Caffeic acid
Description
Caffeic acid (CAS 331-39-5), also known as 3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic Acid, is a hydroxycinnamic acid naturally occurring in many plants and widely sourced for use across pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing.
It functions primarily as an antioxidant and UV-stabilizing agent in finished formulations. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of active compounds and is incorporated into antioxidant-focused dietary supplement formulations.
Food and beverage producers use it as a natural antioxidant to extend shelf life and protect against oxidative degradation in sensitive products. In personal care and cosmetic formulations, it is valued for its UV-stabilizing properties.
This makes it a candidate ingredient in sunscreen boosters and anti-aging topical products. Nutraceutical formulators also include it in standardized botanical extracts where polyphenol content is a defined quality parameter.
The product is supplied as a fine crystalline powder, typically off-white to light beige in color. It is available in technical and pharmaceutical-grade specifications to meet the requirements of different regulatory environments.
Purity levels of 98% and above are standard for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Documentation such as COA and HPLC testing is commonly provided to ensure compliance with global industry benchmarks.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 225 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 272.96°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.2933 (rough estimate) |
| Appearance | Light yellow to greenish-yellow powder |
| Color | yellow to tan |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | soluble in hot water |
| Refractive Index | 1.4500 (estimate) |
| Log P | 1.150 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29182990 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
Cichoric acid|caffeic acid (trans from)|3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic Acid|3,4-Dihydroxy-trans-cinnamate|3,4-Dihydroxybenzeneacrylic acid|2-propenoic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-|3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid|(E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
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