1. Overview of Fumaric Acid
Fumaric Acid (CAS No. 110-17-8,HS Code 29171900,UN No.: Not Classified as Dangerous Goods) supplied by SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD is a high-purity trans-dicarboxylic acid widely used across food, pharmaceutical, resin manufacturing, feed acidification, and industrial chemical applications. Its chemical name is trans-Butenedioic Acid, with molecular formula C₄H₄O₄ and molecular weight 116.07 g/mol.
The trans-configuration and stable crystalline form contribute to controlled dissolution, sustained acidification, and predictable behavior in complex formulations, making it a versatile and reliable additive for global industrial applications.
1.1 Physical & Chemical Characteristics
Fumaric Acid supplied by SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD exhibits:
- Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules (depending on grade)
- Purity: Food & Pharmaceutical ≥99.5%; Industrial ≥99.0%
- Melting point: 286–302°C
- Molecular weight: 116.07 g/mol
- pKa1: 3.02; pKa2: 4.44 (aqueous solution, 25°C)
- Low hygroscopicity
- High thermal stability
- Strong acidity (approx. 1.5× citric acid)
- Solubility in water: 6.6 g/100 mL at 25°C (slower than citric acid → allows sustained release)
These physical and chemical properties ensure excellent handling, storage stability, and formulation predictability, especially in dry-mix systems.
1.2 Structural Behavior & Functional Mechanism
The trans configuration of Fumaric Acid provides a rigid molecular geometry which:
Slows dissolution in aqueous media → sustained acidification.
Maintains consistent pH over time → enhances product stability.
Promotes controlled reactivity in polymerization, particularly in unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) synthesis.
Mechanistic Insights (Molecular Level):
- Fumaric Acid dissolves gradually; the non-ionized fraction dominates at pH < 3.5, facilitating stable acidic environment.
- In polymer systems, the double bond participates in radical copolymerization, improving cross-link density and hydrolysis resistance.
- In food systems, slow proton release allows predictable CO₂ generation in baked goods and consistent flavor in beverages.
Quantitative Table — Dissociation & Activity vs. pH:
|
pH |
Non-ionized Fraction (%) |
Acidification Activity |
Application Implication |
|
2.5–4.0 |
80–90% |
Max |
Food/beverage acidification |
|
4.0–5.5 |
40–60% |
Moderate |
Controlled-release in dry mixes |
|
>5.5 |
<10% |
Low |
Minimal acidification |
2. Major Applications
2.1 Food & Beverage Applications
Food-grade Fumaric Acid (≥99.5%) by SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD is widely used for:
- Carbonated beverages, fruit juice concentrates, and soft drinks
- Bakery products: bread, biscuits, cakes
- Confectionery and jellies
- Dry-mix beverage powders
- Acidulant & flavor synergist
Recommended Use Concentrations:
|
Product Type |
Typical Addition (%) |
Notes |
|
Carbonated beverages |
0.15–0.25 |
Stable flavor, pH control |
|
Bakery & confectionery |
0.05–0.15 |
CO₂ control during leavening |
|
Dry beverage powders |
0.3–0.6 |
Sustained release, minimal caking |
2.2 Industrial & Chemical Applications
Industrial-grade Fumaric Acid (≥99.0%) is a key monomer or intermediate for:
- Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR) – 7–12% of esterification feed
- Alkyd resins – improving hardness and adhesion
- Surfactant intermediates
- Metal surface treatment
- Industrial cleaners
Functional Advantages:
- Enhances cross-linking density
- Provides thermal and hydrolytic stability
- Enables predictable polymer viscosity and reactivity
2.3 Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Applications
Pharma-grade Fumaric Acid (≥99.5%) supports:
- Oral solid dosage formulations
- Controlled-release matrices
- API intermediates like dimethyl fumarate
- Nutritional supplement stabilization
Safety and Compliance:
- Complies with USP, EP, and CP standards
- Heavy metals ≤10 ppm
- Microbial limits within pharmacopeial requirements
- Loss on drying ≤0.3%
2.4 Feed & Agriculture Applications
Fumaric Acid promotes feed efficiency and gut health:
- Improves digestive pH balance
- Enhances nutrient absorption
- Reduces microbial load during pelleting
- Suitable for antibiotic-reduction programs
Application Levels: 0.5–1.0% of feed mixture depending on species and formulation.
