g | Conforms | USP<62> |
| Salmonella* | Negative/g | Conforms | USP<62> |
| pH | 9.5~10.7(in a solution 1 in 100) | 10.3 | USP<791> |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5%(at 105℃ for 2 hours) | 3.0 % | USP<731> |
| Test for fluorescence | No fluorescence in visible | Conforms | USP |
Application:
SCC is used where native chlorophyll fails—acidic conditions (pH < 5), heat exposure, or water solubility requirements. The copper-centred ring resists proton-driven colour shift (pheophytinisation), and the removed phytol tail allows clean dissolution.
Core function: providing stable green hue in aqueous or powdered matrices.
Dry beverage mixes (citrus-based) – the only FDA-authorised food use, ≤ 0.2% in dry mix.
Chewing gum and confectionery – added during kneading; withstands shear and pH changes.
Canned vegetables (limited) – mostly replaced by zinc chlorophyllin in commercial practice due to better acid tolerance, but SCC remains an option for specific pH profiles.
Key formulation factors: colour shifts below pH 4.5 (more yellow-green); light accelerates fading (opaque packaging advised); Fe³⁺ or Al³⁺ can cause precipitation—sequestrants may be needed.
SCC appears in toothpastes (≤ 0.1% in both US drug and cosmetic categories), mouthwashes, and denture cleansers. In the US, cosmetic use is strictly limited to dentifrices—facial/body products are not permitted under federal colour rules, though some regions (EU, Asia) allow broader topical applications.
Core function: colour contribution + incidental odour-binding in rinse-off or leave-on formats.
Toothpastes – complements mint/herbal flavours; compatible with abrasives, humectants, and fluoride.
Mouthwashes – stable at low pH (4.0–6.0); check compatibility with cationic germicides (precipitation risk).
Emulsions, gels, and shower products (outside US) – low concentrations (0.01–0.05%) provide natural green tint; liposomal encapsulation can improve lipid-phase compatibility.
Key formulation factors: pH near skin-neutral (5.0–6.5) preferred; copper staining on textiles possible above 0.1%; light protection recommended for colour retention.
SCC forms charge-transfer complexes with electron-rich compounds—sulphur-containing volatiles (thiols, H₂S), amines, and polycyclic aromatics. This is a physical/chemical binding process, not antibacterial activity.
Core function: capturing volatile or planar organic molecules via the tetrapyrrole ring.
Oral breath products (chewables, sprays) – reduces volatile sulphur compounds from oral bacteria.
Foot/body powders – incorporated with absorbents (talc, starch) as a passive odour binder.
Pet care products – litter additives or spray deodorisers.
Key formulation factors: binding requires molar excess of SCC (10–100×) for noticeable effect; competing dietary components (lipids, fibre) may reduce efficacy; objective assessment uses GC-MS headspace analysis, not subjective perception.
SCC is sold as liquid drops, capsules, tablets, or gummies. The rationale draws on its ability to interact with planar hydrophobic compounds in the gut lumen—relevant in contexts where dietary exposure to certain substances is a consideration.
Core function: delivering SCC as a water-soluble chelated copper source and molecular binder in the GI tract.
Liquid drops – concentrated, flavoured (spearmint/citrus), require refrigeration after opening and pH 6.5–8.0.
Capsules/tablets – dry matrix ensures stability; dissolve rapidly in the GI tract.
Gummies – processing temperature ≤ 80 °C; fruit acids may accelerate degradation—buffering advised.
Key formulation factors: systemic absorption is limited (< 5% of oral dose); each 100 mg SCC provides ~4–6 mg copper (consider total dietary intake); harmless side effects include green faeces/urine and occasional tongue discolouration. Contraindicated in Wilson's disease; pregnancy/lactation data insufficient.
Immobilised SCC (on sponges, chitosan, graphene oxide, TiO₂, or polymer films) serves two main roles: (a) capturing planar organic pollutants via π-π stacking; (b) generating reactive oxygen species under visible light for oxidative breakdown of contaminants.
Core function: using SCC's photoactivity and metal-binding capacity in solid-phase or surface-bound formats.
Water treatment – SCC-doped TiO₂ coatings for photocatalytic degradation of micro-pollutants (phenolics, pharmaceuticals).
Adsorbent media – SCC immobilised onto solid supports for removing PAHs, heterocyclic amines, or dyes.
Packaging films – green tinting with potential UV-blocking effects (subject to local food-contact approvals).
Agricultural films – light spectrum manipulation for plant growth studies.
Key formulation factors: immobilisation must prevent SCC leaching; photocatalytic uses require water clarity (low turbidity); thermal stability limits processing to below ~240 °C; migration testing needed for food-contact films.
SCC is approved in the US for colouring bone cement (≤ 0.003%), certain sutures, and contact/intraocular lens haptics. This is purely for identification—distinguishing batches or orienting devices during procedures.
Core function: identification and visual marking in implantable or surgical materials.
Bone cement and sutures – minimal quantities, encased within material, negligible tissue exposure.
Lens marking – minute levels, typically < 0.1%, fully embedded.
