5-aminosalicylic acid

5-Aminosalicylic acid (CAS 89-57-6) is an aminosalicylate compound used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient and synthesis intermediate across pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing. In finished drug products, it functions as the primary therapeutic agent in inflammatory bowel disease formulations. In cosmetic applications, it is evaluated for UV-stabilizing and preservation activity.

The primary commercial demand for 5-ASA is as the active ingredient in mesalazine-branded oral and rectal pharmaceutical formulations, including delayed-release tablets, suppositories, and enemas. Contract manufacturers and formulators also source it as a key intermediate in the synthesis of azo-linked prodrugs such as sulfasalazine and olsalazine for various medical applications.

In personal care, it is incorporated into formulations targeting UV protection and antimicrobial preservation, particularly where multifunctional actives are preferred by chemical buyers. Specialty chemical buyers additionally source 5-ASA as a building block for dye intermediates and fine chemical synthesis. It is supplied as a fine off-white to pale yellow powder.

Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. specifications, which are the standard requirements for API procurement in the industry. Technical-grade material is also available for industrial synthesis applications. These standards ensure the highest level of purity and consistency for global manufacturing partners.