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Sorbic Acid

PubChem CID
643460
Structure
Sorbic Acid_small.png
Sorbic Acid_3D_Structure.png
Sorbic Acid__Crystal_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • sorbic acid
  • 110-44-1
  • (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
  • 2,4-Hexadienoic acid
  • 2E,4E-Hexadienoic acid
Molecular Weight
112.13 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Dates
  • Create:
    2005-03-25
  • Modify:
    2025-01-18
Description
Sorbic acid appears as white powder or crystals. Melting point 134.5 °C. Slightly acidic and astringent taste with a faint odor.
Sorbic acid is a hexadienoic acid with double bonds at C-2 and C-4; it has four geometrical isomers, of which the trans,trans-form is naturally occurring. It is a hexadienoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a medium-chain fatty acid and an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a sorbate.
Sorbic acid has been reported in Prunus domestica and Schisandra chinensis with data available.

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
Sorbic Acid.png

1.2 3D Conformer

1.3 Crystal Structures

1 of 2
View All
COD Number
Associated Article
Cox, P.J.. Sorbic acid. Acta Crystallographica Section C 1994;50(10):1620-1622. DOI: 10.1107/S0108270194002891
Crystal Structure Depiction
Crystal Structure Depiction
Hermann-Mauguin space group symbol
C 1 2/c 1
Hall space group symbol
-C 2yc
Space group number
15
a
19.749 Å
b
3.9355 Å
c
15.649 Å
α
90 °
β
101.660 °
γ
90 °
Z
8
Z'
1

2 Names and Identifiers

2.1 Computed Descriptors

2.1.1 IUPAC Name

(2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
Computed by Lexichem TK 2.7.0 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)

2.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C6H8O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8)/b3-2+,5-4+
Computed by InChI 1.07.0 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)

2.1.3 InChIKey

WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N
Computed by InChI 1.07.0 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)

2.1.4 SMILES

C/C=C/C=C/C(=O)O
Computed by OEChem 2.3.0 (PubChem release 2024.12.12)

2.2 Molecular Formula

C6H8O2
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)

C6H8O2

CH3CH=CHCH=CHCOOH

2.3 Other Identifiers

2.3.1 CAS

110-44-1
22500-92-1
91751-55-2

2.3.3 Deprecated CAS

1197240-56-4, 91751-55-2
1197240-56-4, 2747926-89-0, 91751-55-2
22500-92-1, 91751-55-2

2.3.4 European Community (EC) Number

203-768-7

2.3.5 UNII

2.3.6 ChEBI ID

2.3.7 ChEMBL ID

2.3.8 DSSTox Substance ID

2.3.9 FEMA Number

2.3.10 HMDB ID

2.3.11 ICSC Number

2.3.12 JECFA Number

1176

2.3.13 KEGG ID

2.3.14 Lipid Maps ID (LM_ID)

2.3.15 Metabolomics Workbench ID

2.3.16 NCI Thesaurus Code

2.3.17 Nikkaji Number

2.3.18 RXCUI

2.3.19 Wikidata

2.3.20 Wikipedia

2.4 Synonyms

2.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • Acid, Hexadienoic
  • Acid, Propenylacrylic
  • Acid, Sorbic
  • Hexadienoic Acid
  • Potassium Sorbate
  • Propenylacrylic Acid
  • Sodium Sorbate
  • Sorbate, Potassium
  • Sorbate, Sodium
  • Sorbic Acid

2.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

3 Chemical and Physical Properties

3.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
112.13 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
XLogP3
Property Value
1.3
Reference
Computed by XLogP3 3.0 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
2
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
2
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
112.052429494 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
112.052429494 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.2 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
37.3 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
8
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
122
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.8.18 (PubChem release 2024.11.20)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
2
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2021.10.14)

3.2 Experimental Properties

3.2.1 Physical Description

Sorbic acid appears as white powder or crystals. Melting point 134.5 °C. Slightly acidic and astringent taste with a faint odor.
NKRA; Dry Powder
Colourless needles or white free flowing powder, having a slight characteristic odour and showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C
Colorless or white solid; [HSDB] White crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]
Solid
WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER.
White, free-flowing powder

3.2.2 Color / Form

Colorless needles or white powder
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 12th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2012., p. 4057
Needles from water
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1613
Needles form dilute alcohol
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-294
White crystalline solid
Szilagyi M; Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids: Unsaturated. Patty's Toxicology. 6th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. On-line Posting Date: Aug 17, 2012.
White crystals or powder
Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994., p. 832

3.2.3 Odor

Relatively odorless
Szilagyi M; Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids: Unsaturated. Patty's Toxicology. 6th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. On-line Posting Date: Aug 17, 2012.
Weak characteristic odor
Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Oct 15, 2011.

3.2.4 Taste

Relatively tasteless
Furia, T.E. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Food Additives. 2nd ed. Cleveland: The Chemical Rubber Co., 1972., p. 129
Slightly acidic taste
Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Oct 15, 2011.

3.2.5 Boiling Point

442 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
228 °C with decomposition.
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-294

3.2.6 Melting Point

274.1 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Between 133 °C and 135 °C, after vacuum drying for four hours in a sulphuric acid desiccator
134.5 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1613

3.2.7 Flash Point

260 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
127 °C (261 °F) - closed cup
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
127 °C

3.2.8 Solubility

less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol.
In water, 1910 mg/L at 30 °C
Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 273
In water, 1560 mg/L at 20 °C (OECD 105 Shake-Flask method)
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
In water: 0.25% at 30 °C, 3.8% at 100 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1613
In propylene glycol: 5.5% at 20 °C; in absolute ethanol or methanol: 12.90% at 20 °C; in 20% ethanol: 0.29%; in acetone: 9.2% at 20 °C; in glacial acetic acid: 11.5% at 20 °C; in benzene: 2.3%, in dioxane: 11.0% at 20 °C; in carbon tetrachloride: 1.3% at 20 °C; in cyclohexane: 0.28%; in glycerol: 0.31% at 20 °C; in isopropanol: 8.4%; in isopropyl ether: 2.7% at 20 °C; in methyl acetate: 6.1%; in toluene: 1.9% at 20 °C
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1613
For more Solubility (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
1.91 mg/mL at 30 °C
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 30 °C: 0.25 (poor)
Slightly soluble in water
soluble (in ethanol)

3.2.9 Density

1.204 at 66 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
1.204 g/cu cm at 19 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-294
1.2 g/cm³

3.2.10 Vapor Density

3.87 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
3.87 (Air = 1)
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 12th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2012., p. 4057
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.87

3.2.11 Vapor Pressure

less than 0.01 mmHg at 68 °F ; 9.8 mmHg at 266 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
0.13 [mmHg]
3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C (OECD Guideline 104, Vapor Pressure)
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
Vapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C:

3.2.12 LogP

log Kow = 1.33
Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 22
1.33

3.2.13 Stability / Shelf Life

Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

3.2.14 Decomposition

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3291
228 °C

3.2.15 Heat of Combustion

-3107 kJ/mol
Dorko CL et al; Sorbic Acid. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Sept 15, 2014.

3.2.16 Surface Tension

53.5 mN/m at 20 °C (mean surface tension of an aqueous solution of 1 g/L)
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/

3.2.17 Ionization Efficiency

Ionization mode
Negative
logIE
-0.4
pH
10.5
Instrument
Agilent XCT
Ion source
Electrospray ionization
Additive
ammonia (10nM)
Organic modifier
MeCN (80%)

3.2.18 Dissociation Constants

Acidic pKa
4.5
Comparison of the accuracy of experimental and predicted pKa values of basic and acidic compounds. Pharm Res. 2014; 31(4):1082-95. DOI:10.1007/s11095-013-1232-z. PMID:24249037
pKa = 4.76 at 25 °C
Dorko CL et al; Sorbic Acid. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Sept 15, 2014.

