Overview
Mandelic acid (CAS 90-64-2 ), also known as phenylglycolic acid, is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds that functions as a pharmaceutical intermediate, preservative, and skin-active ingredient.
It is used across pharmaceutical synthesis, cosmetic formulation, and specialty chemical manufacturing where controlled exfoliation, antimicrobial activity, or chiral building block chemistry is required.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of active ingredients including antibiotics, anticoagulants, and antispasmodics, where its optical isomers are resolved.
Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into chemical peel systems and leave-on exfoliant products, where its larger molecular size relative to glycolic acid allows for a more controlled skin penetration profile.
This characteristic makes it particularly suited to sensitive skin formulations. As a preservative and pH buffer, it is used in urinary tract preparations and topical antimicrobial products.
In specialty resins and surface treatment chemistry, it functions as a wetting and adhesion modifier. Mandelic acid is supplied as a white crystalline powder for various industrial uses.
Standard grades include pharmaceutical-grade ( USP / BP ) for drug synthesis and cosmetic-grade material for personal care applications. Technical-grade material is available for research.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 119 °C |
| Boiling Point | 203 °C @ Press: 15 Torr |
| Density | 1.29 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | faint odor |
| Form | Crystals or Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | 150 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.01 Pa (50 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4810 (estimate) |
| pH | 2.3 (10g/l, H2O) |
| Log P | 0.5 at 23℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed 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. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. 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). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. 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 | 29181990 |
| Storage Class | 13 - Non Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 90-64-2
- EC Number
- 202-007-6
- Mol. Weight
- 152.15
- HS Code
- 29181990
- Category
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates