Fumaric Acid

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Fumaric Acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid characterized by its white crystalline powder form and a slightly acidic taste. It is an unsaturated organic acid with the chemical formula C4H4O4 and is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle in biological systems. Fumaric Acid is commonly found in various plants and fungi and is commercially produced by isomerization of maleic acid or by fermentation. It is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and polymer industries due to its acidulant, antioxidant, and crosslinking properties.

Description

Fumaric Acid

Primary Uses 

  1. Food Industry
  • Used as an acidulant and flavor enhancer in beverages, bakery products, confectionery, jams, and jellies.
  • Acts as a preservative by lowering pH and inhibiting microbial growth in food and beverages.
  • Functions as a tartness agent, providing a sour taste with greater stability than citric or tartaric acid.
  • Used in powdered drink mixes and effervescent tablets to improve solubility and flavor profile.
  1. Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Incorporated as an excipient in tablet formulations to aid in drug absorption and stability.
  • Used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in oral and topical pharmaceutical products.
  • Explored for potential therapeutic effects in psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions through fumarate derivatives.
  1. Chemical Industry
  • Utilized as a raw material in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, and plastics.
  • Used in the production of alkyd resins and as a crosslinking agent in polymer chemistry.
  • Employed as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial processes.
  1. Cosmetics and Personal Care
  • Used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant in skincare products.
  • Incorporated in formulations for its antioxidant properties and skin conditioning effects.

 

Secondary Uses 

  1. Agriculture
  • Applied in soil amendments to modify pH and improve nutrient availability.
  • Studied as a bio-based additive to enhance plant growth and stress resistance.
  1. Biomedical Research
  • Used in metabolic studies as a Krebs cycle intermediate.
  • Investigated for immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of its derivatives.
  1. Water Treatment
  • Employed as a chelating agent and pH adjuster in water treatment processes.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes 
  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): (E)-But-2-enedioic acid
  • Common/Trade Name: Fumaric Acid
  • CAS Number: 110-17-8
  • HS Code: 2917.19
  • Molecular Formula: C4H4O4
  • Synonyms: Trans-butenedioic acid, Fumarate, E-butenedioic acid
  1. Physical & Chemical Properties 
  • Physical State: Crystalline powder
  • Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless
  • Melting Point: 287 °C (decomposes)
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~6 g/100 mL at 20 °C), soluble in alcohol and ether
  • pH: Weakly acidic in solution (pKa1 ~3.03, pKa2 ~4.44)
  • Stability: Stable under dry, cool, dark storage; decomposes on heating
  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes 
  • Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous; generally regarded as safe
  • Toxicity: Low toxicity; non-irritant at typical use concentrations
  • Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established
  1. Storage & Handling Attributes 
  • Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, in a cool, dry place away from moisture and incompatible substances
  • Container Type: Polyethylene or glass containers with moisture-proof packaging
  • Shelf Life: Up to 24 months under recommended storage conditions
  • Handling Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation; use appropriate personal protective equipment
  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes 
  • Approved as a food additive (E297) by FDA, EFSA, and Codex Alimentarius
  • Registered under REACH for industrial and food applications
  • Usage limits regulated depending on product category and jurisdiction
  1. Environmental & Health Impact 
  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in aerobic conditions
  • Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms at environmental concentrations
  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified; no evidence of carcinogenic or mutagenic effects
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  1. Safety Handling Precautions
  • PPE Required: Protective gloves, dust mask, and safety goggles when handling powder
  • Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid dust generation and inhalation
  • Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture and heat
  • Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid eating or smoking in work areas

 

  1. First Aid Measures
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
  • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; generally low toxicity but seek medical attention if large amounts ingested

 

  1. Firefighting Measures
  • Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; may produce irritating fumes when heated or burned
  • Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚)
  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
  • Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and other potentially toxic fumes