Sorbic acid
Synonyms
2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-;
Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Alkenyl Carboxylate
>>>> Linear Alkenyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 110-44-1
EINECS: 203-768-7
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C6H8O2
Molecular Weight: 112.13
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), solid.
Solubility soluble in water.
Physical - chemical properties
|
Water solubility, g/L |
1.56 (20°C)[1] 1.91 (30°C)[1] |
Stability stable. Easily oxidized.
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 intraperitoneal LD50 |
2820mg/kg[2] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
3200mg/kg[2] |
|
mouse subcutaneous LD50 |
2820mg/kg[2] |
|
rabbit skin LD |
> 1000mg/kg[2] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
800mg/kg[2] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
7360mg/kg[2] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent antimicrobial, antibacterial, preservative, anti-oxidizing abilities. Excellent safety.
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
GB/T 5173 Surface active agents and detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by direct two-phase titration procedure
ISO 2271 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Determination of anionic-active matter by manual or mechanical direct two-phase titration procedure
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 1886.186 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Sorbic acid
(1b), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Sorbic 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 preservative.
Use as antioxidant.
2, Food
Use as food additive (preservative, antioxidant, stabilizing agent).
3, Personal care products
Preservative in personal care products.
* * * * * *
Further information:
(1), In accordance with EU regulations (EC) No 1223/2009, directive 2007/17/EC, be included in Annex V/4.
Maximum concentration is 0.6% (as acid).
(2), In accordance with Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) of China, be included in preservatives allowed.
Maximum concentration is 0.6% (as acid).
4, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipients. Use as bacteriostatic agent. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
5, Forestry
Use as wood preservative.
6, Organic synthesis
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: HSDB. 110-44-1, Sorbic acid
[2]: ChemIDplus. 110-44-1, Sorbic acid
Update: 20140309(1); 20180909(2);