Contact Us
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
© 2025 Jeifer Pharmaceutical, All Right
Reserved.
Crotonic acid’s story rolls out through centuries of chemistry, tracing roots to the early 1800s. Chemists first noticed it in croton oil, a substance used in ancient medicines but now recognized for its toxicity. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, scientists got their hands on crotonic acid through distillation and organic synthesis. As chemical industries matured, the need for reliable intermediates fueled further interest. You could walk through the evolution of lab chemistry just by seeing how crotonic acid’s purity improved with better distillation and crystallization techniques. The introduction of pharmacopoeial standards, like BP, EP, and USP grades, turned a curious laboratory acid into a dependable staple for pharmaceutical and research sectors. This shift brought stricter attention to purity, identification, and traceability, mirroring the broader industry’s shift toward modern quality assurance.
Today, crotonic acid doesn’t sit on specialty shelves—it’s a commodity for manufacturers seeking a small but vital piece in chemical syntheses. Sold by chemical suppliers in BP, EP, and USP grades, it’s recognized by its white crystalline form and a distinctive, sharp odor. High purity levels matter especially since contamination undermines chemical reactions downstream and raises compliance risks. You won’t find a glossy marketing campaign—crotonic acid doesn’t need one. Its value lies in consistency, traceability, and time-tested utility; researchers and process chemists demand only what works and what meets specification. This acid comes in secure packaging with tamper-evidence, supported by full documentation, because missing paperwork can mean delays or regulatory headaches.
Crotonic acid draws attention due to its manageable melting point (around 70°C), making it solid at room temperature but easy to purify by recrystallization. It’s known as an unsaturated carboxylic acid, sporting a formula of C4H6O2. Its solubility in cold water isn’t stellar, but it mixes readily with organic solvents like ethanol and ether—handy for chemists aiming to tweak solubility profiles during syntheses. Unlike some volatile acids, crotonic acid doesn’t evaporate quickly, allowing safe handling in open air (with standard precautions). Its double bond—not too reactive, not too sluggish—sits in the trans configuration, giving it standardized behavior in polymerization, esterification, and addition reactions. This profile makes it easy to predict, avoiding the pitfalls seen with more eccentric organic acids.
Reputable suppliers don’t just sell crotonic acid by the drum—they back up every shipment with a certificate of analysis. Specifications include appearance, assay (usually >99%), melting range, identity checks by infrared spectroscopy, and limits on related substances or heavy metals. Pharma grade comes with documentation showing conformity to BP, EP, or USP standards, offering reassurance through batch-specific documentation. Labels clearly list not just product name and grade, but batch number, expiration date, storage conditions, and hazard information. Everyone in the supply chain—from warehouse staff to QA auditors—relies on this transparency to keep inventories safe and compliant. Missing or erroneous labeling triggers audits and tracebacks, underscoring how vital these standards stand, not just for compliance but for operational peace of mind.
Ongoing demand for crotonic acid pushed researchers to optimize large-scale production. The classic route involves the alkaline reaction of crotonaldehyde, a readily available precursor from croton oil processing or petrochemical streams. Sodium hydroxide and controlled temperatures drive the transformation. After acidification, crotonic acid crystallizes out, and a series of recrystallizations helps strip out colored byproducts or oily contaminants. Advances in purification, like vacuum distillation and chromatographic techniques, improved overall yields and product quality. Some industrial plants turn to greener synthesis using biobased starting materials, responding to environmental pressure and resource availability. Process engineers continually seek improvements—reducing waste streams, saving energy, or accommodating new regulatory demands for process hygiene.
Crotonic acid’s double bond serves as a launching pad for a whole range of chemical reactions. It becomes part of polyester syntheses, yielding valuable copolymers with special properties. It also makes a good candidate for esterification, where reacting with alcohols drums up specialty esters for flavors and fragrances. In research, its ability to undergo Michael addition helps create intermediates in medicinal chemistry. Halogenation and hydrogenation reactions alter its backbone, producing analogues for testing. The relatively mild acidity means it acts as a controlled acid in buffered systems and as a precursor for custom derivatives in pharmaceutical discovery. Chemists appreciate how its reactivity doesn’t surprise but supports careful design of new molecules.
Crotonic acid answers to several names: trans-2-butenoic acid, beta-methylacrylic acid, (E)-but-2-enoic acid, and its simple “crotonic acid” trade name. Catalogs also include code numbers and CAS registry numbers (107-93-7), making database searches reliable. By keeping synonyms close at hand, labs avoid confusion in procurement and regulatory filings, where a missed synonym slows project timelines or clouds safety documentation. Most chemical suppliers use both formal and trivial names, letting chemists cross-reference products no matter their background or the naming system their lab prefers.
Crotonic acid doesn’t hide from chemical risk. It irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory tract on contact or inhalation, triggering the need for gloves, goggles, and ventilation. Storage must avoid strong oxidizers and keep containers tightly closed to stop moisture uptake or accidental leaks. Pharma grade supplies demand storage in designated chemical cabinets, with spill kits nearby and compliance to occupational exposure limits. Transport follows strict regulations for hazardous materials, and waste disposal happens through dedicated streams—not down the drain. Safety data sheets provide first-aid instructions, fire-fighting measures, and guidance for accidental releases. Routine training for lab staff and handlers forms a core defense, reducing risky shortcuts and supporting a safety-conscious work culture. Regulatory agencies often inspect for adherence, and failure to show standards compliance brings fines or shutdowns.
Though rarely headlining drug ingredient lists, crotonic acid makes a quiet contribution across the pharmaceutical, polymer, and agrochemical sectors. Researchers harness it to build custom intermediates for drug discovery and as a controlled agent for polymer modifications. Its use extends to the preparation of resins, adhesives, and specialty copolymers—giving materials scientists another tool for tuning physical properties. The synthesis of flavors and fragrances benefits from its predictable reactions, building blocks that underpin commercial production. Even outside the lab, crotonic acid preparations pop up in coatings and plastics, shaped by its reactivity and compatibility with common monomers. Pharma-grade status ensures impurity levels don’t compromise sensitive end-uses, so compliance with standards isn’t just technical—it secures real-world performance and patient safety.
Crotonic acid continually features in academic and industrial R&D. Chemists use it to test new catalytic systems, build biocompatible polymers, and design antimicrobials. Research spans catalysis, green chemistry, and metabolic engineering, aiming for cleaner production routes or higher-yielding bioconversions. In materials science, crotonic acid derivatives play into developing smart materials that respond to physiological or environmental cues. The acid’s clear reactivity profile allows straightforward experimental design, letting teams compare results across labs and applications. Publications often highlight its role as a building block, forming part of broader efforts to extend the toolbox for pharmaceutical and industrial chemists.
Toxicity studies show crotonic acid poses risks at high concentrations, mostly as an irritant. Lab animals exposed to large doses show respiratory and mucosal symptoms, but its acute toxicity ranks below that of more hazardous acids. Chronic exposure data remains limited, but ongoing toxicology studies focus on occupational safety and safe limits in manufacturing environments. Researchers test environmental breakdown and bioaccumulation to ensure regulatory measures keep pace with use. Manufacturers must balance process benefits against health risks, always referencing the latest toxicity data as updated by regulatory agencies or independent research groups.
Looking ahead, crotonic acid’s prospects tie closely to trends in green chemistry, pharmaceutical synthesis, and specialty polymers. As industries push for lower-emission, waste-reducing processes, synthetic routes based on renewable feedstocks catch the eye of process engineers and sustainability analysts. Bio-based production methods may soon shift crotonic acid’s manufacture away from traditional petrochemical roots. In pharmaceuticals, stricter regulations and new drug delivery systems could drive specifications even higher, prompting suppliers to further tighten purity and traceability controls. Materials science innovation continues demanding new monomers and copolymers; crotonic acid’s portfolio stands to grow as researchers discover more ways to exploit its trans double bond and carboxylic acid group. The ongoing focus on safety and regulatory alignment ensures future uses will depend on both technical performance and transparent risk management.
Crotonic acid often draws little attention compared to high-profile compounds in the pharmaceutical world, but those who work behind the scenes in manufacturing know its value. This compound, matched to global pharmacopeial standards like BP, EP, and USP, gets a seat at the table mainly because of its reliability in chemical synthesis. Drug makers turn to crotonic acid as a trusted intermediate—it helps build molecules that wind up as part of painkillers or antibiotics.
Over the years, tight regulations have forced pharmaceutical companies to adopt chemicals that not only deliver results but meet safety and purity standards. Crotonic acid stands out because it consistently passes those tests. In smaller roles, it also works as a stabilizer for certain medications and sometimes as a plasticizer in transdermal patches. Patients might not see its name on any box or bottle at the pharmacy, but those patches sticking to their arms usually owe something to crotonic acid’s flexible backbone.
Chemists like to keep tools that never let them down, and crotonic acid fits that mold as a building block. It allows for the creation of specialty polymers and resins found in controlled-release medicines, which choose slow and steady delivery over fast spikes in the bloodstream. Its double-bond structure makes it especially handy in tweaking the properties of pharmaceutical coatings, controlling how fast a tablet dissolves or how long a patch keeps working.
Working in a development lab, I’ve seen teams choose crotonic acid-based polymers when formulating coatings meant to stand up to stomach acid. When you need a drug to kick in later—say, once it’s reached the intestines—these coatings play a quiet but crucial role. Time and again, the small details in chemical composition, like the use of crotonic acid, wind up making the difference in real-world outcomes for patients.
The term “pharma grade” means more than just high purity. For manufacturers, using BP, EP, and USP grade crotonic acid avoids headaches down the line. Regulators will flag batches that don’t match strict documentation and analysis. That can stall product launches or trigger costly recalls. In my time consulting for pharmaceutical firms, nothing stopped a project faster than non-compliance. The difference between moving forward and getting stuck often came down to whether every component—crotonic acid included—met exacting standards set by these pharmacopoeias.
Even with its benefits, sourcing crotonic acid isn’t always easy. Supply chains for fine chemicals sometimes break, leading to higher costs and delays. For drug makers here and abroad, backup plans involve vetting multiple suppliers—some even partner with chemical companies to lock in steady deliveries and ensure the raw material meets all specifications. Transparent record-keeping and rigorous independent testing usually catch issues before a product batch heads anywhere near a patient.
Looking ahead, as green chemistry and sustainability see stronger demand, the sourcing of crotonic acid and its manufacture will likely feel pressure to clean up. Efforts to minimize environmental impact are starting to pick up speed, even for lesser-known chemicals like this one. Keeping a close eye on quality while pushing for cleaner, safer production will shape the next chapter of crotonic acid in modern medicine and materials.
Crotonic acid, also known as trans-2-butenoic acid, stands out for its role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This small, unsaturated carboxylic acid falls under several pharmacopeial standards, namely BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia), each setting precise bars for purity and performance.
Any pharmaceutical-grade ingredient must meet strict tests. Crotonic acid keeps no secrets here—purity benchmarks sit above 99.5% by HPLC, leaving little room for doubt about what lands in a production line. The BP, EP, and USP standards push for this level, demanding a crystalline white solid that melts at around 70-73°C. Residual solvents, other acids, moisture, and heavy metals must fall well below specified limits; these numbers hold real weight in the world of drug production, where minute traces can sway the safety profile of the end product.
Pharmacopoeias force regular checks on crotonic acid’s identity and purity. For identity, labs rely on infrared absorption and melting point. For purity, they don’t skip over volatile impurities, sulfate ash, lead content, and substances like maleic acid or fumaric acid which should not drift above set thresholds—often less than 0.1% for each. Moisture content stays under 0.5%. Each test creates a confidence net for chemists formulating active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.
Those purity details carry more weight than most people realize. Crotonic acid finds use as an intermediate in drug synthesis and, in some scenarios, in resin manufacture for extended-release tablets and medical devices. If impurity seeps in, the whole batch could go to waste, or worse, a compromised product could reach patients. Stories from the lab circle remind me of the time an entire lot got scrapped because just one bag of ingredient missed the mark on lead content by a tiny margin—resources wasted, deadlines blown, safety at risk. Getting it right isn’t an academic exercise; it’s about protecting reputations and, more importantly, patients.
I’ve seen how some teams try to cut corners on sourcing, aiming for low pricing over certifications. That gamble never pays off. Suppliers who can provide full certificates of analysis, batch traceability, and updated testing methods make a difference. I’ve made it a habit to request detailed chromatographic data and spontaneous third-party testing. It’s never too much to ask for a tour of the production facility or to review documentation on handling and packaging, limiting contamination risk every step of the way.
Consistency depends on ongoing training and real partnership with reputable suppliers. Building standard operating procedures that mirror BP, EP, and USP benchmarks ensures every staff member understands both the 'why' and the 'how.' Randomized internal audits help catch small oversights before they become big problems. Working closely with supplier quality assurance teams closes the loop on accountability.
For organizations seeking to go further, adopting a continuous improvement mindset pays off. Investing in better analytical instrumentation, refreshing qualification protocols, and encouraging open communication with regulatory agencies keeps high standards alive. At the end of the day, precision and transparency move pharmaceutical companies ahead—and those traits begin at the raw material level with products like crotonic acid.
Working in pharmaceutical labs for years, I’ve noticed chemicals get overlooked in the rush for productivity. Crotonic Acid BP EP USP doesn’t get the glory, but it sure deserves respect. It’s a small molecule with sharp edges — both literally and figuratively. You get it on your skin, you regret it. Uncork a vial on a humid day, the stuff stings your nose and creeps into your lungs.
Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA do not tolerate slip-ups with hazardous substances. Research backs this up: studies on laboratory accidents often show poor labeling and sloppy handling cause serious injuries. Crotonic acid can cause burns, eye damage, and respiratory irritation. In the worst cases, a single exposure sends people to the hospital.
Taking shortcuts might save a few seconds, but it increases the risk of costly downtime, ruined batches, or lawsuits. From my experience, a safety protocol isn’t just a checklist—it’s an investment in human health and business continuity.
Stepping into a pharmacy-grade storage room tells you a lot about the quality standards at play. Crotonic acid sits in tightly-sealed, labeled HDPE containers, well away from oxidizers or bases. The shelf temp stays just below room temperature — that’s key, since heat makes it vaporize and brings explosion risks. Keep humidity low, under 60%. Invest in proper ventilation. Even a few grams leaking can foul up air in a whole storeroom.
No acids stacked above head height, ever — reaching and dropping one is all it takes for a spill, and splashing concentrated acid creates chaos. Use secondary containment trays beneath each bottle. I’ve seen labs that skipped that step face huge clean-up costs. Fire hazard safety means storing crotonic acid away from ignition sources: no frayed extension cords or space heaters nearby.
No substitute for gloves—preferably nitrile—and eye protection. Chemical burns from crotonic acid penetrate skin after brief contact. Respirators join the must-have list if the room isn’t ventilated to pharma standards. Never pipette by mouth (it’s hard to believe, but that bad habit still surfaces in labs).
Spills demand fast response with spill kits designed for organic acids. Absorbent pads and neutralizer powders cut down the exposure time and help with safe disposal. Once, I saw a team try to mop up crotonic acid with paper towels, resulting in more vapors and slippery floors. Not only was it dangerous, it wasted time and money.
A good lab keeps records: training logs, regular safety drills, and accident reports. That level of diligence sets top facilities apart. Ignoring documentation puts licenses and audits in jeopardy. New employees watch the veterans—if they see bad habits, those habits multiply.
Crotonic acid is valuable in pharma for synthesis, but its benefits come with serious risks. Facilities that respect those risks keep people healthy and projects on track. Regretting a sloppy approach never fixes the problem, but vigilance keeps everyone safe and the operation trusted by partners and regulators.
Every time a medicine reaches a pharmacy shelf, there’s a backstory that involves strict standards, endless paperwork, and plenty of lab hours. Crotonic acid, like countless other ingredients, plays a role that’s easy to overlook. Its purity decides how well a medicine performs and how safe it is for patients. Pharma grade crotonic acid, certified by BP, EP, or USP, isn't just about checking regulatory boxes. These certifications show that the product has met certain purity, content, and manufacturing guidelines that go beyond regular food or industrial chemicals.
People live longer and healthier lives thanks in part to substances that meet pharmacopeial standards. In real practice, suppliers who can show BP, EP, or USP certification help drug companies sleep easier. They know there is less chance that something unknown could ruin a batch or, worse, cause harm. Pharmacopeial standards aren’t only about the molecule. They also set limits for impurities, whether heavy metals or leftover solvents. For years, I worked in a lab where a single batch of an untested chemical meant weeks of bottleneck and endless questions. If the acid arrived with full certification, the team moved straight to production.
