Tannic Acid

Tannic Acid: Industrial Applications, Chemistry, and Sourcing

Tannic Acid. Known systematically as Gallotannic acid or by its IUPAC designation as 1,2,3,4,6-pentakis-O-{3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl}-D-glucopyranose, this polyphenolic compound is a cornerstone for various sectors ranging from food preservation to advanced material science.

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we specialize in providing high-purity chemical reagents and bulk industrial compounds. This guide serves as the ultimate resource for understanding Tannic Acid, its derivatives, and how to source them effectively.


What is Tannic Acid? Defining the Molecule

Tannic acid is a specific form of tannin—a class of yellow or brownish bitter-tasting plant polyphenols. While the term “tannin” is often used loosely to describe any plant-derived phenolic compound, true tannic acid is defined by its chemical structure: a central glucose core esterified with five gallic acid molecules.

Systematic Names and Synonyms

To navigate international trade and scientific literature, it is essential to be familiar with the various synonyms for Tannic Acid:

  • CAS Number: 1401-55-4
  • Systematic Name: 1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloyl-D-glucose
  • Common Synonyms: Tannin, Gallotannin, Tannigen, Acidum Tannicum.
  • Multilingual Nomenclature:
    • Spanish: Ácido tánico
    • French: Acide tannique
    • German: Tanninsäure
    • Chinese: 鞣酸 (Róu suān)

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

Tannic acid is a water-soluble, pale-yellow-to-light-brown amorphous powder. Its reactivity is driven by its high density of hydroxyl (-OH) groups.

  1. Protein Binding: Its most famous property is its ability to precipitate proteins. This is the physiological basis of tanning leather—the acid cross-links collagen fibers, rendering them resistant to degradation.
  2. Chelation: It forms complexes with metal ions, particularly iron, creating a characteristic blue-black complex. This property is utilized in the production of iron gall inks and as a corrosion inhibitor.
  3. Antioxidant Capacity: Due to its phenolic structure, it is a potent radical scavenger, leading to its widespread use in the pharmaceutical and food preservation industries.

Industrial Applications: Why You Need It

1. The Leather and Textile Industry

Tannic acid remains the gold standard for “vegetable tanning.” Unlike chrome tanning, which uses heavy metals, vegetable tanning with tannic acid is environmentally preferred for producing high-quality, durable leather goods. In textiles, it acts as a mordant—a substance that helps fix dyes to fabric fibers, ensuring colorfastness.

2. Water Treatment and Corrosion Inhibition

Tannic acid is used as a boiler water treatment agent. By forming a protective film on the interior surfaces of metal pipes, it prevents scaling and oxidation, effectively extending the lifespan of industrial machinery.

3. Food and Beverage (Food Grade)

In the wine and beer industry, tannic acid is added as a clarifying agent. It helps to settle out proteins that cause cloudiness (haze), resulting in a crystal-clear finished product. Regulatory bodies like the FDA classify food-grade tannic acid as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).

4. Pharmaceutical and Medical Uses

Beyond its role as an astringent in topical treatments for burns and poison ivy, research is currently exploring its role in:

  • Antidiabetic properties: Inhibiting digestive enzymes.
  • Antiviral research: Investigating its ability to interfere with viral entry into cells.
  • Drug Delivery: Using tannic acid as a coating for nanoparticles.

50+ Related Chemicals and Sourcing Information

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we maintain a comprehensive inventory of chemical reagents. Below is a curated list of substances often purchased alongside Tannic Acid for laboratory and industrial use.

Note: Prices are subject to market fluctuations. Please visit our product catalog for real-time quotes.

Chemical Name Industry Use Price Range (1kg)
Gallic Acid Precursor for Tannic Acid $45 – $80
Catechin Antioxidant Supplement $90 – $150
Quercetin Flavonoid Supplement $60 – $120
Ferric Chloride Ink/Etching Agent $30 – $55
Oxalic Acid Cleaning/Bleaching $15 – $30
Activated Carbon Filtration $20 – $40
Citric Acid pH Regulator $10 – $20
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C/Reductant $25 – $45
Gelatin Protein testing $35 – $60
Sodium Bisulfite Preservative $15 – $25
… (List continues to 50 items) …

To view the full list of 50+ chemicals including high-purity solvents, reagents, and raw additives, visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com/catalog.


How to Source High-Quality Tannic Acid

When procuring chemical reagents, purity is paramount. Industrial-grade tannic acid may contain impurities like heavy metals or excess polyphenols that can ruin a reaction.

Why Choose ChemicalsSuppliers.com?

  1. Certificate of Analysis (COA): Every batch of tannic acid we ship comes with a COA verifying purity, heavy metal content, and moisture levels.
  2. Global Logistics: We supply to research hubs in the US, EU, and Asia, ensuring compliant shipping for hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.
  3. Bulk Capabilities: From 100g lab samples to 1,000kg industrial pallets, our supply chain is optimized for your volume needs.

Click here to request a price quote for your specific quantity.


Safety and Handling

Tannic Acid is generally classified as a non-hazardous substance, but standard laboratory safety protocols apply.

  • Inhalation: Avoid breathing dust.
  • Contact: May cause mild irritation to eyes and skin. Use goggles and gloves.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizing agents and iron salts (to prevent premature darkening).

For detailed SDS (Safety Data Sheets), please visit the Safety Downloads section on our website.


Multilingual Glossary for Global Outreach

To support our international research community, here are the terms for “Chemicals” and “Tannic Acid” in various languages:

  • Hindi: टैनिक एसिड (Tainik Esid) / रसायन (Rasayan)
  • Spanish: Ácido tánico / Productos químicos
  • Arabic: حمض التانيك (Hamd Al-Tanik) / مواد كيميائية
  • French: Acide tannique / Produits chimiques
  • Bengali: ট্যানিক অ্যাসিড (Tyanik Esid) / রাসায়নিক
  • Chinese (Simplified): 鞣酸 (Róu suān) / 化学品
  • Korean: 탄닌산 (Tannin-san) / 화학물질
  • Portuguese: Ácido tânico / Produtos químicos
  • Indonesian: Asam tanat / Bahan kimia
  • Russian: Дубильная кислота (Dubil’naya kislota) / Химикаты
  • Japanese: タンニン酸 (Tannin-san) / 化学物質
  • Vietnamese: Axit tannic / Hóa chất
  • Turkish: Tannik Asit / Kimyasallar

Conclusion: Empowering Innovation through Chemistry

Whether you are formulating a new organic dye, optimizing a water treatment process, or conducting cutting-edge pharmaceutical research, Tannic Acid remains a versatile and essential tool. By sourcing from reliable suppliers like ChemicalsSuppliers.com, you guarantee the quality and consistency of your end products.

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Contact our technical support team today at support@chemicalssuppliers.com to discuss your specific bulk requirements.