Adipic acid
Adipic acid suppliers and sourcing guide
Adipic acid is a six-carbon dicarboxylic acid made in very large volumes for nylon, with a much smaller food-grade market. It is made by nitric acid oxidation of cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone or a mix of the two, then purified by crystallization. Food grade is a white, nonhygroscopic crystalline powder with a mild sourness, used in gelatin desserts, drink powders, baking powder and some dairy analogs.
- Also known as
- hexanedioic acid · 1,4-butanedicarboxylic acid · E355
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of adipic acid
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Food-grade powder
Crystalline powder made to FCC specifications for food use.
Granular
Coarser grades for blending and lower dust.
Fine or micronized
Milled grades that dissolve faster in dry mixes.
Food vs. technical grade
Most adipic acid is technical grade for polymers; food brands should buy only food grade with a food-safety program behind it.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Assay (titration)
- Adipic acid content by titration with sodium hydroxide against the FCC range.
- Identity (melting range)
- Melting range of the acid or a derivative, which confirms identity.
- Moisture
- Water content by Karl Fischer or loss on drying.
- Residue on ignition
- Inorganic residue, a basic purity check.
- Lead and heavy metals
- Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against FCC or supplier limits.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Adipic acid absorbs little moisture and stores well in closed bags in a cool, dry place. Fine powders can form dust, so handle them with dust control. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record grade and particle size for each lot, and confirm the COA is for food grade, not technical grade. Rotate FEFO.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1009 describes adipic acid as prepared by nitric acid oxidation of cyclohexanol or cyclohexanone or a mixture of the two.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 184.1009 affirms adipic acid as GRAS for use as a flavoring agent, leavening agent and pH control agent, with maximum levels by food category such as 0.05 percent for baked goods.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes adipic acid for unstandardized foods.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Adipic acid suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking adipic acid suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell adipic acid? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of adipic acid can brands buy?
Common forms include food-grade powder, granular, fine or micronized and food vs. technical grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for adipic acid include?
Expect assay (titration), identity (melting range), moisture, residue on ignition and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should adipic acid be stored?
Adipic acid absorbs little moisture and stores well in closed bags in a cool, dry place. Fine powders can form dust, so handle them with dust control. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of adipic acid?
21 CFR 184.1009 describes adipic acid as prepared by nitric acid oxidation of cyclohexanol or cyclohexanone or a mixture of the two. 21 CFR 184.1009 affirms adipic acid as GRAS for use as a flavoring agent, leavening agent and pH control agent, with maximum levels by food category such as 0.05 percent for baked goods. Health Canada's List of Permitted Acidity Regulators and Acid-Reacting Materials includes adipic acid for unstandardized foods.
More acids, preservatives and leavening
- Citric acid2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid · E330
- Malic acidDL-malic acid · L-malic acid
- Lactic acid2-hydroxypropanoic acid · L(+)-lactic acid
- Tartaric acidL-(+)-tartaric acid · 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid
- Fumaric acidtrans-butenedioic acid · E297
- Acetic acidethanoic acid · glacial acetic acid
- Phosphoric acidorthophosphoric acid · E338
- Glucono-delta-lactoneGDL · glucono delta-lactone
- Sodium citratetrisodium citrate · trisodium citrate dihydrate
- Sodium lactatesodium 2-hydroxypropanoate · E325
- Sodium acetatesodium ethanoate · E262
- Sodium diacetatesodium hydrogen diacetate · E262
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