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Carnosic Acid: An In-Depth Look at Its Physical and Chemical Features

What is Carnosic Acid?

Carnosic Acid stands out in plant-derived compounds with its roots in the leaves of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). This natural polyphenol packs a punch both as a potent antioxidant and as a versatile raw material for various industries, from food preservation to personal care. In day-to-day laboratory work, the value of such a compound hits home through its stability and purity, characteristics that drive reliability batch after batch. The chemical stays popular in research not just for its bioactivity, but also for its ease of handling, especially in dry, solid forms.

Product Properties and Physical Characteristics

People working with Carnosic Acid encounter it most often as a fine, off-white to pale-yellow powder or crystalline solid. This form points toward excellent shelf stability, which appeals to formulators looking to safeguard quality over time. In testing, the density clocks in around 1.36 g/cm³—packaging and process engineers notice this figure when sizing storage or transport needs. Molecular structure draws attention: two aromatic rings with carboxylic acid groups come together in a unique diterpene framework, giving Carnosic Acid the formula C20H28O4. Its melting point falls near 190°C, a detail crucial during formulation steps where heat plays a role. As a flake or pearl, it shows less dust, avoiding losses in volumetric mixing or blending. Not everyone mentions the pleasant, faint herbal scent; this becomes noticeable when the powder lands on a workspace, a reminder of its botanical source.

Specifications and Material Safety

Quality benchmarks demand not just a high percentage of Carnosic Acid—usually 90% or greater by HPLC analysis—but also clarity on appearance, loss on drying, and residual solvents. Clear, accurate certificate of analysis sheets give buyers confidence, especially those with strict regulatory standards in food or pharma. The powder’s good solubility in ethanol and poor solubility in water shapes formulation efforts—anyone planning a liquid blend must mull over suitable carriers. Handling Carnosic Acid stays straightforward under proper safety measures. It does not fall into the most hazardous chemical classes, but splashes or dust inhalation can irritate eyes or respiratory tracts. Gloves, goggles, and a decent fume hood all make sense during weighing or transfer. The HS Code most commonly used is 2932999099, a number that makes customs paperwork less of a headache for anyone importing or exporting this raw material.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Identity

The molecule’s backbone—a polyhydroxylated diterpene—offers more than just antioxidant punch. Carnosic Acid shares features with other phenolic compounds but never slips into redundancy, thanks to its unique arrangement of functional groups. Chemists see this structure and immediately wonder how the two isoprenoid units interact, especially as the substance passes through processing or storage. Precise formula (C20H28O4) and corresponding molecular weight (332.43 g/mol) guide dosing calculations in laboratory or industrial settings. Crystal forms carry immediately recognizable habits under light microscopy, and those visual cues provide a quick check for purity or unwanted polymorphs. The stability of this raw material in its crystal or solid state supports applications ranging from shelf-stable antioxidants in oils to complex formulations in pharmaceuticals or cosmeceuticals.

Safety, Hazard, and Environmental Concerns

Every chemical comes with a safety profile, and Carnosic Acid finds a balance between bioactivity and workplace health. Most users wearing standard personal protective equipment (PPE) manage this substance without issue. Occasional skin or eye contact leads to mild irritation in sensitive individuals; the risk does not rise to levels seen in strong acids or alkalis. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) detail acute toxicity studies showing low oral toxicity in animal models. Those of us organizing safe storage know to keep the solid material cool, dry, and away from oxidizers. If a spill occurs, basic cleaning prevents slips and airborne dust; most accidental releases do not trigger regulatory reporting. To dispose of leftover material, usual chemical waste collections suffice, as Carnosic Acid does not persist in the environment or accumulate in aquatic systems like many synthetic organics. Following local chemical waste guidelines helps keep labs and manufacturing spaces safe, both for staff and for the broader community.

Application, Raw Material Insights, and Responsible Sourcing

Manufacturers tap into Carnosic Acid as a raw material for formulations aiming to resist oxidative damage. Food technologists see value in extending the life of edible oils and fats, harnessing the natural preservative effect without needing synthetic additives. Cosmetic chemists add this molecule to creams and serums, banking on its antioxidant power to combat free radical stress in skin. Reliable supply steers sourcing teams toward established rosemary plantations, since these guarantee a consistent phytoactive profile. Certification and traceability gain weight in today’s market, especially with growing consumer interest in clean-label raw materials. Laboratories tasked with ingredient verification will confirm not only the active’s content, but also the absence of harmful residues or contaminants. In each context, communication between supplier and user ensures that product integrity meets specifications and regulatory demands, preventing slip-ups in both application and shipment.