Gallic acid

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.

FTIR (MFA)

Chemical structure

Synonyms and Related Terms

acid of galls; 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid

Risks

Contact may cause redness or irritation. Inhalation may cause coughing.

ThermoFisher: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in hot water, ethanol and ether.

Insoluble in benzene, chloroform.

Composition	C6H2(OH)3COOH
CAS	149-91-7
Melting Point	258-265 C
Molecular Weight	mol. wt.=188.14

Resources and Citations

• 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" [Accessed October 9, 2001].