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.

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Category: Acidulants Tags: Acidulant, Food additive, Food Preservative, Fumaric Acid, Nutritional supplement, Organic Acid, Pharmaceutical ingredient

Description

Table of Contents

Fumaric Acid

Primary Uses

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Biomedical Research

Used in metabolic studies as a Krebs cycle intermediate.
Investigated for immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of its derivatives.

Water Treatment

Employed as a chelating agent and pH adjuster in water treatment processes.

KEY PRODUCT 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

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

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; may produce irritating fumes when heated or burned
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and other potentially toxic fumes