Overview
Gallic acid (CAS 149-91-7 ) is a natural polyphenolic organic acid derived primarily from tannin-rich plant sources such as gallnuts and tea. It functions as an antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, and UV stabilizer across pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing.
Pyrogallol-5-carboxylic acid is an alternative name occasionally encountered in technical literature. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of trimethoprim and propyl gallate.
The latter is a widely regulated antioxidant for fats and oils. Food producers use it to extend the shelf life of lipid-containing products by inhibiting oxidative rancidity in edible oils, packaged snacks, and meat-based formulations.
Cosmetic and personal care formulators incorporate it into sunscreen and anti-aging products. Its UV-absorbing and antioxidant activity helps protect both the formulation and the end user's skin from oxidative degradation.
It also functions as a preservative and astringent active in topical preparations targeting skin tone and texture. This versatile compound is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder for various industrial uses.
Standard grades include food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material, with purity levels typically at 98% or higher. These grades often meet rigorous quality standards such as USP , FCC , or Ph.Eur. requirements.
Technical-grade material is available for industrial applications such as ink manufacturing and tanning processes. This ensures that manufacturers can select the appropriate purity level for their specific production needs and regulatory environments.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 210 °C (sublm) |
| Boiling Point | 259.73°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 169 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Color | Off-white |
| Form | Powder |
| Water Solubility | 12 g/L cold water |
| Vapor Pressure | 0Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.5690 (estimate) |
| pH | 3.75(1 mM solution);3.22(10 mM solution);2.71(100 mM solution) |
| Log P | 0.7 |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29182900 |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 149-91-7
- EC Number
- 205-749-9
- Mol. Weight
- 170.12
- HS Code
- 29182900
- Category
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates