Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Tannic Acid (CAS 1401-55-4, approximate molecular formula C₇₆H₅₂O₄₆, MW ~1,701) is a specific form of hydrolyzable tannin composed of gallic acid esters of a central glucose core, extracted from gallnuts (Rhus chinensis), tara pods, and oak bark. It serves as an astringent, protein precipitant, antioxidant, and chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial applications. China dominates global tannic acid production with annual output exceeding 20,000 metric tons from extraction facilities in Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, and Shaanxi provinces processing abundant Chinese gallnut resources.
In pharmaceutical applications, tannic acid serves as a topical astringent for wound treatment, a precipitant in alkaloidal assays, and an intermediate for gallic acid and pyrogallol production. Food applications include use as a clarifying agent in beer and wine production and as a natural antioxidant. Industrial uses encompass leather tanning, ink manufacturing, and water treatment. Chinese manufacturers offer tannic acid in grades from technical (85%) to pharmaceutical (≥98%) purity.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015 and HACCP certifications. Quality testing includes assay (titrimetric or HPLC), loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metals, arsenic, gallic acid content, gum/dextrin content, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP/NF, EP, FCC, and ChP specifications where applicable.
Extraction involves hot water or dilute acid leaching of Chinese gallnuts, followed by filtration, concentration, solvent extraction for purification, and spray drying or vacuum drying. High-purity pharmaceutical grade undergoes additional solvent purification and recrystallization steps. Each batch is characterized for galloyl content and purity profile. Full traceability from gallnut harvest through finished product packaging is maintained.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1401-55-4 |
| Chemical Type | Hydrolyzable tannin (pentagalloylglucose polymer) |
| Appearance | Yellowish-white to light brown powder |
| Assay | ≥88% (technical) / ≥98% (pharma) |
| Source | Chinese gallnuts (Rhus chinensis) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤8.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤1.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Gum and Dextrin | Meets specifications |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, FCC, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Tannic acid is packed in 25 kg PE-lined fiber drums or 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.
Moisture-protective packaging is essential due to tannic acid’s hygroscopic nature. Documentation includes CoA, SDS, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification facilitates global logistics.
China Supply Advantage
China produces over 80% of the world’s gallnuts, providing an exclusive and cost-effective raw material base for tannic acid extraction. Competitive pricing is 30–50% below Western distributors. Chinese tannic acid producers supply pharmaceutical, food processing, leather, and chemical industries globally with consistent quality backed by decades of gallnut processing expertise and established international trade relationships.