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Adipic Acid, Hexanedioic Acid, E355, 124-04-9

Adipic Acid, Hexanedioic Acid, E355, 124-04-9

ADIPIC ACID

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Product Name Adipic Acid
Chemical Name Hexanedioic Acid
Synonyms (Turkish) Adipik Asit, Heksandioik Asit, Adipinik Asit, 1,4-Bütandikarboksilik Asit
Synonyms (English) Adipic Acid, Hexanedioic Acid, Adipinic Acid, 1,4-Butanedicarboxylic Acid, 1,6-Hexanedioic Acid, Hexane-1,6-dicarboxylate
E Number E355
CAS Number 124-04-9
EC Number 204-673-3
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight 146.14 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline solid, odorless crystals
Odor Odorless
Taste Tart (slightly sour)

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Adipic Acid Structure:

        O               O
        ||              ||
    HO—C—(CH₂)₄—C—OH

Structure Description:

  • Dicarboxylic acid with six carbon atoms.

  • The most important dicarboxylic acid by production volume.

  • White crystalline solid.

  • Slightly tart (sour) taste.

  • Rarely found in nature.

  • Typically found exogenously in urine and blood.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

Parameter Information
Product Name Adipic Acid
Chemical Name Hexanedioic Acid
Synonyms (Turkish) Adipik Asit, Heksandioik Asit, Adipinik Asit, 1,4-Bütandikarboksilik Asit
Synonyms (English) Adipic Acid, Hexanedioic Acid, Adipinic Acid, 1,4-Butanedicarboxylic Acid, 1,6-Hexanedioic Acid, Hexane-1,6-dicarboxylate
E Number E355
CAS Number 124-04-9
EC Number 204-673-3
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight 146.14 g/mol
Chemical Class Dicarboxylic acid; Organic acid; Food additive
Source Synthetic (oxidation of cyclohexane/cyclohexanol)
Physical State (20°C) Solid (crystalline)
Odor Odorless
Color White
Taste Tart (slightly sour)

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Test Method / Note
Appearance White crystalline solid, odorless crystals Visual
Odor Odorless Olfactometric
Taste Tart (slightly sour)
Molecular Weight 146.14 g/mol Calculated
Density 1.36 g/cm³ ASTM D4052
Melting Point 151.5 – 154°C DSC
Boiling Point 337.5°C (at 760 mmHg)
Flash Point 196°C
Solubility in Water Slightly soluble (1.44 g/100 mL at 15°C) General Method
Solubility in Ethanol Freely soluble General Method
Solubility in Acetic Acid Insoluble General Method
Solubility in Ligroin Insoluble General Method
Solubility in Petroleum Benzine Slightly soluble General Method
pH (Saturated Solution) ~2.8 (acidic) pH Meter
Stability Stable under recommended storage conditions
Acidity (pKa1) 4.43 (first dissociation)
Acidity (pKa2) 5.41 (second dissociation)
Heat of Combustion -2794 kJ/mol
Vapor Pressure Negligible
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm AAS / ICP
Arsenic (As) ≤ 2 ppm AAS / ICP
Lead (Pb) ≤ 2 ppm AAS / ICP
Loss on Drying ≤ 0.5% Gravimetric
Assay ≥ 99.0% (various grades) Titrimetric

SECTION 3: ADIPIC ACID vs OTHER DICARBOXYLIC ACIDS

Property Adipic Acid (C6) Succinic Acid (C4) Glutaric Acid (C5) Sebacic Acid (C10)
CAS Number 124-04-9 110-15-6 110-94-1 111-20-6
Molecular Weight 146.14 g/mol 118.09 g/mol 132.12 g/mol 202.25 g/mol
Melting Point 151.5-154°C 185-187°C 95-98°C 131-134°C
Solubility in Water Slightly soluble Soluble Soluble Slightly soluble
Taste Tart Sour Sour Slightly sour
Primary Use Nylon 6,6 production Food additive, resins Organic synthesis, resins Polyester, lubricants
E Number E355 E363
Renewable Source Research stage Yes (fermentation) Research stage Castor oil (natural)

SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION

Property Description
Acidity Regulation (Food) Provides tart/sour taste; Adjusts pH in food products; Acts as a buffering agent; Neutralizes excess alkalinity.
Polymerization (Nylon 6,6) Reacts with hexamethylenediamine to form nylon 6,6; Monomer for polyamide production; Forms strong, durable polymers; Used in fibers and engineering plastics.
Esterification Reacts with alcohols to form polyesters; Used in polyester resin production; Dehydration reaction with diols; Forms high-performance polymers.
Corrosion Inhibition Forms protective films on metal surfaces; Prevents scale formation (anti-scaling); Used in industrial water treatment; Reduces corrosion in cooling systems.
Flue Gas Desulfurization Absorbs sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases; Enhances desulfurization efficiency; Used in thermal power plants; Reduces sulfur emissions.
pH Buffering Resists pH changes in solutions; Maintains stable acidity; Used in various industrial and food applications.

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Method:

Process Flow:
Cyclohexane / Cyclohexanol / Cyclohexanone → Air / Nitric Acid Oxidation → Adipic Acid → Crystallization → Purification → Drying → Final Product

Step-by-Step Description:

  1. Raw Material: Cyclohexane is the primary raw material (cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone can also be used).

  2. Oxidation: Cyclohexane is oxidized with air or nitric acid (HNO₃) to form adipic acid.

  3. Crystallization: Crude adipic acid is crystallized from the reaction mixture.

  4. Purification: Crystals are purified to remove impurities and by-products (e.g., glutaric acid, succinic acid).

  5. Drying: Purified product is dried to achieve the desired moisture content.

  6. Final Product: White crystalline powder is obtained.

Note: Nearly all global production is based on cyclohexane. However, due to rising petroleum prices and demand for green products, bio-based production research is accelerating. Fermentation-based methods using sugar-based raw materials, aromatic compounds, and fatty acid sources are being investigated.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

Property Description
Acidulant / pH Regulator Provides tart/sour taste; Adjusts acidity in food products; Used in jellies, jams, and dietary products; Acts as a buffering agent.
Monomer (Polymerization) Key monomer for nylon 6,6 production; Reacts with hexamethylenediamine; Also used in polyester and polyurethane production.
Corrosion Inhibitor Prevents scale formation and corrosion; Used in industrial water treatment; Protects cooling systems and pipelines.
Flue Gas Desulfurization Enhances SO₂ absorption in flue gas; Used in thermal power plants; Reduces sulfur emissions; Improves environmental compliance.
Plasticizer Used in certain polymer formulations; Improves flexibility and durability; Used in cable and wire coatings.
Adhesive Component Used in adhesive and sealant formulations; Provides bonding strength; Used in various industrial applications.

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

Industry / Application Function Typical Use
Polymer Industry (Nylon) Monomer, polymerization Nylon 6,6 production; Engineering plastics; Fibers and textiles; Automotive parts; Electronic components.
Polymer Industry (Polyester) Monomer, esterification Polyester resin production; Polyurethane production; High-performance polymers; Coatings and adhesives.
Food Industry (E355) Acidulant, pH regulator, buffering agent Jellies, jams, fruit preserves; Dietary products; Effervescent tablet production (with carbonates); Gelatin gelling aid; Dosage: 0.5-2.0%.
Industrial Applications Corrosion inhibitor, scale inhibitor Boiler water treatment; Cooling water systems; Pipeline protection; Scale prevention; Flue gas desulfurization.
Paint Stripping Paint remover component Formulations with ammonium nitrate; Monochloroacetic acid as solvent; Removes paint from iron and non-ferrous metals; Also removes lime and rust.
Adhesives & Sealants Component, binder Adhesive formulations; Sealant production; Bonding applications; Construction and industrial uses.
Lubricants Component Lubricant formulations; Industrial oils; Grease production.
Pharmaceutical Flavoring agent, acidity regulator Calcium carbonate antacids (tartness provider); Effervescent tablet formulations; pH adjustment.
Cable & Wire Industry Anti-aging agent Polyester resins for cable coating; Prevents aging of copper/aluminum wires; Hydrocarbon resistance; Enhances cable durability.

SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Food Grade pH Regulator (Jelly/ Jam):

Component Amount
Adipic Acid (E355) 0.5 – 2.0%
Pectin As required
Sugar To 100%
Water As required

Instructions: Dissolve adipic acid in water; Add with other ingredients; Heat to dissolve; Adjust pH to desired level; Fill into containers and seal.

