What Is Shikimic Acid Powder?
Shikimic Acid Powder is a naturally occurring organic acid and an important biochemical intermediate in the shikimate pathway, a metabolic route used by plants, fungi, and microorganisms to synthesize aromatic amino acids. Shikimic acid powder is widely used as a chemical intermediate, pharmaceutical raw material, and research compound.

Chemical & Physical Properties
| Chemical name | Shikimic acid powder |
| IUPAC name | (3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxycyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylic acid |
| Molecular formula | C₇H₁₀O₅ |
| Molecular weight | ~174.15 g/mol |
| CAS number | 138-59-0 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Taste | Slightly acidic |
| Solubility |
Freely soluble in water Slightly soluble in ethanol |
| Melting point | ~185–187 °C |
| Optical activity | Optically active (chiral compound) |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions; hygroscopic to some extent |
Shikimic Acid Powder contains multiple hydroxyl groups, giving it good water solubility and making it highly reactive as an intermediate in organic synthesis.
Certificate Of analysis

Formulation Guide
| Molecular Weight | 174.15270000 |
| Molecular Formula | C7 H10 O5 |
| Percentage Purity | 98% |
| Compatibility | Compatible with other cosmetics actives |
| PH Range | 5-6 |
| Color & Appearance | fine white powder |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
| Recommended Usage | 1-5% |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
| Mixing Method | Add to cool down phase of the formulation |
| Application | Creams, lotions & gels, Decorative cosmetics/Make-up, Skin care (Facial care, Facial cleansing, Body care, Baby care), Sun care (Sun protection, After-sun & Self-tanning) |
| Recommended Storage | Our powders should be stored in cool temperatures away from direct sunlight and moisture in an airtight container. |
Product Grades & Specifications
|
Grade |
Purity |
Key Specifications |
Primary Use |
|
Industrial |
≥ 95% |
Controlled heavy metals, ash content. Minimal impurity profile. |
Bulk chemical synthesis, fermentation feedstock. |
|
Pharmaceutical Intermediate |
≥ 98.5% - 99.5% |
Strict HPLC control of related substances (e.g., dehydroshikimic acid). Specific rotation confirmed. Low residual solvents, heavy metals. |
Synthesis of Oseltamivir and other APIs. Must meet ICH guidelines for impurities. |
|
Reagent / Analytical |
≥ 99.5% (HPLC) |
Extremely low impurity levels. Precisely defined specific rotation. Meets standards for reference materials. |
Analytical standards, high-purity biochemical research, cell culture studies. |
|
Food / Supplement |
≥ 98% |
Complies with food safety standards (heavy metals, microbiology, pesticides). |
Formulation into dietary supplements. |
Pharmaceutical Applications
Antiviral Drug Synthesis
The most well-known use of Shikimic Acid Powder is as a key starting material for the synthesis of neuraminidase inhibitors, such as antiviral agents used in the treatment and prevention of influenza. Its unique cyclohexene structure makes it an ideal precursor for complex antiviral molecules.
Drug Discovery & Medicinal Chemistry
Shikimic Acid Powder is used as:
A chiral building block in organic synthesis
A precursor for synthesizing amino acids, esters, and other bioactive compounds
Nutraceutical & Health-Related Uses
In traditional and nutraceutical contexts, shikimic acid–containing extracts have been studied for potential:
Antioxidant properties
Anti-inflammatory activity
Supportive immune-related research
These applications are primarily research-based, and Shikimic Acid Powder itself is typically supplied as a raw material, not a finished consumer product.
Industrial & Chemical Applications
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Shikimic Acid Powder is used in:
- Chemical synthesis of fine chemicals and specialty intermediates
- Agrochemical research, including herbicide and plant growth regulator development
- Biotechnology, as a reference compound for metabolic pathway studies
Manufacturers and suppliers often provide shikimic acid in different grades:
- Pharmaceutical grade
- Industrial grade
- Research grade
Each batch is typically accompanied by CoA, SDS/MSDS, and impurity profiles.
Shikimic acid powder (CAS: 138-59-0)is a strategically important natural compound with broad value across pharmaceutical, biochemical, and industrial fields. Its role as a key antiviral drug intermediate, combined with its importance in plant biochemistry and synthetic chemistry, makes it a high-demand raw material with significant scientific and commercial relevance.
DISCLAIMER:
TNJONE Products are designed for research and industrial use only. Not intended for clinical or medical purposes.
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