Tannic Acid
CAS Number
1401-55-4
EC Number
215-753-2
E Number
E161j
FEMA Number
FEMA 3042
What is Tannic Acid?
Tannic Acid (CAS 1401-55-4), commercially sourced as tannins, is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound used in food, industrial and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Where is Tannic Acid used?
- Food and beverage: fining agent for wines, beers and fruit juices
- Leather: cross-links collagen fibers in hides for firm, durable leather
- Water treatment: coagulation to precipitate heavy metals and suspended solids from industrial effluents
- Pharmaceutical: excipient and active component in topical formulations for skin conditions requiring astringent action
- It functions as a chelating agent, astringent and protein precipitant.
Good to know: Grades include food-grade meeting FCC specifications and pharmaceutical-grade aligned with USP and BP standards; technical-grade material suits leather processing, textile dyeing and water treatment where food or pharma compliance is not required.
Other Names (Synonyms)
Tannins
What are the physical properties of Tannic Acid?
Melting Point 200 °C
Boiling Point 862.78°C (rough estimate)
Density 1.2965 (rough estimate)
Flash Point 198°C
Appearance white or light yellow powder
Color Yellow to light brown
Odor Slight in solution, typical tannic acid
Form Powder/Solid
Water Solubility 250 g/L (20 ºC)
Refractive Index 1.7040 (estimate)
pH 3.5 (100g/l, H2O, 20°C)
Log P 13.327 (est)
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Tannic Acid?
HS Code 32019090
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 2