| Product Name: | Sorbic acid | Other Name: | 2,4-Hexadienoic acid,(2E,4E)-;Sorbic acid;2,4-Hexadienoic acid,(E,E)-;(2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid;(E,E)-1,3-Pentadiene-1-carboxylic acid;Sorbistat;trans,trans-Sorbic acid;α-trans-γ-trans-Sorbic acid;trans,trans-2,4-Hexadienoic acid;(E,E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid;Panosorb;E 200;2E,4E-Hexadienoic acid;NSC 35405;NSC 49103;NSC 50268;SO 215;2,4-Hexadienoic acid;Sorbinic acid;(2E,4E)-Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid;91751-55-2;1197240-56-4 |
| CAS No.: | 110-44-1 | Molecular Formula: | C6H8O2 |
| InChIKeys: | InChIKey=WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N | Molecular Weight: | 112.12700 |
| Exact Mass: | 112.13 | EC Number: | 618-788-5 |
| UNII: | X045WJ989B | ICSC Number: | 1284 |
| DSSTox ID: | DTXSID3021277 | Color/Form: | Colorless needles or white powder|Needles from water|Needles form dilute alcohol|White crystalline solid|White crystals or powder |
| HScode: | 2916190090 | Categories: | Preservative |
| PSA: | 37.30000 | XLogP3: | 1.3 |
| Appearance: | Sorbic acid appears as white powder or crystals. Melting point 134.5°C. Slightly acidic and astringent taste with a faint odor. | Density: | 3 @ Temp: 19 °C”>1.204 g/cm3 @ Temp: 19 °C |
| Melting Point: | 134.5 °C | Boiling Point: | 90-92 °C @ Press: 35 Torr |
| Flash Point: | 127ºC | Refractive Index: | 1.488 |
| Water Solubility: | H2O: 1.6 g/L (20 ºC) | Storage Conditions: | 2-8ºC |
| Vapor Pressure: | 0.01 mm Hg ( 20 °C) | Vapor Density: | Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.87 |
| Explosive limit: | The dry finely powdered acid is a significant dust explosion hazard. | Odor: | Relatively odorless |
| Taste: | Relatively tasteless | Henrys Law Constant: | Henry’s Law constant = 2.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C (est) |
| Dissociation Constants: | pKa = 4.76 at 25 °C | Experimental Properties: | Sorbic acid begins to sublime above 60 °C.|Sorbic acid is volatile in steam without decomposition.|Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 5.3X10-17 cu cm/molec-sec at 25 °C (est)|Gas-phase ozone reaction rate constant = 5.0X10-11 cu cm/molec-sec at 25 °C (est) |
| Air and Water Reactions: | Soluble in hot water [Handbook of Chemistry and Physics]. May be sensitive to exposure to air and heat. The dust may become explosive, particularly when mixed with free-radical initiators or oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992). | Reactive Group: | Acids, Carboxylic |
| Reactivity Profile: | SORBIC ACID may discolor on exposure to light. Can react with oxidizing agents. Also incompatible with bases and reducing agents. The dust may become explosive, particularly when mixed with free-radical initiators or oxidizing agents (NTP, 1992). | Heat of Combustion: | -3107 kJ/mol |
| Physical Dangers: | Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. |
Classification of the substance or mixture
Skin irritation, Category 2
Eye irritation, Category 2
Specific target organ toxicity â single exposure, Category 3
GHS label elements, including precautionary statements
| Pictogram(s) | ![]() |
|---|---|
| Signal word |
Warning |
| Hazard statement(s) |
H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation |
| Precautionary statement(s) | |
| Prevention |
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/… P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. |
| Response |
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/… P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P332+P317 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P319 Get medical help if you feel unwell. |
| Storage |
P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P405 Store locked up. |
| Disposal |
P501 Dispose of contents/container to an appropriate treatment and disposal facility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and product characteristics at time of disposal. |
Other hazards which do not result in classification
no data available
Precautions for safe handling
NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust. Handling in a well ventilated place. Wear suitable protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Well closed.Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature 2 – 8 deg C. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.

