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Gentisic Acid, recognized in the pharmaceutical industry, stands out for both its chemical identity and its functions. Chemically defined as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, its molecular formula is C7H6O4. In its pure form, Gentisic Acid presents typically as a white to faintly beige crystalline solid. The structure, marked by the presence of two hydroxyl groups attached to the aromatic ring, gives this compound specific traits including its potent antioxidant and preservative features. Gentisic Acid serves as a raw material in the pharmaceutical sector, often used during synthesis processes or as an intermediate. It bears a molecular weight of 154.12 g/mol, making it easy to handle for laboratory and industrial applications.
Looking at the physical characteristics, Gentisic Acid BP EP USP Pharma Grade appears as solid flakes, crystalline powder, or sometimes in small pearl-like granules, always easy to identify with its slight sheen under laboratory lights. Its solubility profile shows good dissolution in hot water and certain organic solvents, while it stays less soluble in cold water—a trait that sets the expectations for storage and solution preparation. Density ranges between 1.56 and 1.59 g/cm³, consistent with other benzoic acid derivatives. In solution, Gentisic Acid produces a clear or faintly yellowish liquid when dissolved at recommended concentrations. The melting point comes in at around 200-203ºC, indicating decent thermal stability during processing. The substance carries a mild, characteristic odor, not overwhelming like some organics, which adds to its ease of use in closed production environments.
The chemical structure shows a benzene ring core, functionalized at the 2 and 5 positions with hydroxyl (-OH) groups and at the 1 position with a carboxylic acid (-COOH) group. These functional groups impart reactivity, making the molecule a reliable participant in condensation or esterification reactions. The antioxidant capability of Gentisic Acid traces back to these hydroxyl groups, allowing it to donate hydrogen and neutralize free radicals. The purity specifications seen in BP, EP, and USP standards focus on a minimum assay of 99%—a mark necessary for pharma applications to ensure low impurity levels and prevent side reactions or adverse effects during drug formulation. Impurities measured include related organic acids, water content, and heavy metals, all set to strict limits by the major pharmacopeias.
Gentisic Acid plays multiple roles as a pharmaceutical ingredient: it acts as an antioxidant, a preservative, and sometimes as a building block for more complex substances. Its antioxidative role helps protect drugs from oxidative degradation, maintaining stability and shelf life. In my industry experience, Gentisic Acid often comes into the picture during process optimization, as manufacturers push for longer shelf lives or reduced degradation in drug substances. Material safety is critical. While Gentisic Acid is not classified as a highly hazardous material by global standards, inhalation or direct skin contact can cause mild irritation. Workers should handle it with gloves and use standard fume extraction systems. The substance is not considered highly flammable, but dust formation deserves attention as it can pose a low explosion risk under strong ignition sources. Its HS Code, commonly listed as 29182900, identifies it for customs and trade, guiding its import/export regulations.
For bulk handling, Gentisic Acid gets packaged in fiber drums or high-density polyethylene containers, lined to protect the substance from moisture and contamination. Storage should take place in cool, dry environments; direct sunlight or heat exposure can prompt slow degradation, which affects both color and effectiveness. In my work with raw material supply chains, I have seen the effects of improper storage with visible yellowing and clumping, leading to batch rejections. Transport regulations in most regions categorize it as a non-dangerous good, though standard chemical shipping requirements—labeling, secure closures, and ventilation—still apply. Spill management is simple; a broom and scoop remove most solids, with a final detergent wash for traces.
Sourcing Gentisic Acid at pharmaceutical grades means regular auditing of suppliers, batch-by-batch COA (Certificate of Analysis) checks, and verifying compliance to BP, EP, or USP monographs. The reality of regulated industries brings focus on traceability: matching lot numbers, reviewing water and heavy metal levels, and cross-verifying with reference standards. Problems like cross-contamination or adulteration do occur, especially with low-cost suppliers, impacting final product quality and sometimes leading to recalls. The need for trusted supply partners grows in importance as regulatory scrutiny increases globally.
The downstream environmental impact of Gentisic Acid use remains limited due to its rapid biodegradation and low tendency for bioaccumulation. During disposal, wastewater treatment neutralizes most residues, preventing harm to aquatic systems. The industry continues to push for greener synthesis routes, aiming to use less energy and reduce hazardous by-products. From a personal standpoint, incorporating safer, more sustainable techniques—such as water-based crystallization and avoidance of chlorinated solvents—has become a common project in pharma labs and factories. Inhalation or ingestion of Gentisic Acid in pure form can irritate the respiratory system and digestive tract, so professional handling with PPE serves as a direct solution to occupational exposure problems. In healthcare environments, this compound’s use enjoys support due to well-documented toxicological profiles, but regular safety training for on-site staff encourages responsible handling and storage practices.
Gentisic Acid’s future looks promising thanks to ongoing research into its therapeutic and preservative properties. Experts look into expanding its use for topical formulations and exploring novel salts with improved solubility. Indian, Chinese, and European manufacturers compete to produce higher purity grades with lower production costs, an effort that could widen access for smaller-scale pharma firms or specialty chemical users. Where supply chain disruptions or price surges hit, pooling regional inventories and forming long-term contracts directly address cost fluctuation risks. New analytical techniques, such as real-time NMR or enhanced HPLC, now allow even more precise tracking of purity—a step forward for those in quality control labs tasked with keeping finished medicines safe and consistent from batch to batch.
Gentisic Acid BP EP USP Pharma Grade provides the pharmaceutical industry with a white to beige crystalline solid, notable for its strong performance as an antioxidant and its use as a raw material or intermediate. Its molecular formula, C7H6O4, with a density near 1.57 g/cm³, confirms its fit in manufacturing settings where clear, quantifiable specifications are needed. It brings stable properties, manageable hazard level, strong documentation, and a growing role in pharmaceutical and chemical innovation.
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
