Product name : Sorbic Acid

Synonyms:  (E,E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid; 2-Propenylacrylic acid; Preservastat; Sorbistat; Hexadienoic acid; 1,3-pentadiene-1-carboxylic acid; Panosorb; (2-butenylidene)acetic acid; Crotylidene acetic acid; Acide sorbique; Kyselina 1,3-pentadien-1-karboxylova; Kyselina sorbova;

CAS # :  110-44-1

Items                              Properties
Molecular formula        C₆H₈O₂ /CH₃CH=CHCH=CHCOOH
Molar mass                   112.12 g/mol
Melting point                  135 °C
Boiling point                  228 °C (dec)
Acidity (pKa)                   4.76 at 25 °C
Appearance                   White crystalline solid
Solucility in water          Slightly
Specific gravity               1.204
Flash point                     126 °C
Vapor density                3.87

Characteristics and Application :

Sorbic acid, or 2,4-hexadienoic acid, is a natural organic compound used as a food preservative.

Sorbic acid and its mineral salts, such as sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate and calcium sorbate, are antimicrobial agents often used as preservatives in food and drinks to prevent the growth of mold, yeast and fungi. In general the salts are preferred over the acid form because they are more soluble in water. The optimal pH for the antimicrobial activity is below pH 6.5 and sorbates are generally used at concentrations of 0.025% to 0.10%. Adding sorbate salts to food will however raise the pH of the food slightly so the pH may need to be adjusted to assure safety.

Sorbic acid is also used as a bio descaling agent.

Sorbic acid should not be confused with other chemically unrelated, but similarly named food additives sorbitol, polysorbate, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

Uses :

A preservative is an additive for foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, cosmetics and other industrial products to reduce spoilage that air, fungi, bacteria, or yeast can cause. Members of common preservative for foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and cosmetics.