Kojic acid

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Kojic acid
KojicAcid.svg
IUPAC name
Other names Kojic acid, 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone, 2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-γ-pyrone
Identifiers
CAS number 501-30-4 Yes check.svgY
PubChem 3840
EC number 207-922-4
RTECS number UQ0875000
SMILES
InChI
Properties
Molecular formula C6H6O4
Molar mass 142.11 g/mol
Appearance Tan powder
Melting point

152 - 155 °C

Solubility in water Soluble
Hazards
R-phrases R36/37/38
S-phrases S22, S24/25
 Yes check.svgY (what is this?)  (verify)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Kojic acid (C6H6O4; 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone) is a chelation agent produced by several species of fungi, especially Aspergillus oryzae, which has the Japanese common name koji. Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice, for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine.[citation needed] It is a mild inhibitor of the formation of pigment in plant and animal tissues, and is used in food and cosmetics to preserve or change colors of substances. It is used on cut fruits to prevent oxidative browning, in seafood to preserve pink and red colors, and in cosmetics to lighten skin. Kojic acid also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It is also used in skin diseases like melasma.[citation needed]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  • Yabuta T (1924). "The constitution of kojic acid, a gamma-pyrone derivative formed by Aspergillus oryzae from carbohydrates". Journal of the Chemical Society 125: 575–587.