Lycopene
Lycopene is a naturally occuring red carotenoid pigment that is responsible in red to pink colors seen in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and other foods. Having a chemical formula of C40H56, lycopene is a tetraterpene assembled from eight isoprene units that are solely composed of carbon and hydrogen. Lycophene may undergo extensive isomerization that allows 1056 theoretical cis-trans configurations; however the all-trans configuration of lycopene is the most predominant isomer found in foods that gives the red hue. Lycopene is a non-essential human nutrient that is classified as a non-provitamin A carotenoid pigment since it lacks a terminal beta ionone ring and does not mediate vitamin A activity. However lycophene is a potent antioxidant molecule that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) singlet oxygen. Tomato lycopene extract is used as a color additive in food products.