Adipic acid

Adipic acid (CAS 124-04-9), also supplied as molten adipic acid and approved under E355, is a dicarboxylic acid used across food, polymer, and personal care manufacturing. It functions as an acidulant, pH buffer, and monomer feedstock depending on the application. In food production, it acts as an acidulant and leavening agent in dry beverage mixes and baked goods.

Its low hygroscopicity gives it a handling advantage over alternatives in gelatin desserts. Nylon 6,6 production is its largest industrial outlet, where it reacts with hexamethylenediamine. This process forms the polymer backbone used in engineering plastics, fibers, and automotive components. In personal care formulations, it functions as a pH adjuster and buffering agent.

It is commonly found in creams, cleansers, and rinse-off products. It also serves as a precursor in polyurethane polyol and plasticizer synthesis where controlled chain length is required. The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder or in molten liquid form for bulk industrial delivery. Standard grades include food-grade (FCC compliant) and technical-grade.

Food applications require material meeting purity specifications for direct use. Packaging ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk tanker shipments for molten supply to various manufacturing facilities.