3.2.19 Kovats Retention Index

Standard non-polar
1056
Semi-standard non-polar
1074.3 , 1075.7
Standard polar
2150 , 2150

3.2.20 Other Experimental Properties

Sorbic acid begins to sublime above 60 °C.
Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Oct 15, 2011.
Sorbic acid is volatile in steam without decomposition.
Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Oct 15, 2011.

3.3 Chemical Classes

Other Classes -> Organic Acids

3.3.1 Drugs

Pharmaceuticals
S10 | SWISSPHARMA | Pharmaceutical List with Consumption Data | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2623484

3.3.2 Cosmetics

Cosmetic ingredients (Sorbic Acid) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)
Preservative
S13 | EUCOSMETICS | Combined Inventory of Ingredients Employed in Cosmetic Products (2000) and Revised Inventory (2006) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2624118

3.3.3 Food Additives

FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT -> FDA Substance added to food

3.3.4 Lipids

Fatty Acyls [FA] -> Fatty Acids and Conjugates [FA01] -> Unsaturated fatty acids [FA0103]

4 Spectral Information

4.1 1D NMR Spectra

1 of 2
1D NMR Spectra
NMR: 462 (Varian Associates NMR Spectra Catalogue)
2 of 2
1D NMR Spectra

4.1.1 1H NMR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
Varian A-60
Copyright
Copyright © 2009-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Source of Spectrum
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Source of Sample
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Catalog Number
H8307
Copyright
Copyright © 2021-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.1.2 13C NMR Spectra

1 of 2
Source of Sample
MCB Manufacturing Chemists, Norwood, Ohio
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Instrument Name
BRUKER AMX-360
Copyright
Copyright © 2002-2024 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. All Rights Reserved.
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4.2 Mass Spectrometry

4.2.1 GC-MS

1 of 6
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NIST Number
227554
Library
Main library
Total Peaks
74
m/z Top Peak
97
m/z 2nd Highest
112
m/z 3rd Highest
67
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NIST Number
153625
Library
Replicate library
Total Peaks
72
m/z Top Peak
97
m/z 2nd Highest
67
m/z 3rd Highest
41
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4.2.2 MS-MS

1 of 8
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Spectra ID
Ionization Mode
Positive
Top 5 Peaks

41.03583 100

39.02079 41.10

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2 of 8
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Spectra ID
Ionization Mode
Negative
Top 5 Peaks

68.99427 100

111.04385 36.19

67.05378 9.43

112.04697 7.25

112.98438 7.17

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4.2.3 LC-MS

1 of 3
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MS Category
Experimental
MS Type
LC-MS
MS Level
MS2
Precursor Type
[M+H]+
Precursor m/z
113.0597055
Instrument
Thermo Q Exactive HF
Instrument Type
LC-ESI-QFT
Ionization Mode
positive
Collision Energy
HCD (NCE 20-30-40%)
Top 5 Peaks

96.08096 100

70.06533 97.10

67.05447 53.60

95.04932 39.30

57.03388 7.70

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MS Category
Experimental
MS Type
LC-MS
MS Level
MS2
Precursor Type
[M+H]+
Precursor m/z
113.0597055
Instrument
Thermo Q Exactive HF
Instrument Type
LC-ESI-QFT
Ionization Mode
positive
Collision Energy
HCD (NCE 20-30-40%)
Top 5 Peaks

70.06528 100

96.08089 96.20

72.08089 45.10

67.05444 19.90

112.09531 19.60

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4.2.4 Other MS

1 of 2
Other MS
MASS: 27824 (NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral Database, 1990 Version); 748 (Atlas of Mass Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
2 of 2
MS Category
Experimental
MS Type
Other
MS Level
MS2
Precursor Type
[M-H2O+H]+
Precursor m/z
95.0486
Instrument
Orbitrap
Ionization Mode
positive
Top 5 Peaks

67.055016 100

97.008186 74.01

99.003700 50.83

95.086060 50.34

65.039436 26.11

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4.3 UV Spectra

A propan-2-ol solution (1 in 4 000 000) shows absorbance maximum at 254 ± 2 nm
UV: 2-70 (Organic Electronic Spectral Data, Phillips et al, John Wiley & Sons, New York)
Lide, D.R., G.W.A. Milne (eds.). Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volume I. 3rd ed. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton ,FL. 1994., p. V3: 3036

4.4 IR Spectra

IR Spectra
IR: 6494 (Coblentz Society Spectral Collection)

4.4.1 FTIR Spectra

1 of 2
Technique
KBr WAFER
Source of Sample
Union Carbide Corporation
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Instrument Name
Bruker Tensor 27 FT-IR
Technique
KBr1
Source of Spectrum
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Source of Sample
TCI Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd.
Catalog Number
S0053
Lot Number
KKA4H-GK
Copyright
Copyright © 2016-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.4.2 ATR-IR Spectra

1 of 2
Instrument Name
Bio-Rad FTS
Technique
ATR-Neat (DuraSamplIR II) ground
Source of Spectrum
Forensic Spectral Research
Source of Sample
Supelco, Sigma-Aldrich Inc.
Catalog Number
47845
Lot Number
LB61762
Copyright
Copyright © 2009-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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2 of 2
Instrument Name
Bruker Tensor 27 FT-IR
Technique
ATR-Neat (DuraSamplIR II)
Source of Spectrum
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Source of Sample
TCI Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd.
Catalog Number
S0053
Lot Number
KKA4H-GK
Copyright
Copyright © 2016-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.4.3 Vapor Phase IR Spectra

Source of Spectrum
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Source of Sample
Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.
Catalog Number
240109
Copyright
Copyright © 2021-2024 Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. - Database Compilation Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.5 Raman Spectra

Instrument Name
Bruker MultiRAM Stand Alone FT-Raman Spectrometer
Technique
FT-Raman
Source of Spectrum
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Source of Sample
TCI Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd.
Catalog Number
S0053
Lot Number
KKA4H-GK
Copyright
Copyright © 2016-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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4.6 Other Spectra

SADTLER REFERENCE NUMBER: 3674 (IR, PRISM); 8305 (IR, GRATING)
Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 60th ed. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press Inc., 1979., p. C-333

6 Chemical Vendors

7 Drug and Medication Information

7.1 FDA National Drug Code Directory

7.2 Drug Labels

Active ingredient and drug

7.3 Therapeutic Uses

Food Preservatives
National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Atomoxetine. Online file (MeSH, 2016). Available from, as of May 3, 2016: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2016/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html
The ocular bioavailability of timolol increased in sorbic acid solution due to ion pair formation. Its octanol/water partition coefficient also increased, suggesting the formation of a more lipophilic complex. The concentration of timolol in rabbit aqueous humor was determined after instillation of timolol ophthalmic solution containing sorbic acid. When the molar ratio of sorbic acid to timolol was two or higher, the concentration of timolol in the aqueous humor was higher than with timolol alone. In the presence of sorbic acid the maximal aqueous humor concentration and the area under the curve were more than two-fold higher than those of Timoptol, a timolol maleate ophthalmic solution, and similar in value to TIMOPTIC-XE, a gel-forming ophthalmic solution. To investigate the transcorneal absorption mechanism, in vitro permeation profiles across the intact and de-epithelialyzed cornea were analyzed on the basis of the bilayer diffusion model. The partition coefficient in the epithelium was about twice as high in the presence of sorbic acid than with timolol alone, although the diffusion coefficient in the epithelium did not change. We conclude that the improved ocular bioavailability in the presence of sorbic acid is due to increased partitioning of timolol in the corneal epithelium.
Higashiyama M et al; Int J Pharm 272 (1-2): 91-8 (2004)

