Abstract: Ethylsulfonate-alkylamine copolymers are disclosed. These copolymers find special application as intermediates in the preparation of new water-soluble polymeric colorants which are also disclosed, especially water-soluble polymeric colorants for edibles.

Abstract: Acetylation of residual primary and secondary alkyl amine groups present in the structure of polymeric colorants and the acetylated colorant products are disclosed. The acetylation is a post production step. The acetylation improves the colorants' water solubility.

Abstract: Poly(vinylamine) salts of mineral acids are produced by reacting acetaldehyde and acetamide at a mole ratio of 1:2-4 with acid catalyst, cracking the ethylidene-bis-acetamide which results into vinylacetamide, polymerizing the vinylacetamide with a free radical polymerization catalyst, and hydrolyzing the poly(vinylacetamide) to the desired amine salts by contacting the polyvinylacetamide with an aqueous solution of the corresponding mineral acid. This product may be converted to the free amine, which in turn may function as a precursor in the manufacture of certain polymeric dyes and colorants.

Abstract: Edible materials including foods, beverages and oral pharmaceuticals are sweetened by the addition of a sweetening amount in the range of from about 0.002% to 1% by weight (basis edible material) of flavanone represented by the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R is a lower alkyl of from one to three carbon atoms inclusive, n is an integer of from one to three inclusive and M is hydrogen or a physiologically acceptable metal cation.

Abstract: Nontoxic coloring compositions which comprise optically chromophoric groups attached via sulfonamido linkages to nondegradable chemical molecules having molecular dimensions which substantially prevent their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed. The colorings find primary applications as food colors.