Sorbic Acid CAS#110-44-1
Sorbic acid, alternatively named 2,4-hexadienoic acid, 2-propenylacrylic acid or sorbic acid, is a food additive bearing the molecular formula C₆H₈O₂. It delivers potent inhibitory effects against a variety of fungi such as yeasts and moulds.
Beyond its food-related uses, sorbic acid is extensively incorporated into animal feed, cosmetic goods, pharmaceutical formulations, packaging materials and rubber auxiliaries.
Sorbic acid Chemical Properties
Melting point | 132-135 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | 228°C |
density | 1.2 g/cm3 at 20 °C |
vapor pressure | 0.01 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
refractive index | 1.4600 (estimate) |
FEMA | 3921 | 2,4-HEXADIENOIC ACID, (E,E)- |
Fp | 127 °C |
storage temp. | 2-8°C |
solubility | ethanol: 0.1 g/mL, clear |
pka | 4.76(at 25℃) |
form | Crystalline Powder |
color | White or cream-white |
Odor | bland |
PH | 3.3 (1.6g/l, H2O, 20°C) |
biological source | synthetic |
Water Solubility | 1.6 g/L (20 ºC) |
Merck | 148721 |
JECFA Number | 1176 |
BRN | 1741831 |
Henry's Law Constant | 3.3×101 mol/(m3Pa) at 25℃, Abraham and Jr. (2019) |
Stability: | Material saturated with this acid may ignite spontaneously. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. May be light sensitive. |
Major Application | cleaning products |
cosmetics | |
food and beverages | |
personal care | |
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions | PRESERVATIVE |
FRAGRANCE | |
InChI | 1S/C6H8O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8)/b3-2+,5-4+ |
InChIKey | WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N |
SMILES | C\C=C\C=C\C(O)=O |
LogP | 1.32 at 20℃ |
CAS DataBase Reference | 110-44-1(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-(110-44-1) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Sorbic acid (110-44-1) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | Xi |
Risk Statements | 36/37/38-36/38 |
Safety Statements | 26-36-24/25 |
WGK Germany | 1 |
RTECS | WG2100000 |
F | 8 |
Autoignition Temperature | >130 °C |
TSCA | TSCA listed |
HS Code | 29161930 |
Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
Hazard Classifications | Eye Irrit. 2 |
Skin Irrit. 2 | |
Hazardous Substances Data | 110-44-1(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 orally in rats: 7.36 g/kg (Smyth, Carpenter) |
Product Application of Sorbic Acid CAS#110-44-1
Sorbic acid is a broad-spectrum preservative featuring low toxicity. It works efficiently against moulds and yeasts, yet carries a moderate risk of sensitization when applied in leave-on cosmetic preparations. Its usual dosage falls within 0.1% to 0.3%, and its preservative efficacy is governed by the pH level of the finished formula.
For cosmetic purposes, sorbic acid can substitute glycerin in emulsions, ointments and diverse cream bases. This substance can be extracted naturally from the berries of mountain ash and rowan, or manufactured via chemical synthesis routes.
Despite its common deployment as a preservative, sorbic acid has the potential to trigger skin irritation among certain users.