7.4 Drug Warnings

Topical medicaments and cosmetics containing sorbic acid should be avoided. There has been no evidence of flare-ups of eczema from ingestion of foods containing sorbic acid. Therefore, avoiding foods with sorbic acid is unnecessary.
Marks, J.G. Jr., DeLeo V.A., Contact and Occupational Dermatology. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Year Book 1992., p. 120

8 Food Additives and Ingredients

8.1 Food Additive Classes

Flavoring Agents
JECFA Functional Classes
Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT;

8.2 FDA Substances Added to Food

Substance
Used for (Technical Effect)
FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT
FEMA Number
3921
GRAS Number
19
JECFA Flavor Number
1176

8.3 Evaluations of the Joint FAO / WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives - JECFA

Chemical Name
(E,E)-2,4-HEXADIENOIC ACID
Evaluation Year
2008
ADI
No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent
Comments
Use as a flavouring agent is subsumed in the ADI, which was maintained.

9 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

9.1 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Food Preservatives
Substances capable of inhibiting, retarding or arresting the process of fermentation, acidification or other deterioration of foods. (See all compounds classified as Food Preservatives.)

9.2 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Following oral administration of radiolabelled sorbic acid, ... the total recovery of radioactivity was approx. 100% of the low and high doses. The major route of metabolism of sorbic acid was via expired CO2 with approx. 85% of the admininstered radioactivity being recovered as CO2 within 4-10 hours post administration. From the rate and extent of this metabolism, it may be concluded that sorbic acid is rapidly and quantitatively absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/

9.3 Metabolism / Metabolites

Metabolism of sorbic acid in rats is identical to that of normally occurring fatty acids. Under normal conditions of intake, sorbic acid is almost completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. Traces (0.1% of dose) may be converted by oxidation to trans,trans-muconic acid.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 812
1,4-Dinitro-2-methylpyrrole, a mutagenic product formed by the interaction of two common food additives, sorbic acid and sodium nitrite, was transformed to 1-nitro-2-methyl-4-aminopyrrole by human fecal mixtures and various intestinal bacterial strains.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 812
Following oral administration of radiolabelled sorbic acid, ... the total recovery of radioactivity was approx. 100% of the low and high doses. The major route of metabolism of sorbic acid was via expired CO2 with approx. 85% of the administered radioactivity being recovered as CO2 within 4-10 hours p.a. From the rate and extent of this metabolism, it may be concluded that sorbic acid is rapidly and quantitatively absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/

9.4 Human Metabolite Information

9.4.1 Cellular Locations

  • Cytoplasm
  • Extracellular
  • Membrane

9.5 Transformations

10 Use and Manufacturing

10.1 Uses

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link
CIR ingredient: Sorbic Acid
EPA CPDat Chemical and Product Categories
The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products, Scientific Data, volume 5, Article number: 180125 (2018), DOI:10.1038/sdata.2018.125
Sources/Uses
Used as mold and yeast inhibitor, fungistatic agent, and preservative (foods, tobacco, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and silk-screen inks); Also used in drying oils, in alkyd type coatings, to improve milling characteristics of cold rubber, to inhibit fermentation in wines, to impregnate polyethylene wrappers for raw farm products, and to improve growth stimulation of animal feeds; [HSDB]
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure
For sorbic acid (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 75901) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on Sorbic Acid (110-44-1). Available from, as of July 7, 2016: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/

Reported uses (ppm):

Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 2000)

Food Category
Alcoholic beverages
Usual
3.00
Max.
5.00
Food Category
Baked goods
Usual
10.00
Max.
14.00
Food Category
Frozen dairy
Usual
3.00
Max.
6.00
Food Category
Gelatins, puddings
Usual
2.00
Max.
4.00
Food Category
Nonalcoholic beverages
Usual
2.00
Max.
3.00
Food Category
Soft candy
Usual
3.00
Max.
5.00

Burdock, G.A. (ed.). Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. 6th ed.Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 821
Intermediate for plasticizers and lubricants.
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1262
To improve the characteristics of drying oils. In alkyd type coatings to improve gloss. To improve milling characteristics of cold rubber.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1613
For more Uses (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >100

Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.00122

Calculated removal (%): 92.1

10.1.1 Use Classification

EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Preservatives and Antioxidants
Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern
Food additives
Food additives -> Flavoring Agents
Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT; -> JECFA Functional Classes
Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index
Cosmetics -> Preservative
S13 | EUCOSMETICS | Combined Inventory of Ingredients Employed in Cosmetic Products (2000) and Revised Inventory (2006) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2624118

10.1.2 Industry Uses

Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

10.1.3 Consumer Uses

  • Adhesion/cohesion promoter
  • Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable

10.1.4 Household Products

Household & Commercial/Institutional Products

Information on 47 consumer products that contain Sorbic acid in the following categories is provided:

• Inside the Home

• Personal Care

• Pesticides

10.2 Methods of Manufacturing

Trimerization of acetaldehyde and catalytic air oxidation of the resulting hexadienal.
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1262
In the presence of salts of divalent transition metals as catalysts, ketene and 2-butenal react at 30-80 °C to give a polymeric ester of 3-hydroxy-4-hexenoic acid with a molecular mass greater than or equal to about 2000. This polyester can be cleaved to give sorbic acid in good yield by either bases or acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid); alternatively, cleavage can be effected by metal-complex catalysts.
Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 7th ed. (1999-2016). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: October 15, 2011

10.3 Formulations / Preparations

Grades: FCC /Food Chemicals Codex/; technical.
Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 1262

10.4 U.S. Production

Aggregated Product Volume

2019: 129,250 lb

2018: 277,600 lb

2017: 526,810 lb

2016: 306,850 lb

Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)-. National Production Volume: 10,000,000 - 50,000,000 lb/yr.
USEPA/Pollution Prevention and Toxics; 2012 Chemical Data Reporting Database. 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)- (110-44-1). Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/

10.5 U.S. Imports

(1975) 1.36X10+9 GRAMS
SRI
(1984) 2.20X10+9 g
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION AND GENERAL IMPORTS 1984 p.1-357

10.6 General Manufacturing Information

Industry Processing Sectors
Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
EPA TSCA Commercial Activity Status
2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)-: ACTIVE
Only the undissociated form /of sorbic acid/ has antimicrobial activity.
Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 7th ed. (1999-2016). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: October 15, 2011
The trans, trans-isomer is usually obtained and is the commercial product.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1497

11 Identification

11.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

HPLC determination in cosmetics.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1614
Sorbic acid was one of several organic acids determined by HPLC on bare silica.
Brugman WJ T et al; J Chromatogr 218: 285 (1981)
AOAC Method 971.15. Sorbic Acid in Cheese. Oxidation Method.
Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists, 1990, p. 1156
AOAC Method 974.10. Sorbic Acid in Dairy Products. Spectrophotometric Method (Applicable to fresh dairy products - cottage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and yogurt).
Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Official Methods of Analysis. 15th ed. and Supplements. Washington, DC: Association of Analytical Chemists, 1990, p. 1157
For more Analytic Laboratory Methods (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.2 Clinical Laboratory Methods

