What is "chlorophyllin"

n. (context biochemistry English) Any water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll in which the central magnesium atom is replaced (often with copper), and a number of side-chains are converted into sodium salts.

Chlorophyllin refers to any one of a group of closely related water-soluble salts that are semi-synthetic derivatives of chlorophyll, differing in the identity of the cations associated with the anion. Its most common form is a sodium/ copper derivative used as a food additive and in alternative medicine. Chlorophyll is present in green leafy vegetables and reaching levels as high as 5.7% in spinach. As a food coloring agent, copper complex chlorophyllin is known as natural green 3 and has the E number E141.