Effervescent Tablet Formulation:

Component Amount
Adipic Acid 10 – 20%
Sodium Bicarbonate 20 – 30%
Active Ingredient As required
Fillers To 100%
Binders, Lubricants As required

Instructions: Blend all ingredients; Compress into tablets; Package in moisture-proof containers.

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter Food Grade (E355) Technical Grade Pharmaceutical Grade Test Method
Appearance White crystalline powder White crystalline powder White crystalline powder Visual
Assay ≥ 99.5% ≥ 99.0% ≥ 99.5% Titrimetric
Melting Point 151.5 – 154°C 151.5 – 154°C 151.5 – 154°C DSC
Loss on Drying ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.3% Gravimetric
Residue on Ignition ≤ 0.05% ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.02% Gravimetric
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 5 ppm AAS / ICP
Arsenic (As) ≤ 2 ppm ≤ 1 ppm AAS / ICP
Lead (Pb) ≤ 2 ppm ≤ 1 ppm AAS / ICP
Water (Karl Fischer) ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.3% Karl Fischer
Color (APHA) ≤ 10 ≤ 20 ≤ 10 Colorimetric

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) ~ 5,000 – 6,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Acute Dermal Toxicity Low toxicity; Non-irritating
Skin Irritation Mildly irritating
Eye Irritation May cause irritation
Inhalation Toxicity May cause respiratory irritation (dust)
Chronic Toxicity Low toxicity; No significant adverse effects at normal use levels
Carcinogenicity Not classified as carcinogenic
Mutagenicity Not mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity No reproductive toxicity at normal levels
Allergenicity Low allergenicity
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) 0 – 5 mg/kg body weight (as acidulant)
Special Toxicity Note Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use; Low toxicity; Non-toxic at normal use levels; May cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in high doses; Skin and eye contact may cause irritation; Dust inhalation may cause respiratory discomfort.

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
Skin Irritation Category 2 H315
Eye Irritation Category 2 H319
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single) Category 3 H335

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code Statement
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

Health Flammability Reactivity Special
1 0 0 -
(Slight health hazard) (Non-flammable) (Stable) (None)

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing
P312 Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell
P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention
P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse
P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action to Take
Inhalation Remove to fresh air immediately. If respiratory irritation develops, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, get medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Ingestion Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention if large quantities are ingested or if feeling unwell.

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Non-flammable organic material. May burn with thick smoke at high temperatures.
Hazards Arising from Fire Thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes.
Suitable Extinguishing Media Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media Water jet (may spread dust)
Special Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing.
Special Precautions Prevent dust from entering sewers and waterways. Avoid dust cloud formation.

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; PROTECT FROM LIGHT, HEAT, and MOISTURE; Keep away from direct sunlight.
Container Requirements Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (PE-lined bags, HDPE containers).
Materials to Protect From Light, heat, moisture, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Shelf Life 24 – 48 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions).
Stability Note Stable under recommended storage conditions; May absorb moisture if exposed to high humidity; Protect from heat.
Special Storage Requirements Store in a dark, cool, dry place; Avoid exposure to air and moisture; Opened containers must be resealed immediately.

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
PE-Lined Paper Bag 10 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg PE-lined kraft paper bag (moisture-proof)
Plastic Bag 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg PE bag (inner-lined, sealed, moisture-proof)
Fiber Drum 20 kg, 25 kg PE-lined fiberboard drum
Plastic Drum 25 kg, 50 kg HDPE / Polypropylene (moisture-proof)
FIBC / Big Bag 500 kg, 1000 kg PE-lined, moisture-resistant PP woven bag

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not regulated (non-hazardous)
Hazard Class Not applicable
Packing Group Not applicable
ADR/RID Not regulated
IMDG Code Not regulated (non-hazardous)
IATA (Air) Not regulated (non-hazardous)
Marine Pollutant No
Transport Temperature Ambient temperature; Protect from moisture and heat.