An LC-MS method is described for the determination of urinary sorbic acid (SA), a common food additive, which allows to measure down to 4 ug/L of the compound. The method involves an acidic hydrolysis followed by solid-phase extraction. The method was applied to two volunteers who ingested SA and to 36 individuals with no dietary restriction. The results confirm that a little aliquot of ingested SA is found in urine also in humans. The significant correlation found between urinary levels of SA and trans,trans-muconic acid (MA) seems to indicate that the measurement of SA in urine could allow to estimate the amount of MA excreted following a dietary intake of SA and, consequently, to enhance the specificity of MA as a biomarker of benzene exposure. A point of clarification in future studies will be the actual chemical form of SA excreted, since our results clearly demonstrate that without hydrolysis only a very little amount of SA can be found even in subjects heavily exposed to SA.
Negri S et al; Chem Biol Interact 153-154: 243-6 (2005)
Sorbic acid (SA: CH(3)-CH=CH-CH=CH-COOH) is one of the widely used food preservatives, although there have been some reports of its toxic activity, for example, on DNA and skin cells. In order to examine the effects of SA on mammalian tissues, we have developed a highly sensitive analytical method using LC/MS/MS with positive and negative ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI). In a previous study, we found that a nonacidic eluent offers better ionization efficiency than acids or their ammoniun salts. However, optimal results could not be obtained because the anion form of SA is poorly retained on a conventional reversed phase column. To resolve this problem, we chose a new type of column and used high-resolution mass spectrometry and positive ion mode analysis. There have only been a few reports using these methods in the positive mode, for example derivatized SA, because acid compounds such as SA are usually used in the negative ion mode. However, a new type of low-carbon-content and polar-endcapped C18 phase column was developed for better separation of SA from the matrix. High-resolution selected reaction monitoring (SRM) gave the best signal to noise ratio in normal-resolution SRM. In the positive ion mode, the CH(3)OH-0.05% HCOOH/0.1% CH(3)COOH eluent system yielded the best ionization efficiency. We propose a highly sensitive and simple analysis using a two-ion-mode ESI SRM method. Such systems should allow quantification of the amount of SA in or around the cells, without the need for pretreatment such as solid phase extraction.
Horiyama S et al; Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 58 (1): 106-9 (2010)
GC-MS determination in urine
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1614

12 Safety and Hazards

12.1 Hazards Identification

12.1.1 GHS Classification

1 of 3
View All
Note
Pictograms displayed are for 97.1% (2078 of 2141) of reports that indicate hazard statements. This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.9% (63 of 2141) of reports.
Pictogram(s)
Irritant
Signal
Warning
GHS Hazard Statements

H315 (84.6%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

H319 (94.6%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335 (23.7%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

Precautionary Statement Codes

P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501

(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.)

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2141 reports by companies from 49 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 63 of 2141 reports by companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

There are 48 notifications provided by 2078 of 2141 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown.

12.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Skin Irrit. 2 (84.6%)

Eye Irrit. 2 (94.6%)

STOT SE 3 (23.7%)

Skin Irrit. 2 (100%)

Eye Irrit. 2 (100%)

STOT SE 3 (50%)

12.1.3 EPA Safer Chemical

Chemical: Sorbic acid

Green circle Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern based on experimental and modeled data.

12.1.4 Health Hazards

SYMPTOMS: This compound may cause severe irritation. High concentrations are extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, skin and eyes. The greatest danger from ingestion of large quantities of this compound (2 g/kg) is intestinal obstruction. Aspiration or inhalation could cause chemical pneumonitis. Implantation will cause a foreign body reaction. A case of contact sensitivity has been reported.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is a severe irritant. It is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. High concentrations are extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, skin and eyes. When heated to decomposition, this compound may emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It may produce aldehydes. It may also emit acrid smoke and irritating fumes. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.1.5 Fire Hazards

This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Combustible. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.

12.1.6 Hazards Summary

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; May cause skin sensitization; [ICSC] May cause skin and eye irritation; Emergency medical treatment: irritants; Sorbic acid 2.5% in petrolatum causes non-immunologic contact urticaria; [HSDB] Causes non-immunological contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 218] No adverse reproductive effects in long-term studies of mice and rats; [REPROTOX] A severe irritant; [RTECS] An uncommon cause of allergic contact dermatitis; Causes contact urticaria in 58% of subjects tested; [Marks, p. 151, 355] A severe irritant; High concentrations may cause corrosive injuries to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract; [CAMEO] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
Kanerva - Rustemeyer L, Elsner P, John SM, Maibach HI (eds). Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology, 2nd Ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 2012., p. 218
REPROTOX - Scialli AR, Lione A, Boyle Padgett GK. Reproductive Effects of Chemical, Physical, and Biological Agents. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995.
Marks - Marks JG, DeLeo VA. Contact and Occupational Dermatology, 2nd Ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1997., p. 151, 355

12.1.7 Fire Potential

Combustible when exposed to heat or flame.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3291

12.1.8 Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Irritations

A 4 hour semiocclusive application of sorbic acid to the intact skin of three rabbits did not produce erythema nor edema. The test material was classified as not skin irritating to rabbit skin according to Draize classification scheme.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/
Sorbic acid was not a primary irritant or sensitizer when applied in 0.1 M concentrations to guinea pig skin. It was characterized as a severe irritant following application of 1 mg to rabbit skin.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 812
Ocular irritation associated with the use of a hydrogel lens care system containing 0.10% sorbic acid was observed in 15% of 135 patients.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 815
Sorbic acid is irritating to the eyes of the rabbits ...
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/

12.2 Safety and Hazard Properties

12.2.1 Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

0.02 g/L (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.2.2 Physical Dangers

Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

12.2.3 Explosive Limits and Potential

The dry finely powdered acid is a significant dust explosion hazard.
Bretherick, L. Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd., 1990, p. 634

12.3 First Aid Measures

Inhalation First Aid
Fresh air, rest.
Skin First Aid
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
Eye First Aid
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion First Aid
Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

12.3.1 First Aid

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.4 Fire Fighting

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Use water in large amounts, water spray, foam.

12.4.1 Fire Fighting Procedures

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
To fight fire, use water.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3291

12.5 Accidental Release Measures

12.5.1 Spillage Disposal

Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles.

12.5.2 Cleanup Methods

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

12.5.3 Disposal Methods

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

12.5.4 Preventive Measures

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

12.6 Handling and Storage

12.6.1 Nonfire Spill Response

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with 60-70% ethanol and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with 60-70% ethanol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should protect this chemical from exposure to light. Keep the container tightly closed under an inert atmosphere, and store under refrigerated temperatures. Store away from oxidizing materials. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.6.2 Safe Storage

Well closed.

12.6.3 Storage Conditions

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Should be stored at temps below 40 °C.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 1614

12.7 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

12.7.1 Inhalation Risk

No indication can be given about the rate at which a harmful concentration of this substance in the air is reached on evaporation at 20 °C.

12.7.2 Effects of Short Term Exposure

The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

12.7.3 Effects of Long Term Exposure

Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.

12.7.4 Allowable Tolerances

Residues of sorbic acid are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: Preservative for formulations. Limit: None.
40 CFR 180.910 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.7.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to your gloves.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. Splash proof safety goggles should be worn while handling this chemical. Alternatively, a full face respirator, equipped as above, may be used to provide simultaneous eye and respiratory protection. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Body Protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Respiratory protection: For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator. For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

12.7.6 Preventions

Fire Prevention
NO open flames. Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.
Exposure Prevention
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!
Inhalation Prevention
Use local exhaust or breathing protection.
Skin Prevention
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Eye Prevention
Wear safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Ingestion Prevention
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

12.8 Stability and Reactivity

12.8.1 Air and Water Reactions

Soluble in hot water [Handbook of Chemistry and Physics]. May be sensitive to exposure to air and heat. The dust may become explosive, particularly when mixed with free-radical initiators or oxidizing agents. (NTP, 1992).
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.8.2 Reactive Group

Acids, Carboxylic

Hydrocarbons, Aliphatic Unsaturated

Conjugated Dienes

12.8.3 Reactivity Profile

SORBIC ACID may discolor on exposure to light. Can react with oxidizing agents. Also incompatible with bases and reducing agents. The dust may become explosive, particularly when mixed with free-radical initiators or oxidizing agents (NTP, 1992).
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

12.8.4 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities

Incompatible materials: Bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Can react with oxidizing materials.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 3291

12.9 Regulatory Information

The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-
The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: 2,4-Hexadienoic acid
REACH Registered Substance
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
Sorbic acid: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
2,4-Hexadienoic Acid: Does not have an individual approval but may be used as a component in a product covered by a group standard. It is not approved for use as a chemical in its own right.

12.9.1 Atmospheric Standards

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Sorbic acid is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
40 CFR 60.489 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.9.2 FIFRA Requirements

Residues of sorbic acid are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: Preservative for formulations. Limit: None.
40 CFR 180.910 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.9.3 FDA Requirements

Sorbic acid used as a chemical preservative in food for human consumption is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
21 CFR 182.3089 (USFDA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov
Sorbic acid used as a chemical preservative in animal drugs, feeds, and related products is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.
21 CFR 582.3089 (USFDA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://www.ecfr.gov

12.10 Other Safety Information

Chemical Assessment

IMAP assessments - 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-: Environment tier I assessment

IMAP assessments - 2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-: Human health tier I assessment

12.10.1 Toxic Combustion Products

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides.
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Sorbic acid. Product Number: S1626, Version 4.4 (Revision Date 02/09/2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

13 Toxicity

13.1 Toxicological Information

13.1.1 Toxicity Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Sorbic acid is white crystalline solid or powder. It is used as intermediate for plasticizers and lubricants. In addition, it is used as preservative and antimicrobial agent for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. To improve the characteristics of drying oils. In alkyd type coatings to improve gloss. To improve milling characteristics of cold rubber. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Application of 150 mg of sorbic acid to human skin for 1 hr produced severe irritation. An allergic response to sorbic acid (2.5% in petrolatum) reportedly occurred in five of 606 eczema patients suspected of having contact sensitivities, who were tested over a 3-year period. Allergic contact dermatitis from sorbic acid has most frequently been reported after the use of topical medicaments such as corticosteroid creams that contain this preservative. Twenty-five cases of contact allergy were reported to Unguentum Merck, most of which were due to sorbic acid. Sorbic acid can also cause stinging and nonimmunologic contact urticarial reactions. Ocular irritation associated with the use of a hydrogel lens care system containing 0.10% sorbic acid was observed in 15% of 135 patients. Genotoxicity studies with HeLa cells and plasmid DNA did not find either mutagenic or genotoxic activities. ANIMAL STUDIES: A 4 hour semiocclusive application of sorbic acid to the intact skin of three rabbits did not produce erythema nor edema. Sorbic acid was not a primary irritant or sensitizer when applied in 0.1 M concentrations to guinea pig skin. It was characterized as a severe irritant following application of 1 mg to rabbit skin. The proliferation and survival of rabbit corneal epithelial cells in tissue culture were reduced in the presence of 0.1% sorbic acid. No adverse effects were noted in rats fed sorbic acid at dietary levels of 1, 2, 4, and 8% for 90 days. Similarly, there were not adverse findings when sorbic acid was fed to puppies at a 4% dietary level for 90 days. Sorbic acid at dietary levels of 1, 5, or 10% for 80 weeks fed to male and female mice and 0, 1.5, or 10% for 2 years fed to male and female rats did not increase the number of deaths or the incidence of spontaneous histological lesions, including tumors. However, mice fed a diet containing 15% sorbic acid for 88 weeks exhibited a high incidence of hepatoma. The hepatomas that developed in mice fed a 15% sorbic acid diet were considered to be induced both by the chronic depletion of the hepatic glutathione and by the gradual production of various promutagens in the intestine which were absorbed and metabolically activated by the liver. There was no adverse effect on the blood or internal organs of rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and dogs after prolonged feeding at 1 to 500 times the amount used in foods. In developmental studies in rabbits, no treatment-related maternal or developmental effects were observed at 300 mg/kg bw/day. Maternal findings in the mid dose group included increased respiratory rate following administration, decreased body weight gain and rough surface of the spleen. Maternal findings in high dose females included increased respiratory rate following administration, death, abortion, decreased body weight and body weight gain, marked decrease in food consumption and pathological findings upon necropsy (rough surface and reduced size of the spleen). Statistically significant reductions in mean fetal and placental weights and the viability of the fetuses were observed at the mid and high dose levels. Sorbic acid was inactive in vitro in the Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) fibroblast micronucleus test and the SHE cell transformation test. When administered orally at doses up to 5000 mg/kg, sorbic acid increased the frequency of micronuclei in mice. A significant increase in the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges was observed in bone marrow cells of mice following intraperitoneal injection with 75, 100, or 150 mg/kg of sorbic acid, but not with 25 or 50 mg/kg. When mice were fed a diet containing 15% sorbic acid for a period of up to 6 months, ether extracts of the intestinal contents of the mice were not mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium TA98, but the acidic components obtained by fractionating the either extracts showed slight mutagenic activity after the addition of a metabolic activation system. These results suggested that mutagens were gradually produced in the intestine and moved into the liver where they were metabolically activated. Sorbic acid was negative in the Salmonella reverse mutation assay (Ames test) with and without metabolic activation. Sorbic acid was also negative in the Chinese hamster fibroblast chromosomal aberration test.

13.1.2 Carcinogen Classification

Carcinogen Classification
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

13.1.3 Exposure Routes

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

13.1.4 Symptoms

Inhalation Exposure
Cough. Sore throat.
Skin Exposure
Redness. Pain.
Eye Exposure
Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
Ingestion Exposure
Burning sensation.

13.1.5 Adverse Effects

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Skin Sensitizer - An agent that can induce an allergic reaction in the skin.

13.1.6 Acute Effects

13.1.7 Interactions

The fungicidal activity of sorbic acid against Saccharomyces cerevisiae was enhanced 64-fold in combination with half-minimum fungicidal concentration of polygodial. This synergistic activity of polygodial presumably comes from its ability to inhibit the plasma membrane H+-ATPase.
Kubo I, Lee SH; Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 46 (10): 4052-4055 (1998)
Sorbic acid has a system of conjugated double bonds which makes it able to undergo nucleophilic addition reactions with certain functions. The interactions between sorbic acid and amine functions present in the endogenous constituents of food were quantified. The formation of new products was demonstrated and the underlying mechanisms studied using ethyl sorbate and various amines. HPLC, GC, GC-SM and NMR analyses of the reaction mixtures enabled the products to be isolated and identified. The addition reactions led, at 20 degrees C, to linear monoadducts and, at 50 degrees C and 80 degrees C, to cyclic derivatives resulting from double addition.
Ferrand C et al; Food Addit Contam 15 (4): 487-93 (1998)
Sorbic acid (E200) and its salts (potassium and calcium sorbate: E202 and E203) are allowed for use as preservatives in numerous processed foods. Sorbic acid had a conjugated system of double bonds which makes it susceptible to nucleophilic attack, sometimes giving mutagenic products. Under conditions typical of food processing (50-80 degrees C), we analyzed the cyclic derivatives resulting from a double addition reaction between sorbic acid and various amines. Mutagenesis studies, involving Ames' test and genotoxicity studies with HeLa cells and plasmid DNA, showed that none of the products studied presented either mutagenic or genotoxic activities.
Ferrand C et al; Food Addit Contam 17 (11): 895-901 (2000)
The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of sublethal injury after the pulsed-electric-field (PEF) treatment of two yeasts, Dekkera bruxellensis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as the relation of sublethal injury to the inactivating effect of the combination of PEF and sorbic acid. PEF caused sublethal injury in both yeasts: more than 90% of surviving D. bruxellensis cells and 99% of surviving S. cerevisiae cells were sublethally injured after 50 pulses at 12 kV/cm in buffer at pHs of both 7.0 and 4.0. The proportion of sublethally injured cells reached a maximum after 50 pulses at 12.0 kV/cm (S. cerevisiae) or 16.5 kV/cm (D. bruxellensis), and it kept constant or progressively decreased at greater electric field strengths and with longer PEF treatments. Sublethally PEF-injured cells showed sensitivity to the presence of sorbic acid at a concentration of 2,000 ppm. A synergistic inactivating effect of the combination of PEF and sorbic acid was observed. Survivors of the PEF treatment were progressively inactivated in the presence of 2,000 ppm of sorbic acid at pH 3.8, with the combined treatments achieving more than log10 5 cycles of dead cells under the conditions investigated. This study has demonstrated the occurrence of sublethal injury after exposure to PEF, so yeast inactivation by PEF is not an all-or-nothing event. The combination of PEF and sorbic acid has proven to be an effective method to achieve a higher level of yeast inactivation. ...
Somolinos M et al; Appl Environ Microbiol 73 (12): 3814-21 (2007)
For more Interactions (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.8 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 160
/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 160
/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W TKO. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 160-61

13.1.9 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Application of 150 mg of sorbic acid to human skin for 1 hr produced severe irritation. ... An allergic response to sorbic acid (2.5% in petrolatum) reportedly occurred in five of 606 eczema patients suspected of having contact sensitivities, who were tested over a 3-year period.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 815
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Nonimmunologic contact urticaria was studied in 110 patients using the open chamber skin test with sorbic acid (2.5% in petrolatum). Immediate skin reactions were usually seen within 45 min of sorbic acid application; the reaction disappeared within 2 hr following the end of the exposure period.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 815
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Sorbic aid concentrations (2-isopropanol and water, 1:1) as low as 0.1% produced transient erythema with edema and flare after open or closed application to human skin. Reactions were most intense on the face but also could be produced on the skin of the back, forearm, and deltoid areas. Sorbic acid-induced erythema, edema, and flare were not associated with mast cell degranulation. Aspirin blocked erythematous component, suggesting that prostaglandins are important mediators of this reaction.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 815
/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Allergic contact dermatitis from sorbic acid has most frequently been reported after the use of topical medicaments such as corticosteroid creams that contain this preservative. Twenty-five cases of contact allergy were reported to Unguentum Merck, most of which were due to sorbic acid. Sorbic acid can also cause stinging and nonimmunologic contact urticarial reactions.
Marks, J.G. Jr., DeLeo V.A., Contact and Occupational Dermatology. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Year Book 1992., p. 119-20
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.10 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) is a biomarker of benzene exposure reflecting metabolic activation to trans,trans-muconaldehyde. t,t-MA background urinary levels are highly variable, thus limiting its use to exposure monitoring of levels over 1 ppm of benzene. Actually, sorbic acid (SA) is known to influence background excretion of t,t-MA in man, but only a few examples suggest that SA ingestion can enhance t,t-MA levels occurring together with benzene exposure. In this study, the effect of SA was investigated in benzene-exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to 1 ppm benzene for 6 hr. Exposed animals had a 24-hr urinary t,t-MA excretion higher than that observed in non-exposed animals (87+/-13 ug/kg vs 19+/-3 ug/kg body weight). The oral dose of 8 mg/kg body weight SA had no effect on urinary t,t-MA both in control and in benzene-exposed rats. Increases of t,t-MA levels in urine occurred at SA doses of 50-200 mg/kg body weight, and co-exposure to benzene and SA (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) produced additive enhancement of t,t-MA excretion. These data demonstrate the dose-response relationship between SA administration and t,t-MA excretion. Our study showed that SA ingestion at doses equal to or greater than 50 mg/kg body weight significantly affects the t,t-MA urinary levels in rats exposed to 1 ppm of benzene for 6 hr. These data support the conclusion that in man t,t-MA is not suitable for biomonitoring of low levels of benzene exposure.
Marrubini G et al; Food Chem Toxicol 40 (12): 1799-806 (2002)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ A 4 hour semiocclusive application of sorbic acid to the intact skin of three rabbits did not produce erythema nor edema. The test material was classified as not skin irritating to rabbit skin according to Draize classification scheme.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Sorbic acid was not a primary irritant or sensitizer when applied in 0.1 M concentrations to guinea pig skin. It was characterized as a severe irritant following application of 1 mg to rabbit skin. The proliferation and survival of rabbit corneal epithelial cells in tissue culture were reduced in the presence of 0.1% sorbic acid.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 812
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ On the basis of finding that the occurrence of sorbic acid-induced hepatomas was correlated with the depletion of reduced glutathione in the mouse liver, the possible conversion of sorbic acid to a metabolite that is reactive with SH-compounds was studied. Feeding mice 15% sorbic acid for 2 weeks was associated with a 2.0-fold induction of peroxisome beta-oxidation and depletion of reduced glutathione in the liver. Although no mechanism was elucidated, the authors noted that oxidative stress caused by a depleted cellular-SH-pool together with the induction of peroxisome proliferation by sorbic acid feeding may be a determining factor by which exposure to nonmutagenic sorbic acid can result in an increased incidence of hepatoma.
Bingham, E.; Cohrssen, B.; Powell, C.H.; Patty's Toxicology Volumes 1-9 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons. New York, N.Y. (2001)., p. V5 812
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (24 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.11 Non-Human Toxicity Values

LD50 Rat (male) oral >2000 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/
LD50 Rat (female) oral >2000 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/
LD50 Rat oral 10,500 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/
LD50 Rat (male) oral 12,500 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Registered Substances, Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS Number: 110-44-1) (EC Number: 203-768-7) (Last updated: December 27, 2015). Available from, as of May 2, 2016: https://echa.europa.eu/
For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13.1.12 Ongoing Test Status

EPA has released the Interactive Chemical Safety for Sustainability (iCSS) Dashboard. The iCSS Dashboard provides an interactive tool to explore rapid, automated (or in vitro high-throughput) chemical screening data generated by the Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) project and the federal Toxicity Testing in the 21st century (Tox21) collaboration. /The title compound was tested by ToxCast and/or Tox21 assays/[USEPA; ICSS Dashboard Application; Available from, as of July 7, 2016: http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/]

13.2 Ecological Information

13.2.1 Ecotoxicity Values

LC50; Species: Graphognathus spp, larvae; Concentration: 500 mg/L for 10 days /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1628
LC100; Species: Graphognathus spp, larvae; Concentration: 5,000 mg/L for 10 days /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1628
LC100; Species: Chaetogammarus marinus; Concentration: 320 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1629
LC50; Species: Leuciscus idus; Concentration: 1,000-1,500 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/
Verschueren, K. Handbook of Environmental Data on Organic Chemicals. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1996., p. 1629

