Caffeic Acid Powder (CAS 331-39-5), chemically identified as 3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid, is a naturally occurring organic compound found in coffee beans and various plant sources, utilized primarily as a synthesis intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing and as an antioxidant stabilizer. This crystalline 3,4-Dihydroxy-trans-cinnamic acid solid functions as a potent free radical scavenger and a structural building block, offering superior reactivity for the synthesis of complex esters like Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE). Unlike simple phenolic acids, this trans-Caffeic acid molecule possesses a specific acrylic functional group, making it a critical 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid precursor for developing anti-inflammatory drugs and functional cosmetic additives. We provide this fine chemical raw material with competitive factory pricing to support organic synthesis and research applications, ensuring bulk supply availability for industrial scaling. Our facility accommodates customized specifications for purity (typically >98% HPLC) and ash content, while every shipment is fully documented with MSDS, TDS, COA files to meet global quality standards.
Caffeic Acid Powder CAS 331-39-5
- CAS: 331-39-5
- Synonyms: 3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid, 3,4-Dihydroxy-trans-cinnamic acid, trans-Caffeic acid
- Einecs: 206-361-2
- Molecular Formula: C₉H₈O₄
- Grade: Pharmaceutical / Food / Cosmetic grade, typical purity ≥98% (HPLC), higher grades available on request
- Package: 1 kg aluminum foil bag; 25 kg fiber drum with double PE liner or customized industrial packing
Product Description
Caffeic Acid Powder (CAS 331-39-5) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid widely used in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, foods and personal-care formulations for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory performance. It is typically supplied as a light yellow to tan crystalline powder with high purity and consistent batch quality, suitable for further formulation or as an active ingredient.
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Physicochemical Properties
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Caffeic acid |
| Synonyms | 3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid; 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acrylic acid |
| CAS No. | 331-39-5 |
| Einecs (EC No.) | 206-361-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₈O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | ≈180.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow-tan crystalline powder |
| Purity (typical) | ≥98% HPLC (higher grades on request) |
| Melting Point | ~223–225 °C (decomposition, lit.) |
| Boiling Point (estimate) | ~273 °C (rough estimate) |
| pKa (phenolic group) | ~4.6 (predicted) |
| LogP (octanol/water) | ~1.2 (estimated) |
| Solubility (water) | Sparingly soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water |
| Solubility (organic) | Soluble in ethanol (approx. 50 mg/mL) and other polar organic solvents |
| Color Stability | Sensitive to air, light and alkaline conditions; may darken on prolonged exposure |
| Stability / Reactivity | Stable under recommended storage; combustible; avoid strong oxidizing agents & bases |
| Recommended Storage | Sealed container, cool, dry, protected from light; typically 2–8 °C |
Note: Specific product specifications (assay, impurities, loss on drying, heavy metals, etc.) can be adjusted according to your quality standard (pharma, food, cosmetic). Contact 📧 info@industrochem.com for detailed COA.
Applications
1. Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods
- Used as a natural antioxidant in dietary supplements and functional beverages to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Often combined with other polyphenols (e.g., chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid) in formulations derived from coffee, fruits or herbal extracts.
2. Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Research
- Employed as an intermediate and reference standard in the research of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and potential anti-tumor agents.
- Investigated as an inhibitor of enzymes such as 5-lipoxygenase and certain lipoxygenases/demethylases, and used in studies on cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects.
3. Cosmetic & Personal Care
- Added to skin-care products, sunscreens and anti-aging formulas as a natural antioxidant to help protect skin from oxidative damage and support barrier function.
- Used in whitening/brightening and anti-photoaging formulations in combination with vitamins, plant extracts and UV-filters.
4. Food Antioxidant & Preservation
- Applied as a natural antioxidant in oils, fats and processed foods to inhibit lipid oxidation and extend shelf life.
- Suitable for use in clean-label formulations where synthetic antioxidants are restricted or not preferred.
5. Other Uses
- Intermediate for fine chemicals and flavor ingredients.
- Widely used as a laboratory reagent and calibration standard in analytical methods (HPLC/LC-MS) to quantify polyphenols in plant extracts and foods.
Storage Conditions
To maintain product stability and color:
- Temperature:
- Store at 2–8 °C in a cool place. Short-term storage at room temperature during transportation is acceptable if protected from heat and light.
- Packaging & Sealing:
- Keep in tightly closed, light-resistant containers (aluminum foil bags or fiber drums with inner PE liners).
- Reseal the bag or drum promptly after each use to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
- Environment:
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases to prevent degradation and discoloration.
- Shelf Life:
- Under recommended storage conditions, typical shelf life is 24 months from production; re-test after expiry as per your internal quality procedures.
Safety Precautions
Caffeic acid is generally handled as a laboratory/industrial chemical; appropriate occupational safety measures must be followed:
- Hazard profile:
- Classified as an irritant; may cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Some assessments list it as a possible carcinogenic risk (e.g., IARC 2B), so exposure should be minimized.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE):
- Wear appropriate protective gloves, lab coat or work clothing and safety glasses/goggles when handling the powder.
- Use dust mask or respirator if dust generation is likely.
- Handling:
- Avoid breathing dust and avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
- Use in areas with adequate local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne dust below your internal exposure limits.
- First aid (general guidance):
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation or discomfort persists.
- Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes; obtain medical advice if irritation continues.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth and seek medical advice if a large amount is swallowed.
- Fire & spill:
- Combustible organic solid; keep away from open flame and high heat.
- For small spills, sweep up carefully to avoid dust formation; collect into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Caffeic Acid Powder CAS 331-39-5?
A: Caffeic Acid Powder CAS 331-39-5 is 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid with molecular formula C9H8O4 and a molecular weight of about 180.16 g/mol. It is supplied as a high-purity phenolic acid powder for pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. -
Q:
Is caffeic acid the same as caffeine?
A: No. Caffeic acid is a phenolic acid found in coffee and many plants, while caffeine is a different alkaloid compound. The similar spelling comes from their shared occurrence in coffee, not from a common chemical structure or function. -
Q:
What are the main uses of Caffeic Acid Powder CAS 331-39-5?
A: It is used as a fine-chemical intermediate, notably for synthesizing derivatives such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester, and as an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory active in research and formulation. Common downstream fields include pharmaceutical synthesis, functional foods, dietary supplements and personal-care products. -
Q:
What is the solubility of caffeic acid in water and organic solvents?
A: Caffeic acid is sparingly soluble in cold water but becomes more soluble in hot water. It also dissolves readily in polar organic solvents such as ethanol, which is useful for cosmetic, analytical and synthetic work. -
Q:
What key specifications should be checked for Caffeic Acid Powder?
A: Confirm appearance, HPLC assay, melting range, loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metals and related impurities. Select pharmaceutical, food or cosmetic grade as required and request the batch-specific analysis before formulation or scale-up. -
Q:
How should Caffeic Acid Powder CAS 331-39-5 be stored and handled?
A: Store it in tightly closed, light-protected containers in a cool, dry environment away from strong oxidizers and direct sunlight. Use powder-handling controls and suitable PPE during weighing, transfer and processing.
Ordering & Documentation
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Documents
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
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