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union Food additive E355 approved by EFSA; ADI: 0-5 mg/kg; Approved for food use.
USA (TSCA) Listed (TSCA Inventory)
USA (FDA) GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) ; 21 CFR 184.1009; Approved for food use.
Turkey Food additive E355; Ministry of Agriculture approval required; Approved for use.
JECFA Approved; ADI: 0-5 mg/kg body weight; Specifications included.
EFSA Approved; ADI: 0-5 mg/kg body weight.
IARC Not classified (non-carcinogenic)
NTP Not listed
OSHA Regulated as nuisance dust/irritant
California (Prop 65) Not listed
Halal Yes (with certification, from synthetic/petrochemical sources)
Kosher Yes (with certification)
Vegan Yes (synthetic, non-animal source)

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Type Name
Turkish Names Adipik Asit, Heksandioik Asit, Adipinik Asit, 1,4-Bütandikarboksilik Asit
English Names Adipic Acid, Hexanedioic Acid, Adipinic Acid, 1,4-Butanedicarboxylic Acid, 1,6-Hexanedioic Acid
E Number E355
CAS Number 124-04-9
EC Number 204-673-3
HS Code 2917.12

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

Parameter Value
Product Adipic Acid (E355)
CAS Number 124-04-9
E Number E355
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight 146.14 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder
Melting Point 151.5 – 154°C
Solubility Slightly soluble in water; Soluble in ethanol
Primary Functions Acidulant, pH regulator, monomer, corrosion inhibitor
Main Application Areas Food (E355), polymer (nylon 6,6), industrial (corrosion inhibition), pharmaceuticals
Shelf Life 24 – 48 months
GHS Signal Word WARNING
UN Number Not regulated
Special Properties Dicarboxylic acid; Tart/sour taste; GRAS status; FDA approved; Vegan; Halal; Key monomer for nylon 6,6; Stable and non-toxic.

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  • GRAS Status: FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1009); EFSA approved (E355); Safe for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial use.

  • Low Toxicity: LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg; Non-toxic at normal use levels.

  • Mild Irritant: Causes skin and eye irritation (H315, H319); May cause respiratory irritation (H335).

  • Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from air; Store in tightly closed containers.

  • Non-Flammable: Stable and non-combustible.

  • Tart Taste: Used as acidulant in food and beverages.

  • Essential for Nylon: Key monomer for nylon 6,6 production; One of the most important dicarboxylic acids industrially.

  • Vegan: Synthetic/petrochemical source; Suitable for vegan applications.

  • Bio-Based Research: Renewable production research is accelerating (fermentation-based methods).

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Food Industry: Use as acidulant and pH regulator; Jellies, jams, dietary products, effervescent tablets; Dosage: 0.5-2.0%; Dissolve in water before use; Adjust pH to desired level.

  • Polymer Industry: Use as monomer for nylon 6,6 and polyester production; React with hexamethylenediamine; Use in polymerization reactions; Maintain high purity for polymer-grade applications.

  • Industrial Applications: Use as corrosion and scale inhibitor; Boiler water and cooling water treatment; Dosage: 10-100 ppm; Monitor pH and concentration.

  • Flue Gas Desulfurization: Use in thermal power plants; Enhances SO₂ absorption; Improves environmental compliance.

  • Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles; Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

  • Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (N95/FFP2) if dust is generated, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing.

  • Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

  • Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture and heat; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 24-48 months under proper conditions.

  • Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways.

  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Can be incinerated in compliance with regulations.

DETECTION METHODS:

Method Description Advantages Disadvantages
Titrimetric Acid-base titration with NaOH Simple, accurate, standard method Requires indicator
HPLC Quantitative analysis High sensitivity, accurate High cost, requires expertise
GC After derivatization High sensitivity Complex sample preparation
FTIR Functional group identification Fast, non-destructive Requires reference spectra
Melting Point Purity indication Simple, rapid Not specific

ADIPIC ACID vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

Product Chemical Name / E Code Application Strength Weakness Status
Adipic Acid (E355) Hexanedioic Acid Food, polymer, industrial Versatile, key nylon monomer, GRAS, tart taste Fossil-fuel derived (currently) Widely approved
Citric Acid (E330) 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid Food, beverages Common, safe, natural Not a polymer monomer Widely approved
Succinic Acid (E363) Butanedioic Acid Food, resins Renewable potential, food additive Lower demand Approved
Sebacic Acid Decanedioic Acid Polymer, lubricants Renewable (castor oil) Higher cost Limited
Tartaric Acid (E334) 2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid Food, beverages Natural, safe Not a polymer monomer Widely approved

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

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