Orcein

Description

The chemical name for the red dyes extracted from several lichens of the genera Evernia, Roccella, Ramalina and Lecanoria, such as Evernia prunastri, Roccella phycopsis and Ramalina scopulorum.

Orchil dyed wool
Image credit w. Carter

Synonyms and Related Terms

CI Natural Red 28; archil; orchil; lacmus;

Physical and Chemical Properties

Orcein is soluble in ethanol. It is an indicator dye that turns blue in alkaline solutions.

CAS	1400-62-3