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Pigments & Colorants

Iron oxide red

CAS: 1309-37-1

Overview

Iron oxide red (CAS 1309-37-1 ), also sold as C.I. Pigment Red 101, red oxide, and approved as food colorant E172(ii) , is a synthetic or naturally derived inorganic pigment. It is used to impart color and corrosion resistance across a broad range of industrial and consumer applications.

Its high UV stability and opacity make it a preferred colorant where long-term color retention under outdoor exposure is a commercial requirement. In architectural and industrial coatings, red iron oxide provides both color and a passive barrier against substrate corrosion.

This pigment reduces coating system failures in marine and infrastructure environments. Concrete, paving blocks, and fiber cement products use it as a mass-toning pigment to achieve consistent, fade-resistant earth tones at scale.

Automotive OEM and refinish primers rely on its corrosion-inhibiting properties as a functional component, not just a colorant. Printing inks and packaging coatings for construction materials also incorporate it where heat-stable, non-bleeding color is required.

Iron oxide red is supplied as a dry powder in both synthetic and natural grades, with synthetic grades offering tighter particle size distribution and higher tinting strength. Standard grades include technical, construction-grade, and cosmetic/food-grade material.

Synthetic grades are also available to meet ASTM D3722 and ISO 11553 standards relevant to pigment performance benchmarking. These materials ensure high quality and consistency for demanding industrial manufacturing processes.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point565 °C
Density5.24 g/cm³
Flash Point>230 °F
AppearanceHematite is a noncombustible, black to black red or brick-red mineral (iron ore) composed mainly of ferric oxide, Fe2O3. Ferric oxide
Colorblack
Formpieces
Water SolubilityINSOLUBLE
pH3.7±0.3

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 GHS09 GHS08 GHS05 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation H370 Causes damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code28211000
Storage Class13 - Non Combustible Solids

Other Names

C.I. Pigment Red 101 | red oxide | red iron oxide | iron sesquioxide | ferric oxide | E172(ii) | ferric iron | rouge

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
1309-37-1
EC Number
215-168-2
Mol. Weight
159.69
HS Code
28211000

Industries

Documentation