Gallic acid
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Description
Colorless, crystalline needles that are the primary tanning component found in galls, Divi-divi, Sumac, and Tea leaves. Gallic acid was first separated by Scheele in 1786. It is formed by the acid hydrolysis of gallotannic acid and is important in the manufacture of tannins, dyes, and writing inks. Gallic acid is also used in photography, paper manufacture, lithography, and as an analytical reagent. It was used in the 19th century to produce a dull red color on mordanted cloth.
Synonyms and Related Terms
acid of galls; 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid
Other Properties
Soluble in hot water, ethanol and ether.
Insoluble in benzene, chloroform.
| Composition | C6H2(OH)3COOH |
|---|---|
| CAS | 149-91-7 |
| Melting Point | 258-265 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt.=188.14 |
Hazards and Safety
Contact may cause redness or irritation. Inhalation may cause coughing.
Mallinckrodt Baker: MSDS
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- S.R.Trotman, E.R. Trotman, Textile Analysis, J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1932
- F. Crace-Calvert, Dyeing and Calico Printing, Palmer & Howe, London, 1876
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
- Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "gallic acid" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed October 9, 2001].