13.2.2 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Sorbic acid's production and use as a preservative and antimicrobial agent for foods, animal feeds, tobacco, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Sorbic acid has been identified in tobacco smoke. It has been detected in Magnolia vine, Rowan berry and mountain ash berry. If released to the atmosphere, sorbic acid is expected to exist solely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere based on a vapor pressure of 3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C. Vapor-phase sorbic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with nitrate radicals, ozone and photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals with estimated half-lives of 1.4, 5.2 and 7.6 hours, respectively. Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, sorbic acid is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 9. The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76, indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize. Sorbic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 83% of the theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil and water. Sorbic acid is reported to be readily biodegradable in soil. If released into water, sorbic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Results of various screening studies indicate that sorbic acid is readily biodegradable. The pKa indicates sorbic will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis studies found sorbic acid to be hydrolytically stable. Direct photolysis and photooxidation may have some importance in surface waters exposed to sunlight. Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with sorbic acid at workplaces where sorbic acid is produced or used. Monitoring and use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to sorbic acid via ingestion of food, inhalation of tobacco smoke and dermal contact with consumer products containing sorbic acid. (SRC)

13.2.3 Natural Pollution Sources

Sorbic acid may be obtained from berries of the mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L. Rosaceae) where it occurs as the lactone, called parasorbic acid(1). Sorbic acid has been detected in the fruit of Magnolia vine and Rowan berry(2).
(1) O'Neil MJ, ed; The Merck Index. 15th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 1613 (2013)
(2) US Dept Agric; US Dept Agric, Agric Res Service. 1992-2016. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Sorbic acid. Available from, as of June 13, 2016: https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/search

13.2.4 Artificial Pollution Sources

Sorbic acid's production and use as a preservative and antimicrobial agent for foods, animal feeds, tobacco, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals(1,2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Sorbic acid has been identified in tobacco smoke(3).
(1) O'Neil MJ, ed; The Merck Index. 15th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 1613 (2013)
(2) Dorko CL et al; Sorbic Acid. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Sept 15, 2014.
(3) Rodgman A, Perfetti TA; The Chemical Components of Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke, 2nd ed, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group), p. 1892 (2013)

13.2.5 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 9(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that sorbic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76(3), indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize. Sorbic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure of 3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). An 83% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in a 2-week Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(7) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight on soil surfaces(SRC).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Dorko CL et al; Sorbic Acid. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Sept 15, 2014.
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)
(5) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(6) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(7) NIST Standard Reference Database No. 69, Sept 2013 Release. Washington, DC: US Sec Commerce. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://webbook.nist.gov
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 9(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that sorbic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76(3), indicating that sorbic will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.33(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). An 83% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in a 2-week Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Hydrolysis studies found sorbic acid to be hydrolytically stable with the half-lives expected to exceed one year at 25 °C(7). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(8) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Sorbic acid, 0.4 uL/mL, was degraded 23.2% following 5 hours of irradiation by sunlight(9). Sorbic acid is an olefinic compound and olefins in surface waters exposed to sunlight react with photo-oxidants with a half-life on the order of 25 days(10).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990)
(4) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(5) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Profess Ref Book. Heller SR (consult ed) Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p 22 (1995)
(6) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(7) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(8) NIST Standard Reference Database No. 69, Sept 2013 Release. Washington, DC: US Sec Commerce. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://webbook.nist.gov
(9) Kondo M; Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Environment: Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Water and Soil, Environment Agency, Office of Health Studies, Japan (1978)
(10) Mill T; pp. 368 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), sorbic acid, which has a vapor pressure of 3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase sorbic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7.6 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.0X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Vapor-phase sorbic acid is also degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone and nitrate radicals. The half-life for the reaction with ozone in air is estimated to be 5.2 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.3X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). The half-life for the reaction with nitrate radicals in air is approximated to be 1.4 hours(SRC), calculated from the measured rate constant of 1.34X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec of an analogous compound (2,4-hexadienal)(4). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Sorbic acid, in aqueous solution, was degraded 23.2% following 5 hours of irradiation by sunlight(6).
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988)
(2) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(3) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(4) Colmenpar P et al; Atmos Environ 99: 159-167 (2014)
(5) NIST; NIST Chemistry WebBook. Sorbic acid (110-44-1). NIST Standard Reference Database No. 69, Sept 2013 Release. Washington, DC: US Sec Commerce. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://webbook.nist.gov
(6) Kondo M; Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Environment: Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Water and Soil, Environment Agency, Office of Health Studies, Japan (1978)

13.2.6 Environmental Biodegradation

AEROBIC: Sorbic acid is readily degradable in soil(1). Sorbic acid also shows high degradability, 95% within 6 days, in the Zahn-Wellens test(1). 100% degradation of sorbic acid was observed after 3 days incubation in seawater taken from Akashi Beach, Japan and river water taken from the Mino River, Japan, using an initial sorbic acid concentration of 60 ppm(2). Sorbic acid, present at 100 mg/L, reached 83% of its theoretical BOD in 2 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test which classified the compound as readily biodegradable(3). Sorbic acid was observed to biodegrade in soil suspensions(4). Sorbic acid (at 2 mg/L) was found to be readily biodegradable in an aerobic BOD test using domestic activated sludge with a 7-day theoretical BOD of 65.5% and a 28-day theoretical BOD of 74.9%(4).
(1) Luck E et al; Sorbic Acid. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Oct 15, 2011.
(2) Kondo M et al; Eisei Kaguka 34: 188-95 (1988)
(3) NITE; Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP). Biodegradation and Bioconcentration. Tokyo, Japan: Natl Inst Tech Eval. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/db.html
(4) Kondo M; Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Environment: Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Water and Soil, Environment Agency, Office of Health Studies, Japan (1978)
(5) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
ANAEROBIC: After a lag period of 10 days, sorbic acid was metabolized, at a rate of 142 mg/L day, by anaerobic bacteria acclimated to acetate culture(1). Sulfate-reducing and fermenting bacteria have been observed to biodegrade sorbic acid; the sulfate-reducing bacterium oxidized sorbate completely to carbon dioxide, the fermenting bacterium converted sorbate to about equal amounts of acetate and butyrate(2); both bacteria tolerated sorbate up to concentrations of about 1.12 g/L(2). Sorbic acid was identified as amenable to anaerobic biodegradation(7).
(1) Chou WL et al; Biotechnol Bioeng Symp 8: 391-414 (1979)
(2) Schnell S et al; Biodegradation 2: 33-41 (1991)
(3) Speece RE; Environ Sci Technol 17: 416A-27A (1983)

13.2.7 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of sorbic acid with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 5.0X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1,SRC). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 7.6 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of sorbic acid with ozone has been estimated as 5.3X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 5.2 hours at an atmospheric ozone concentration of 7X10+11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). The olefinic structure of sorbic acid suggests that atmospheric night-time reaction with nitrate radicals may have environmental importance(1). By analogy to the structurally similar 2,4-hexadienal, which has a measured nitrate radical rate constant of 1.34X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(2), the atmospheric half-life of sorbic acid would be approximately 1.4 hours(SRC) at an atmospheric concentration of 2.5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(3). Aqueous hydrolysis studies at 50 °C found sorbic acid to be hydrolytically stable(4); the half-life periods at pH 4, 7 and 9 are expected to exceed one year at 25 °C(4). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Sorbic acid, 0.4 uL/mL, was degraded 23.2% following 5 hours of irradiation by sunlight(6). Sorbic acid is an olefinic compound and olefins in surface waters exposed to sunlight react with photo-oxidants (such as hydroxyl radicals, peroxy radicals and singlet oxygen) with a half-life on the order of 25 days(7).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(2) Colmenpar P et al; Atmos Environ 99: 159-167 (2014)
(3) Atkinson R; Atmos Environ 34: 2063-2101 (2000)
(4) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(5) NIST; NIST Chemistry WebBook. Sorbic acid (110-44-1). NIST Standard Reference Database No. 69, Sept 2013 Release. Washington, DC: US Sec Commerce. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://webbook.nist.gov
(6) Kondo M; Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Environment: Simulation Studies of Degradation of Chemicals in the Water and Soil, Environment Agency, Office of Health Studies, Japan (1978)
(7) Mill T; pp. 368 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)

