Kojic acid
Synonyms
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone;
4H-Pyran-4-one, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-;
5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Ketone
>> Oxyalicyclic Ketones
>>> Pyranones
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 501-30-4
EINECS: 207-922-4
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C6H6O4
Molecular Weight: 142.11
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), white crystal powder.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable. Unstable to light, heat, heavy metal ions.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse intravenous LDLo |
1500mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LDLo |
4000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LDLo |
250mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse subcutaneous LDLo |
1500mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LDLo |
1000mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit intravenous LDLo |
1000mg/kg[1] |
|
dog intravenous LDLo |
1000mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent anti-oxidizing, antibacterial abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB/T 23534 Kojic acid
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as antioxidant.
2, Personal care products
Antioxidant in personal care products. Good whitening effect.
3, Organic synthesis
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 501-30-4, Kojic acid
Update: 20130918(1); 20190804(2);