Sorbic Acid

• CAS: 110-44-1
• Catalog Number: ACM110441
• Category: Other Products
• Molecular Weight: 112.13
• Molecular Formula: C6H8O2
• Description: Sorbic acid (synonym: 2,4-hexadienoic acid) is a natural, straight-chained fatty acid. It is widely been used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.For equal preservative power, only three parts of sorbic acid must be used to equal four parts of potassium sorbate. Purity >99% (FCC grade).
• Synonyms: Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
• IUPAC Name: (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
• Canonical SMILES: C/C=C/C=C/C(=O)O
• InChI: WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N
• InChI Key: InChI=1S/C6H8O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8)/b3-2+,5-4+
• Boiling Point: 228°C
• Melting Point: 132-135 °C (lit.)
• Flash Point: 127°C
• Density: 1.2g/ml
• Solubility: Barely soluble in water (about 1% at 20°C, and 4% at 90°C); somewhat better soluble in plant oils and propylene glycol (1% at 20°C and 10% at 90°C)
• Appearance: Fine white to off-white, free-flowing powder
• Application: All kinds of cosmetic products like creams, lotions, shampoos, makeup & sunscreen products.
• Storage: Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature
• Active Content: 95%
• Composition: Sorbic acid
• Features And Benefits: Has antimicrobial activity against molds, yeast and aerophile bacteriaEffective in a wide pH range of 2.5-7.Kosher grade
• Hazard Statements: Xi
• HS Code: 2916191000
• pH: 3.3 (1.6g/l, H2O, 20°C)
• Physical State: Solid
• Safety Description: 26-36-24/25
• Supplemental Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Symbol: GHS07

Case Study

Sorbic Acid as A Probe to Stimulate Triplet State Chemistry in Photochemistry

Grebel, Janel E., et al. Water research, 2011, 45, 19, 6535-6544.

Due to the importance of triplet states to photochemical processes, a method that can quantify the effect of solution composition on triplet formation and clearance would be a valuable tool for understanding photochemical reactions in the environment. Sorbic acid (trans,trans-hexadienoic acid, t,t-HDA) was developed as a probe for the quantification of the formation rate, overall solution scavenging rate and steady-state concentrations of triplet-excited states of organic compounds.
Sorbic acid acts as an excellent triplet probe
· As a carboxylic acid, sorbic acid is more soluble in water than other diene quenchers, such as 1,3-pentadiene.
· The interaction of t,t -HDA with organic triads results in HDA isomerization. Quantification of isomeric products ensures that the only quantified reaction pathways are those with the desired triplet organic species.
· There is no need for direct detection of specific natural organic matter (NOM) or triplet spectra of organic compounds required in laser studies.
· Since t,t-HDA only absorbs weakly in the near-UV region and does not absorb at all in the visible region, it does not compete with the target sensitizer for photons.

Custom Q&A

What is sorbic acid derived from?

Sorbic acid is naturally derived from mountain ash berries or can be manufactured synthetically.

What is the main function of sorbic acid?

The main function of sorbic acid is to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi.

What pH does sorbic acid work best at?

Sorbic acid works best at an acidic pH of 4.5 or lower.

What form does sorbic acid come in?

Sorbic acid comes in a white, crystalline powder form.

What is the maximum safe usage level of sorbic acid in cosmetics?

The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board has ruled sorbic acid safe as used up to 0.6% in cosmetics.

Why are preservatives necessary in cosmetic and skincare products?

Preservatives are necessary to prevent microbial contamination and degradation caused by environmental factors like heat, light, and air.

What types of cosmetics are more prone to microbial contamination?

Creams and lotions that are packed in jars, opened frequently, and applied with fingers are more prone to microbial contamination.

How can inadvertent contamination occur with cosmetics?

Inadvertent contamination can occur through the use of makeup brushes, leaving product containers open for extended periods, or poor storage conditions.

Why is sorbic acid considered a suitable preservative for cosmetics?

Sorbic acid is considered a suitable preservative for cosmetics because it is strong yet non-irritating.

How has the safety of sorbic acid been assessed?

The Food and Drug Administration and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel have both assessed the safety of sorbic acid and determined it to be safe for use in food, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Synthetic Use

Upstream Synthesis Route 1

• 120-47-8

• 110-44-1
• 64-18-6
• 473-81-4
• 3943-89-3
• 120-80-9
• 123-31-9
• 108-95-2
• 99-96-7

Reference: [1] Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 2017, vol. 337, p. 62 - 70

Downstream Synthesis Route 1

• 110-44-1
• 541-41-3

• 1003-56-1

Reference: [1] Patent: US4619930, 1986, A,

Downstream Synthesis Route 2

• 67-56-1
• 110-44-1

• 689-89-4

Reference: [1]Law, Katherine R.; McErlean, Christopher S. P.
[Chemistry - A European Journal, 2013, vol. 19, # 47, p. 15852 - 15855]

Downstream Synthesis Route 3

• 110-44-1

• 1577-18-0

Reference: [1]Tour, James M.; Pendalwar, Shekhar L.
[Tetrahedron Letters, 1990, vol. 31, # 33, p. 4719 - 4722]

Downstream Synthesis Route 4

• 110-44-1

• 13390-06-2

Reference: [1]Yu, Han; Ru, Shi; Dai, Guoyong; Zhai, Yongyan; Lin, Hualin; Han, Sheng; Wei, Yongge
[Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 2017, vol. 56, # 14, p. 3867 - 3871][Angew. Chem., 2017, vol. 129, # 14, p. 3925 - 3929,5]
[2]Yu, Han; Ru, Shi; Zhai, Yongyan; Dai, Guoyong; Han, Sheng; Wei, Yongge
[ChemCatChem, 2018, vol. 10, # 6, p. 1253 - 1257]
[3]Pini, Elena; Bertacche, Vittorio; Molinari, Francesco; Romano, Diego; Gandolfi, Raffaella
[Tetrahedron, 2008, vol. 64, # 37, p. 8638 - 8641]
[4]Current Patent Assignee: DOW INC - US2887496, 1957, A
Current Patent Assignee: Union Carbide Corp. - DE1065846, 1954, B
Current Patent Assignee: Union Carbide Corp. - DE1074043, 1958, B

* For details of the synthesis route, please refer to the original source to ensure accuracy.