Sudan I (also known as CI Solvent Yellow 14 or Solvent Orange R)[1] is an organic compound typically classified as an azo dye.[2] It is an orange-red solid used to color waxes, oils, petrol, solvents, and polishes. Historically, Sudan I served as a food coloring agent, notably for curry powder and chili powder. However, along with its derivatives Sudan III and Sudan IV, the compound has been banned in many countries (including the United States and European Union)[3][4][5] due to its classification as a category 3 carcinogenic hazard by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (not classifiable due to its carcinogenicity to humans).[6] Nevertheless, Sudan I remains valuable as a coloring reagent for non-food-related uses, such as in the formulation of orange-colored smoke.
^Refat NA, Ibrahim ZS, Moustafa GG, et al. (2008). "The induction of cytochrome P450 1A1 by sudan dyes". J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol. 22 (2): 77–84. doi:10.1002/jbt.20220. PMID18418879. S2CID206010951.