Studies on the Color of Tomato

Part IV. The stability of suspended lycopene against metallic salts

Abstract

The influence of metals or metallic salts on the stability of lycopene in suspension containning surface active substance was examined spectrophotometrically.
Both the degradation and the decolorization of lycopene were inhibited by the existence of tin or tin chloride, since the absorption curve of lycopene showed less oxidation caused by light or heat. On the other hand, iron or iron salt accelerated the degradation and decolorization of lycopene, even in darkness or at low temperature. Cupper or cupper salt had little effect on the color and the absorption curve of lycopene in suspension.