3. Toxicological Profile & Safety Considerations
Metabolism: Rapidly absorbed and enters TCA/Krebs cycle; eliminated as CO₂ and water within 1–2 days
ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake): Generally recognized as safe (GRAS/FDA/JECFA)
Potential Risks:
- High dust exposure may irritate respiratory tract
- Overexposure to concentrated powder can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- Handling Precautions:
- Avoid dust inhalation
- Use personal protective equipment in industrial settings
- Store in cool, dry, ventilated areas
Industrial Safety: Not classified as hazardous; UN No.: Not Classified.
4. Product Grades & Physical Forms
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD supplies Fumaric Acid in 4 differentiated grades to meet diverse application requirements:
|
Grade |
Typical Applications |
|
Industrial |
Resin, industrial intermediates |
|
Food |
Beverages, bakery, confectionery |
|
Pharmaceutical |
Tablets, nutraceuticals, controlled-release |
|
Feed |
Feed pellet incorporation |
Technical Specifications by Grade
4.1 Fumaric acid Tech Grade:
|
Items |
Unit |
Standard Specs. |
|
Content |
% |
99.0min |
|
Crystallizing point |
Degree-C min |
52.5max |
|
Appearance |
- |
White crystal |
|
Heavy metal |
% |
0.0001max |
|
Residue on Ignition |
% |
<0.1% |
|
Moisture |
% |
0.25%max |
|
Melting point |
℃ |
287-302 |
|
Arsenic (as AS) |
% |
0.00003max |
|
Maleic acid |
% |
0.1%max |
|
Colour degree |
Hazen |
<60 |
4.2 Fumaric acid Food/Feed/ Pharma Grade:
|
ITEMS |
SPECIFICATION |
|
APPEARANCE |
WHITE CRYSTAL POWDER |
|
ASSAY(%) |
99.5-100.5 |
|
WATER CONTENT(%) |
≤0.5 |
|
RESIDUE ON IGNITION(%) |
≤0.1 |
|
ARSENIC(AS)/(mg/kg) |
≤2 |
|
LEAD(Pb)/(mg/kg) |
≤2 |
|
MALEIC ACID (%) |
≤0.10 |
|
Colour Platinum - Cobalt(PtCo) |
≤15 |
5. Impurities & Quality Control
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD implements targeted impurity control:
- Heavy metals: Pb ≤10 ppm
- Arsenic ≤2 ppm
- Maleic acid ≤0.1%
- Residual solvents: Not detectable
- Microbiological testing for Food/Pharma grades
- Batch-to-batch COA verification
This ensures compliance with USP, FCC, EP, and other international regulations.
6. Packaging & Storage
Packaging Options:
- 25 kg PE woven bags
- 25 kg Kraft paper bags
- 500–1000 kg jumbo bags
- Custom packaging upon request (OEM)
Storage Recommendations:
- Cool, dry, ventilated warehouse
- Keep sealed after opening
- Avoid moisture and contamination
7. SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD — Customer Service & Supply Commitment
- 24-hour inquiry response
- Technical support for formulation guidance
- Third-party inspection & COA verification
- Competitive pricing & flexible MOQ
- Stable global supply (Food, Pharma, Industrial)
- Custom packaging & product form upon request
8. Conclusion
Global Supply Strength of SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD ,ensures: Stable annual production capabilities Compliance with ISO quality management Full documentation (COA, SDS, cargo inspection support) Strong logistics integration for export shipments Long-term supply to food, pharma, resin, and feed manufacturers With professional technical support and a global distribution network, SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD is recognized as a reliable supplier of Fumaric Acid worldwide.
