Sorbic Acid CAS#110-44-1
Sorbic Acid, also known as 2,4-Hexadienoic Acid, is an unsaturated organic acid with the molecular formula C₆H₈O₂. It is widely recognized for its effective antimicrobial properties, particularly its ability to inhibit the growth of yeasts, molds, and other fungi, making it a valuable preservative in various formulations.
Beyond food preservation, Sorbic Acid has a broad range of applications across multiple industries. It is commonly used in animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, and rubber formulations, where its preservative and antimicrobial properties help support product stability and quality.
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 | |
| flavors and fragrances | |
| 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 serves as a broad spectrum preservative with low toxicity. It works well against moulds and yeasts, yet carries a moderate risk of triggering sensitisation when incorporated into leave on cosmetic products. Its usual usage concentration falls between 0.1% and 0.3%, and its antimicrobial performance is heavily influenced by the pH level of the cosmetic formula.
Within cosmetics, sorbic acid can substitute glycerin in emulsions, ointments and different cream based preparations. This ingredient can either be extracted naturally from the berries of mountain ash (rowan) or manufactured via chemical synthesis.
Despite its extensive adoption as a preserving agent, sorbic acid has the potential to induce skin irritation among certain users.
