Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Gallic Acid (3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic Acid, CAS 149-91-7, molecular formula C₇H₆O₅, MW 170.12) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound extracted from gallnuts, tara pods, and various plant tannins, widely used as an antioxidant, pharmaceutical intermediate, and analytical reagent. China is the world’s leading gallic acid producer, with annual capacity exceeding 15,000 metric tons from acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of tannic acid at facilities in Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, and Hunan provinces. This production scale enables manufacturer-direct supply at globally competitive pricing.
Gallic acid serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of trimethoprim, propyl gallate (food antioxidant E310), and pyrogallol. In pharmaceutical research, it demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Cosmetic applications use its melanogenesis inhibition and UV protection properties. Chinese manufacturers offer gallic acid in multiple purity grades from technical (95%) to pharmaceutical (≥99%) and analytical reagent quality.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015 and HACCP certifications. Quality testing includes assay (HPLC), melting point, loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metals, arsenic, related substances (tannic acid residue), and microbial limits. Products conform to USP, EP, FCC, and ChP specifications where applicable.
Tannic acid from Chinese gallnuts (Rhus chinensis) is hydrolyzed using mineral acid or tannase enzyme to yield gallic acid. Multi-stage crystallization from water achieves target purity levels. Enzymatic hydrolysis produces cleaner product with lower by-product levels compared to acid hydrolysis. Each batch undergoes HPLC purity analysis and heavy metals screening before release.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 149-91-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₆O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 170.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥99.0% (pharma grade) |
| Melting Point | 253–260 °C (decomposition) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP, EP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Gallic acid is packed in 25 kg PE-lined fiber drums or 25 kg kraft bags, palletized for container loading. Smaller packaging (1 kg, 5 kg) is available. Lead time is 7–12 business days. FOB from Shanghai, Chongqing, or Chengdu; CIF and DDP terms available.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification facilitates straightforward international logistics.
China Supply Advantage
China’s dominant position in gallnut production and tannin chemistry provides an unmatched cost-effective supply chain for gallic acid, delivering competitive pricing 30–50% below Western specialty chemical sources. Integrated tannic acid hydrolysis and gallic acid purification operations ensure consistent quality and supply reliability. Chinese producers serve pharmaceutical intermediate, food additive, and cosmetic ingredient companies worldwide.