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Gallic acid - Reciprocal Net Common Molecule Log in
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Gallic acid

Gallic acid is a colorless, crystalline, organic acid found in gallnuts, sumach, tea leaves, oak bark, and various other plants

Chemical Formula: C7H6O5
Other names: gallic acid monohydrate, 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid monohydrate
Layman's explanation: Gallic acid is found in its free state and combined with the tannin molecule, from which it can be extracted by the hydrolysis of tannic acid with sulfuric acid. Since one molecule of gallic acid has a carboxylic acid group and hydroxyl groups, it can react with another molecule of gallic acid to form an ester, digallic acid. When heated above 200oC, gallic acid loses carbon dioxide to form pyrogallol (1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, C6H3(OH)3), which is used in the production of azo dyes, photographic developers, and in laboratories for absorbing oxygen.
Keywords: tannin, organic acid, dyes

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