Bixin
# Bixin

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

    Red seeds of the achiote tree
    Bixin is one of the colorants used in the snack Cheetos.

Several thousand tons are harvested annually.

## Chemical properties

Bixin is unstable. It isomerizes into trans-bixin (β-bixin), the double-bond isomer.

    Chemical structure of trans-bixin

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.

    Chemical structure of norbixin