It’s tempting for smaller outfits to chase lower prices and skip certified ingredients. This decision carries risk, both financially and legally. Inconsistent quality could mean a product recall. Public trust takes a nosedive fast once a company shows any sign of shortcutting. In the pharma world, a poor-quality excipient can become headline news, which no reputable business wants. Even without a crisis, inspectors from international agencies expect clear documentation and up-to-date certificates.
BP, EP, and USP certificates should mean something real. These bodies don’t just ease up and issue these without checking. Audits, sample testing, and regular updates are part of the process. Crotonic acid certified under these standards gets a stamp of reliability that comes from repeat testing, not just a first try. True compliance also means that manufacturers invest in the right equipment, proper storage, and continuous employee training. I saw suppliers dropped in a heartbeat for ignoring a small compliance detail. Nobody wanted to risk the entire process for one batch of substandard material.
One way forward is more transparency from every link in the supply chain. Full traceability, open audits, and clear testing histories make a difference. Digitization can help. More labs now use shared databases so both supplier and buyer check every step. Collaborative oversight helps identify possible problems early and solves them before packets even leave the warehouse.
Working together, chemists, auditors, and buyers can raise the bar. When crotonic acid arrives with all the needed certification, nobody wastes time with extra tests or regulatory delays. This straight path from certified supplier to finished product means safer medicines and stronger public confidence.
Crotonic acid for pharmaceutical use demands attention during storage and movement. Most pharmaceutical suppliers package this chemical in fiber drums, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers, or steel drums fitted with liners. In practical terms, the most common packaging size seen in the pharmaceutical world is either 25 kg or 50 kg per container. These sizes strike a good balance for handling, safety, and cost during logistics.
Companies involved in manufacturing and research need packages that help them manage inventory and avoid waste. Smaller batch sizes, such as 5 kg or 10 kg, suit labs and pilot production. On several occasions in my industry experience, using 25 kg drums has simplified unloading and weighing. Larger containers, above 50 kg, rarely enter cleanroom areas — they just become too unwieldy for precise measurement or controlled spaces.
Security seals and tamper-evident closures aren’t gimmicks. They’re a sign the company values both product integrity and staff safety. Crotonic acid’s acrid odor and irritant nature mean teams want dependable packages that can handle a bump or two on the warehouse floor. A polyethylene liner adds an extra layer of defense, reducing the risk of any leaks or chemical reactions with container walls.
Shelf life under GMP rules never comes down to a guess. Typically, crotonic acid with pharma certification carries a shelf life of about two years. This figure assumes the drum or jar has remained unopened, tucked away from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Opening a container kicks off a clock, as exposure to air and humidity can change the compound’s appearance and purity.
In one of the facilities where I worked, a batch left on a windowsill picked up yellow coloring after six months—a sign of decomposition speeded up by stray sunlight and warmth. Packaging labels stating “store below 25°C, away from light and moisture” protect the buyer’s investment and patient safety. Manufacturers recommend periodic retesting after the labeled shelf life. Labs running quality checks use methods like HPLC to spot even minor increases in impurity.
Unopened and correctly stored, crotonic acid shouldn’t lose potency or degrade for at least 24 months. If the seal breaks, the clock speeds up—best to use up opened material promptly. As a matter of record, proper documentation of expiry and retest dates in line with pharmacopoeial standards (whether BP, EP, or USP) ensures pharma operations meet legal and ethical obligations.
Crotonic acid doesn’t show much mercy if not handled well. Accidents can throw well-stocked inventory straight into the waste bin if even a small bit of moisture sneaks in, causing clumping or breaking down the white crystals. Warehouses adopting dehumidifiers and temperature monitors maintain stock for maximum duration.
The shelf life listed on packaging serves as more than a suggestion. Following these timelines isn’t bureaucracy—it’s risk prevention. Counterfeit or reconditioned packaging in supply chains leads to shortfalls, mistrust, and potential harm. Only sourcing from audited suppliers, following cGMP and GDP guidelines, keeps the medicine supply chain safe.
Sticking with reliable brands backed by up-to-date documentation, including certificates of analysis and stability data, is non-negotiable. Staff must check each delivery for manufacture date and sealing condition before accepting the drums. It pays to invest in smaller batch sizes if demand is sporadic or storage isn’t fully climate controlled. Any doubts about product inside open containers—color shifts, unusual odor—call for disposal, not improvisation.
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
