Folic acid (CAS NO.: 59-30-3)：The Multi-Industry Powerhouse.
1、 Product Overview
Folic acid has a wide range of applications, covering the three core fields of pharmaceuticals, food, and feed, and extending to cosmetics and chemical synthesis.
2、 Basic Product Information
1）Product Name: Folic acid
2）CAS NO.：59-30-3
3）Molecular formula: C19H19N7O6
4）Molecular weight: 441.4
5）Structural formula:
6）Assay: 95-102%
7）Appearance: Multifunctional additive;Multifunctional raw material
8）Boiling point: >250°C
9）Transport Information: Not dangerous goods
10）Product Manager Email:jessie@coreychem.com
3、 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1:Please describe the basic physical characteristics of Folic acid（CAS NO.: 59-30-3）.
Folic acid appears as a yellow to yellow-orange crystalline powder with virtually no odor. Its molecular formula is C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆, corresponding to a molecular weight of 441.40. The compound shows very low solubility in water and is insoluble in ethanol, acetone, and chloroform; however, it dissolves readily in dilute alkali hydroxide and carbonate solutions, forming soluble folate salts. In its solid form, folic acid remains relatively stable, though it is vulnerable to heat and light, particularly UV radiation. It is therefore recommended to keep it in a sealed, light-resistant container at ambient temperature.
Question 2:Key Application Features of This Product
As a water-soluble B vitamin (Vitamin B9), folic acid plays an indispensable role in cellular one-carbon metabolism. Its primary significance lies in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns and in treating megaloblastic anemia resulting from folate deficiency. Being a synthetic supplemental form of folate, it finds extensive use in food fortification (breads, cereals, flours) and pharmaceutical formulations. Notable features include its involvement in DNA synthesis, cell division, and amino acid metabolism, along with its capacity to lower homocysteine levels.
Question 3:Role of This Product in Nutritional and Therapeutic Applications
Folic acid is required for nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) synthesis and for the interconversion of amino acids. Therapeutically, it serves as the first-line treatment for megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency. In preventive healthcare, a daily intake of 400 mcg is advised for women of childbearing age to lower the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Question 4:Storage and Handling of This Product
Folic acid should be kept in a tightly closed, light-resistant container under controlled room temperature conditions. It is susceptible to heat, light, and oxygen. Its aqueous solutions are heat-sensitive and decompose rapidly when exposed to light and/or riboflavin; therefore, solutions should be freshly prepared and kept away from light. Moisture contact may lead to discoloration or deterioration of the product. Cooking and food processing can destroy 50-95% of folate content. The product should be stored out of reach of children and used before its expiry date.
Question 5:Effect of Stability or Formulation on the Actual Performance of This Product
Folic acid is unstable under numerous conditions, especially in solution. It undergoes degradation readily when exposed to heat, UV light, and oxygen. While neutral solutions are comparatively stable, acidic solutions are less so. The presence of riboflavin speeds up photodegradation. Within food matrices, cooking, canning, and prolonged ambient storage may result in substantial folate losses (up to 90% in certain cases). Ascorbic acid and polyphenols may help slow down degradation. For analytical or pharmaceutical uses, protecting folic acid from light and heat is essential to preserve its bioactivity.
4、 Application Cases
Application 1:Folic Acid（CAS NO.: 59-30-3） in the Pharmaceutical Field
Folic acid acts as a first-line treatment for megaloblastic anemia resulting from folate deficiency. Once absorbed, it is converted into tetrahydrofolate (THFA), a coenzyme that carries one-carbon units in the synthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids. Without sufficient folate, DNA replication is impaired, and the bone marrow produces oversized, immature blood cells, especially red blood cells. By restoring folate levels, folic acid supports normal cell division and blood cell maturation.
Application 2:Folic Acid in Preventive Medicine
Folic acid is widely recognized for its role in lowering the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in newborns. Women planning pregnancy are generally advised to take 400 mcg of folic acid daily, ensuring sufficient folate status during the earliest stages of fetal development when the neural tube forms.
Application 3:Folic Acid in Food Fortification
As a nutritional fortifier, folic acid is commonly incorporated into flour, cereals, breads, and other staple foods to raise their folate content. However, its stability during processing is a major challenge: cooking and heat treatment can destroy 50-95% of the vitamin. To overcome this, manufacturers use approaches such as microencapsulation, fermentation, and genetic engineering to protect folic acid and improve its bioavailability in finished food products.
Application 4:Folic Acid in Animal Feed
In livestock and poultry production, folic acid is added to feed as an essential vitamin supplement. It supports the generation of new cells and the development of red and white blood cells. When chickens are deficient in folate, they show poor growth, anemia, paralysis of the head and neck, and lower egg production and hatchability. Adding folic acid to feed—often at around 50 mg per kilogram—can prevent and correct these deficiency signs.
Application 5:Folic Acid in Cosmetics
Within cosmetic formulations, folic acid is used as a skin-conditioning ingredient valued for its moisturizing and anti-aging effects. It has the capacity to hold up to 5,000 times its own weight in water, making it an effective humectant. Additionally, it supports DNA synthesis and cellular metabolism, which helps repair skin damage caused by UV exposure and encourages the renewal of skin cells. These properties make it suitable for products aimed at photoaging and general skin aging.
5、 Safety and Storage
1）Protected from light and preserved in well-closed containers.
2）The shelf ife is 36months from the date of production when stored in the unopened original container at room temperature.
6、Product Manager Information
Product Manager: Jessie Liu
Email: jessie@coreychem.com
