Food & beverage
Preservative against moulds and yeasts in cheese, bakery and beverages.
Ingredients / Preservatives / Sorbic Acid
Preservatives
Sorbic Acid (E 200)
Sorbic acid for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
TRACED · CERTIFIED · RELIABLE · TRANSPARENT · TESTED
Key facts
| CAS No. | 110-44-1 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 200 |
| Synonyms | Sorbic acid, trans, trans-2,4-Hexadienoic acid |
| Chemical formula | C6H8O2 |
| Molecular weight | 112,12 |
| Description | Colourless needles or white free flowing crystalline powder, having a slight characteristic odour and showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol. |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 200) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What sorbic acid is
Chemical name: Sorbic acid. Formula C6H8O2, molecular weight 112,12. Colourless needles or white free flowing crystalline powder, having a slight characteristic odour and showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C. Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 200.)
Applications by industry
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 200), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | Content not less than 99 % on the anhydrous basis |
|---|---|
| Water content | Not more than 0,5 % (Karl Fischer method) |
| Sulphated ash | Not more than 0,2 % |
| Aldehydes | Not more than 0,1 % (as formaldehyde) |
| Arsenic | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 0,01 mg/kg |
| Zinc | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is sorbic acid used for?
Typical uses by industry. Food & beverage: Preservative against moulds and yeasts in cheese, bakery and beverages. Suitability for your product and market is confirmed with the producer's specification.
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 200). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with sorbic acid?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, water content, sulphated ash, aldehydes, arsenic, lead, mercury and zinc, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related preservatives
Benzoic AcidCalcium AcetateCalcium PropionateDimethyl Dicarbonate (DMDC)All preservatives
Need sorbic acid?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.