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Sorbic Acid

CAS 110-44-1 · Formula C6H8O2 · MW 112.13 g/mol

An unsaturated short-chain fatty acid widely used as a mold and yeast inhibitor in food, cosmetic, and coating systems. It is used as a mold and yeast inhibitor, fungistatic agent, and preservative in foods, cosmetics, tobacco, and silk-screen inks, as well as a component of drying oils.

Part of Preservatives & Antimicrobials
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HS Code
2916.19
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Preservation
Solubility
< 1 mg/mL at 20 °C
Functional Roles
Preservation
INCI Name
SORBIC ACID
CosIng Functions
FRAGRANCEPRESERVATIVE
Industries Served
Beauty & Personal Care Textiles
Applications & Use Cases
  • ▸ Preservative: Inhibits mold and yeast growth in food, cosmetic, and personal-care products.
  • ▸ Fungistat: Suppresses fungal growth in industrial and printing-ink applications.
  • ▸ Coatings: Functions as a component of drying-oil and paint systems.
  • ▸ Intermediate: Serves as a feedstock for sorbate salts and other derivatives.
Physical Properties
Melting Point
134 °C
Boiling Point
228 °C at 760 mmHg (decomposes)
Density
1.204 at 19 °C
Solubility
< 1 mg/mL at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure
< 0.01 mmHg at 20 °C; 9.8 mmHg at 130 °C
Flash Point
127 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2916 . 19
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.16
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2916.19
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
110-44-1
Molecular Formula
C6H8O2
Molecular Weight
112.13 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
INCI Name
SORBIC ACID
PubChem CID
643460
InChI Key
WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
sorbic acid (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid 2E,4E-Hexadienoic acid Sorbistat Panosorb 2-Propenylacrylic acid Hexadienoic acid trans,trans-Sorbic acid (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid (E,E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)- (E,E)-Sorbic acid Preservastat 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)- alpha-trans-gamma-trans-Sorbic acid Kyselina sorbova Crotylidene acetic acid Acetic acid, crotylidene- trans,trans-2,4-Hexadienoic acid
Full Description

Sorbic acid (2,4-hexadienoic acid, CAS 110-44-1) is an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. It is used as a mold and yeast inhibitor, fungistatic agent, and preservative in foods, cosmetics, tobacco, and silk-screen inks, as well as a component of drying oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sorbic acid used for?

Sorbic acid (2,4-hexadienoic acid, CAS 110-44-1) is an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid used as a mold and yeast inhibitor and fungistatic preservative in food, cosmetic, and personal-care products, as a fungistat in printing inks, as a component of drying-oil and paint systems, and as a feedstock for sorbate salts and other derivatives.

Is vitamin C the same as sorbic acid?

No. Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, a different compound. Sorbic acid is 2,4-hexadienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1, C6H8O2), an unsaturated carboxylic acid used as a fungistatic preservative; the two are unrelated despite the similar-sounding names.

What is another name for sorbic acid?

Sorbic acid is also known systematically as 2,4-hexadienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1). Its corresponding salts, such as potassium sorbate, are referred to as sorbates. Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis stating assay.

Is sorbic acid soluble in water?

Sorbic acid has limited water solubility and is more soluble in alcohols and warm water; for this reason its more water-soluble salts (sorbates) are often used when high aqueous solubility is needed. Refer to the technical data sheet and SDS for handling.

What is the cost of bulk sorbic acid?

Bulk sorbic acid pricing depends on grade, order volume, and packaging. Submit a bulk RFQ with quantity and delivery point and we will return a current quote with Certificate of Analysis and SDS.

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Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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