Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate (CAS 126-13-6), commercially known as SAIB or E444, is a food-grade ester derived from sucrose; a density-adjusting agent and emulsion stabilizer.

Where is Sucrose acetate isobutyrate used?

• Beverages: weighting agent in carbonated and non-carbonated drinks
• Flavor emulsions: prevents oil separation and maintains uniform appearance throughout shelf life
• Personal care: film-forming agent and fixative in hair sprays and styling products
• Fragrance and color cosmetics: carrier solvent; also used as a fragrance fixative and to provide transfer resistance in lipstick.
• Beverage formulators use it alongside brominated vegetable oil alternatives.
• Used in nail polishes in addition to coating applications.
• Used in spray-dried flavor and color premixes that require oil-phase density adjustment.

Good to know: Not to be confused with brominated vegetable oil; used as an alternative. Food-grade quality complies with EU regulations; FCC standards apply in the United States.

Formulation notes

• Reformulating from BVO to sucrose acetate isobutyrate usually requires no other change in the recipe beyond a direct one-to-one substitution at equal mass.
• Industrial interest has increased after the July 2024 entry into force of the US FDA rule revoking approval of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), the oldest weighting agent that it largely replaces.

Typical specification

• Available as a light yellow liquid.
• Acid number 0.2 mg KOH/g max.
• Viscosity of 100000 cP at 30°C.

Regulatory status

• Specific purity criteria for sucrose acetate isobutyrate (E 444) are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.
• Supplied in compliance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
• The EFSA Panel established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 20 mg/kg body weight per day.
• E444 status requires a certificate of conformity for food supply under EU legislation.

Frequently asked questions about Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Is sucrose acetate isobutyrate recognized as safe for food applications?

It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food applications.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.