1. Overview of Adipic Acid
Adipic Acid (CAS 124-04-9) is a six-carbon dicarboxylic acid with molecular formula C₆H₁₀O₄. It is one of the most widely used industrial intermediates and food additives in the global chemical industry, acting as a key raw material for polyurethane products, plasticizers, and food acidulant applications.
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD supplies bulk industrial-grade and high-purity food-grade adipic acid with strict impurity control. Our food-grade adipic acid complies with FCC and E355 food additive standards, ensuring safety and stability for food and beverage applications worldwide.
Our products are widely used in polyurethane foam and elastomer production, low-temperature plasticizer manufacturing, as well as powdered drinks and confectionery processing.
Basic Chemical Information
Chemical Name: Adipic Acid
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight: 146.14 g/mol
CAS No.: 124-04-9
HS Code: 29171200
Appearance: White crystalline powder, odorless
Adipic acid is stable under normal storage and transportation conditions. A full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order.
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical Form: White crystalline powder or granules with good flowability
Density: 1.36 g/cm³ at 20°C
Melting Range: 151–154 °C
Boiling Point: 337 °C (decomposition); 265 °C at 100 mmHg
Flash Point: 196 °C (closed cup); Auto-ignition Temperature: 422 °C
Acidity: pKa₁ 4.43, pKa₂ 5.41 at 25°C; pH (1% solution): 2.5–3.0
Solubility: Soluble in methanol, ethanol and acetone; slightly soluble in water (1.44 g/100 mL at 15°C)
Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions; hygroscopic, keep containers tightly closed
3. Functional Characteristics & Main Applications
Adipic acid contains two carboxyl groups at both ends of its carbon chain, making it highly reactive in esterification and effective in pH adjustment.
Polyurethane Industry:
Key raw material for polyester polyols used in flexible foams, elastomers, adhesives and coatings
Adipate-based polyols provide high tensile strength, abrasion resistance and good compatibility with isocyanates
Plasticizers & Synthetic Lubricants:
Raw material for adipate esters such as DOA and DIDA, offering excellent low-temperature flexibility for PVC products
Used in synthetic ester lubricants for high viscosity index and thermal stability
Food & Beverage Industry :
Used as acidity regulator, flavor enhancer and gelling agent in powdered drinks, desserts, gelatins and baking powders
Low hygroscopicity helps maintain stable quality in dry powder formulations
4. Industrial Grade Adipic Acid
Industrial-grade adipic acid is the most common grade for large-scale industrial production, mainly used in polyurethane, plasticizer and synthetic lubricant manufacturing.
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL supplies industrial-grade adipic acid with purity ≥99.5%, produced under stable quality control systems.
It is widely used in the production of polyester polyols for automotive, footwear, construction and industrial coating applications.
5. Food Grade Adipic Acid
Food-grade adipic acid meets FCC and EU food additive standards and is approved as food acidity regulator E355. With tight controls on heavy metals and impurities, it is suitable for food and beverage applications.
It delivers a mild and clean tartness, making it ideal for dry beverage mixes, jellies, baking powders and confectionery. Its low moisture absorption makes it especially suitable for long-shelf-life powder products.
6. Production Process
Adipic acid is commercially produced mainly through the two-step oxidation of cyclohexane:
1.Cyclohexane is oxidized to form KA oil (cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone).
2.KA oil is further oxidized with nitric acid to form crude adipic acid, which is then purified by crystallization to reach the required grade.
Environmentally improved production routes are also gradually adopted in the industry to support sustainable manufacturing.
7. Quality Control & Testing
We maintain a strict quality system for different grades. Typical specifications are as follows:
|
Analysis |
Units |
Industrial Grade |
Food Grade |
|
Assay |
% |
≥99.5 |
≥99.6 |
|
Appearance |
— |
White crystalline powder/granules |
White crystalline powder/granules |
|
Melting Point |
°C |
151–154 |
151–154 |
|
Moisture Content |
% |
≤0.2 |
≤0.2 |
|
Iron Content |
ppm |
≤1.0 |
≤5.0 |
|
Heavy Metals (Pb) |
ppm |
— |
≤10 |
|
Arsenic (As) |
ppm |
— |
≤3 |
|
pH (1% solution) |
— |
2.5–3.0 |
2.5–3.0 |
8. Packaging, Storage & Safety
Packing: 25 kg bags, 500 kg / 1000 kg jumbo bags, bulk supply available
Storage: Keep in cool, dry and ventilated area, sealed tightly to avoid moisture. Store away from strong oxidizers, bases and heat sources.
Safety Information:
Adipic acid has low toxicity but may cause eye and respiratory irritation when exposed as dust.
Wear eye protection and gloves during handling.
Avoid inhaling dust; use local ventilation if needed.
In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water immediately.
9. Supply & Service
SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD provides stable and reliable supply of adipic acid to global customers:
Consistent quality for industrial and food (FCC/E355) grades
Full technical documentation including COA, SDS and TDS
Flexible packaging and on-time delivery for bulk orders
Contact Us
Contact SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO.,LTD now to get COA, free samples and the latest quotation.
Email: shirley@snowhitechem.com
Phone: +86-25-56215758
WhatsApp：+86-13776524331
