Gallic acid

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Gallic Acid

Gallic acid (pronunciation: /ˈɡælɪk ˈæsɪd/) is a trihydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid, found in gallnuts, sumac, witch hazel, tea leaves, oak bark, and other plants.

Etymology

The word "gallic" is derived from the Latin word "gallus," which means "of Gaul." The term "acid" comes from the Latin "acidus," meaning "sour." Gallic acid was first isolated by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1786.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Gallic acid is a white crystalline substance that is soluble in water and alcohol. Its chemical formula is C7H6O5. It is a strong antioxidant and is used in the synthesis of other aromatic compounds.

Uses

Gallic acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a standard for determining the phenol content of various analytes by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. It is also used in the manufacture of ink and in the testing of albumin.

Related Compounds

Gallic acid is related to other trihydroxybenzoic acids such as ellagic acid, pyrogallol, and tannic acid. These compounds are also found in various plants and have similar antioxidant properties.

Health Effects

Gallic acid has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has been found to have anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms of action.

See Also

External links

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