Folic acid
Description
Folic acid (CAS 59-30-3), also known as PteGlu, is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used across food fortification, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and nutritional supplement production.
It functions as a bioactive nutrient ingredient, supplying the B9 activity required in finished dietary and therapeutic formulations. In food and beverage manufacturing, it is used to fortify staple products.
Common applications include flour, cereals, and dairy alternatives to meet regulatory enrichment standards. Supplement and nutraceutical producers incorporate it into tablet, capsule, and powder blends targeting prenatal markets.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an active ingredient in prescription and OTC formulations, including standalone B9 products and B-complex combinations. It is also used in general wellness and functional nutrition.
In personal care, it appears in scalp and hair care formulations where B-vitamin content supports product positioning in the nutricosmetics segment. Folic acid is supplied as a fine yellow crystalline powder.
Standard grades include USP, BP, Ph. Eur., and food-grade (FCC), with the pharmaceutical grades being the most commonly specified for regulated applications.
Bulk supply is typically available in kilogram and multi-kilogram packaging, with documented purity levels of 98% or higher per pharmacopoeial specifications for industrial use.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 250 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 552.35°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.4704 (rough estimate) |
| Appearance | orange to yellow crystalline powder |
| Color | Yellow to orange |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | 1.6 mg/L (25 ºC) |
| Refractive Index | 1.6800 (estimate) |
| pH | 4.0-4.8 (25°C, 100g/L in H2O) |
| Log P | -0.990 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29362910 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
PteGlu|N-pteroyl-L-glutamic acid|liver Lactobacillus casei factor|folacin|PGA|vitamin M|vitamin Be|vitamin Bc
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