HPLC Method for Analysis of Sunset Yellow in Walgreen’s Daytime Non-Drowsy Cold & Flu on Zodiac HST N Column

Sunset Yellow FCF (also known as Orange Yellow S, C.I. 15985, or Yellow 6) is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. It appears reddish-orange in powder form and transforms into a bright yellow solution when dissolved in water. Due to health and regulatory concerns, this dye is banned or restricted in countries such as Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

The Zodiac HST N column, designed with highly polar properties and embedded acidic and basic ionizable functionalities, offers effective retention of Sunset Yellow. The developed method is suitable for both LC/MS and UV detection, making it a reliable platform for the analysis of Sunset Yellow and other structurally related polar azo dyes.