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Sorbic acid (trans,trans-2,4-hexadienoic acid, C₆H₈O₂; CAS 110-44-1) is a weak, unsaturated carboxylic acid with a conjugated diene chain used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative against yeasts, molds, and select bacteria; activity arises from the undissociated acid permeating microbial membranes and inhibiting key dehydrogenase pathways, so efficacy is greatest in mildly acidic matrices. It is a white, crystalline solid, only slightly soluble in water and readily soluble in alcohols, and is commonly employed directly or as salts such as potassium sorbate. Industrial production centers on forming the E,E-isomer via condensation of crotonaldehyde with ketene to give sorbic intermediates followed by hydrolysis, isomer control, and crystallization; alternative routes use Knoevenagel-type condensations of malonate derivatives with crotonaldehyde. Typical specifications control isomeric purity, residual aldehydes and solvents, heavy metals, acid value, and color to ensure stability and predictable performance in food, beverage, and personal-care formulations.
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