Key formulation factors: sterilisation compatibility (EtO, gamma ≤ 25 kGy; autoclaving may cause colour change); copper release should be below detectable limits over intended use; ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing required for skin-contact or implantable devices.
In algal oil production, chlorophyll co-extracts with neutral lipids, darkening the oil and reducing oxidative stability. SCC (or its magnesium precursor) appears here as an intermediate in the removal/recovery loop—not as a final product additive.
Core function: removing chlorophyll from oil streams or recovering it as a co-product.
Saponification of algal biomass – hot ethanol-NaOH converts chlorophyll to water-soluble chlorophyllin, which separates from the oil phase.
Recovery from spent effluents – acidification and copper exchange convert magnesium chlorophyllin to SCC, valorising a waste stream.
Analytical standards – SCC used in HPLC/spectrophotometric assays for chlorophyll quantification.
Key formulation factors: saponification removes > 95% of chlorophyll under optimised conditions; oil loss during processing is 20–25% (trade-off against quality improvement); recovered SCC purity is low (~10–20%) and requires further purification for food-grade use.
SCC applied as foliar spray or seed coating provides a water-soluble copper source—essential for plant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase). The chelated form reduces phytotoxicity compared to free copper salts.
Core function: delivering chelated copper as a micronutrient.
Foliar sprays – leaf absorption of copper in a soluble, plant-accessible form.
Seed coatings – provides copper while aiding visual tracking of treated seeds.
Key formulation factors: copper must be released from the porphyrin ring for plant uptake; excessive application (> 20–50 ppm tissue copper) is phytotoxic; SCC is biodegradable in aerobic soils; not registered as a pesticide/fertiliser in most jurisdictions—agricultural approvals required if sold as a micronutrient product.
Q1: What is the chemical difference between natural chlorophyll and SCC?
Natural chlorophyll has magnesium at its centre and a phytol tail—fat‑soluble and unstable in acid. SCC replaces magnesium with copper and removes the phytol tail, making it water‑soluble and more stable. Same tetrapyrrole ring structure underneath.
Q2: Is SCC the same as "liquid chlorophyll" sold in health food stores?
In most cases, yes—those products contain SCC, not natural chlorophyll. Natural chlorophyll isn't water‑soluble and degrades quickly. SCC is used for its solubility, shelf life, and consistent green colour.
Q3: What copper levels are in SCC, and is that a concern?
SCC is 4.0–6.0% copper by weight, all chelated within the ring—not free ionic copper. At typical use levels (toothpaste, dry drinks), the actual copper per serving is very low. Chelated copper has low absorption, so systemic exposure is minimal. People with Wilson's disease should avoid oral products.
Q4: Why does SCC turn urine or faeces green?
SCC and its breakdown products are poorly absorbed. Most passes through the gut and comes out in faeces (green). A small absorbed fraction is filtered by kidneys and colours urine. Harmless and temporary.
Q5: How should SCC be stored?
Keep dry powders sealed, away from light, at room temperature. Liquids last longer if refrigerated. Avoid strong acid (pH < 4.5) and oxidising agents. Dry powders typically hold up 2–3 years.
Q6: Is SCC vegan and halal?
Yes—plant‑derived (alfalfa or grass), no animal inputs. Processing solvents are ethanol, acetone, or hexane. Kosher status depends on the manufacturing site—check with the supplier .
Q7: Why is SCC only approved for dry drink mixes in the US, not ready‑to‑drink beverages?
FDA's 2002 approval (21 CFR 73.125) specifically covers citrus‑based dry mixes. That petition only covered powdered formats. Extending to liquids would need a new petition with stability and exposure data for that matrix.
Q8: Does SCC react with other ingredients in formulations?
Yes—SCC is anionic. It can precipitate with strongly cationic ingredients (some preservatives, polymers). It also binds to Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺, and can adsorb onto activated carbon or clays. Compatibility screening and sequestrants (EDTA, citrates) help.
Q9: Can SCC produce blue or purple colours?
No—SCC gives green. Blending with yellow pigments (curcumin, beta‑carotene) shifts to green‑yellow. True blue or purple needs other colourants (spirulina, anthocyanins, or synthetic dyes).
Q10: What is the shelf life of SCC raw material and formulated products?
Powder: 24–36 months under recommended storage. Liquids: 12–24 months (refrigerated). Capsules/tablets: 24–36 months. Accelerated stability testing (40 °C / 75% RH) is advised for new formulations.
Q11: Is SCC allowed in organic food?
No—not under US NOP (7 CFR 205.605) or EU organic standards (EC 848/2018). It may appear in "made with organic" products, but check with the certifier.
Q12: Can SCC be combined with other chlorophyll derivatives (zinc or iron chlorophyllin)?
Yes—sometimes done to adjust colour or metal profile. But each derivative has its own regulatory status—check jurisdiction‑by‑jurisdiction. Mixing may trigger metal exchange (transchelation), so stability studies are needed.
Q13: Why do SCC regulations differ between the US and other countries?
FDA requires separate petitions for each specific use—approvals are narrow and product‑based. Other regions (EU, China) use broader category approvals (e.g., E141 covers multiple food uses). The differences reflect when and what was petitioned, not safety concerns.