13.2.8 Environmental Bioconcentration

An estimated BCF value of 3 was calculated in fish for sorbic acid(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.33(1) and a recommended regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF value suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Profess Ref Book. Heller SR (consult ed) Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p 22 (1995)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

13.2.9 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of sorbic acid can be estimated to be 9(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that sorbic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil. A Koc of less than 1 was estimated for sorbic using an HPLC method(3). The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76(4), indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(5).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www2.epa.gov/tsca-screening-tools
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(3) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(4) Dorko CL et al; Sorbic Acid. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Sept 15, 2014.
(5) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)

13.2.10 Volatilization from Water / Soil

The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76(3), indicating that sorbic will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Sorbic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2).
(1) Dorko CL et al; Sorbic Acid. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2016). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: Sept 15, 2014.
(2) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (CAS 110-44-1) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 2, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/

13.2.11 Plant Concentrations

Sorbic acid was detected not quantified in the fruit of Magnolia Vine (Schisandra chinensis (Schinsandraceae)) and Rowan Berry fruit (Sorbus aucubaria ((Rosacea))(1).
(1) US Dept Agric; US Dept Agric, Agric Res Service. 1992-2016. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Sorbic acid. Available from, as of June 13, 2016: https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/phytochem/search

13.2.12 Other Environmental Concentrations

Sorbic acid has been identified in tobacco smoke(1).
(1) Rodgman A, Perfetti TA; The Chemical Components of Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke, 2nd ed, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group), p. 1892 (2013)

13.2.13 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 5 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be exposed during the manufacturing, processing, or use of sorbic acid (CAS 110-44-1) in the United States may be as low as 10-24 workers and as high as 100-499 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).
(1) US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production and use in the United States. Available from, as of June 1, 2016: https://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 69,243 workers (21,637 of these are female) are potentially exposed to sorbic acid in the US(1). Occupational exposure may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with sorbic acid at workplaces where sorbic acid is produced or used(SRC). Monitoring and use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to sorbic acid via ingestion of food, inhalation of tobacco smoke and dermal contact with consumer products containing sorbic acid(SRC).
(1) CDC; International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) 2012. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Prevention & Control. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Ed Info Div. Available from, as of June 2, 2016: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/default.html

13.2.14 Average Daily Intake

The estimated exposure of the Finnish population to sorbic acid via food intake is 37,000 ug/day(1). A total diet study in Taiwan found sorbic acid intake for 3-6 year olds to be 12.2-14.9% of ADI (acceptable daily intake)(2).
(1) Hemminki K, Vainio H; in IARC Sci Publ 59 (Monit Human Exposure Carcinog Mutagen Agents): 37-45 (1984)
(2) Ling MP et al; J Agric Food Chem 63(7): 2074-2082 (2015)

14 Associated Disorders and Diseases

Associated Occupational Diseases with Exposure to the Compound

Contact urticaria [Category: Skin Disease]

Contact dermatitis, allergic [Category: Skin Disease]

15 Literature

15.1 Consolidated References

15.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations

15.3 Springer Nature References

15.4 Thieme References

15.5 Wiley References

15.6 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.7 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.8 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

16 Patents

16.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

16.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

16.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

17 Interactions and Pathways

17.1 Chemical-Target Interactions

18 Biological Test Results

18.1 BioAssay Results

19 Taxonomy

The LOTUS Initiative for Open Natural Products Research: frozen dataset union wikidata (with metadata) | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.5794106
S29 | PHYTOTOXINS | Toxic Plant Phytotoxin (TPPT) Database | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.2652993

20 Classification

20.1 MeSH Tree

20.2 NCI Thesaurus Tree

20.3 ChEBI Ontology

20.4 LIPID MAPS Classification

20.5 EPA Safer Choice

20.6 ChemIDplus

20.7 CAMEO Chemicals

20.8 ChEMBL Target Tree

20.9 UN GHS Classification

20.10 EPA CPDat Classification

20.11 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

20.12 EPA DSSTox Classification

20.13 Consumer Product Information Database Classification

20.14 EPA TSCA and CDR Classification

20.15 LOTUS Tree

20.16 MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology

21 Information Sources

  1. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
  2. CAMEO Chemicals
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    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/help/reference/terms_and_conditions.htm?d_f=false
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    2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)-
    https://www.epa.gov/chemical-data-reporting
  6. EPA Chemicals under the TSCA
    2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)-
    https://www.epa.gov/chemicals-under-tsca
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    https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory
  7. EPA DSSTox
    CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
    https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/
  8. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
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    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  10. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  11. Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
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    http://www.hmdb.ca/citing
    (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid
    http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB0029581
  12. ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  13. New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
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    https://www.epa.govt.nz/about-this-site/general-copyright-statement/
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  15. Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
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    https://www.who.int/about/policies/publishing/copyright
  17. ChEBI
  18. LOTUS - the natural products occurrence database
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    https://lotus.nprod.net/
  19. Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
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    http://www.t3db.ca/downloads
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    http://www.t3db.ca/toxins/T3D4843
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  24. Consumer Product Information Database (CPID)
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    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/contents/view/1/6
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    https://www.whatsinproducts.com/
  25. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  26. EPA Chemical and Products Database (CPDat)
  27. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
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    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    https://www.norman-network.com/nds/SLE/
  28. Crystallography Open Database (COD)
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  29. DailyMed
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  31. FDA Substances Added to Food
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    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  32. Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA)
  33. NMRShiftDB
  34. MassBank of North America (MoNA)
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  35. NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center
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    https://www.nist.gov/srd/public-law
    (2E,4E)-Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
    http://www.nist.gov/srd/nist1a.cfm
  36. Japan Chemical Substance Dictionary (Nikkaji)
  37. KEGG
    LICENSE
    Academic users may freely use the KEGG website. Non-academic use of KEGG generally requires a commercial license
    https://www.kegg.jp/kegg/legal.html
  38. Kruve Lab, Ionization & Mass Spectrometry, Stockholm University
    sorbic acid
  39. LIPID MAPS
    Lipid Classification
    https://www.lipidmaps.org/
  40. Natural Product Activity and Species Source (NPASS)
  41. Metabolomics Workbench
  42. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  43. NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise indicated, all text within NCI products is free of copyright and may be reused without our permission. Credit the National Cancer Institute as the source.
    https://www.cancer.gov/policies/copyright-reuse
  44. SpectraBase
  45. NLM RxNorm Terminology
    LICENSE
    The RxNorm Terminology is created by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and is in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from NLM. Credit to the U.S. National Library of Medicine as the source is appreciated but not required. The full RxNorm dataset requires a free license.
    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm/docs/termsofservice.html
  46. Springer Nature
  47. Thieme Chemistry
    LICENSE
    The Thieme Chemistry contribution within PubChem is provided under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, unless otherwise stated.
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
  48. Wikidata
  49. Wikipedia
  50. Wiley
  51. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
    LICENSE
    Works produced by the U.S. government are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any such works found on National Library of Medicine (NLM) Web sites may be freely used or reproduced without permission in the U.S.
    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/copyright.html
  52. PubChem
  53. GHS Classification (UNECE)
  54. MolGenie
    MolGenie Organic Chemistry Ontology
    https://github.com/MolGenie/ontology/
  55. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
CONTENTS