CHOLIC ACID
Prepared at the 17th JECFA (1973), published in FNP 4 (1978) and in FNP 52
(1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 55th JECFA (2000).
An ADI of 0-1.25 mg/kg bw was established at the 17th JECFA (1973)
SYNONYMS INS No. 1000
DEFINITION
Chemical names Cholic acid, 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-5ß-cholan-24-oic acid, 3,7,12-
trihydroxycholanic acid
C.A.S. number 81-25-4
Chemical formula C24H40O5
Structural formula
Formula weight 408.58
Assay Not less than 98% after drying
DESCRIPTION Colourless plates or a white crystalline powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier
CHARACTERISTICS
IDENTIFICATION
Solubility (Vol. 4) Very slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol
Melting range (Vol. 4) 197 - 202o
Colour reactions To 1 ml of a 0.02% solution of cholic acid in 50% acetic acid, add 1 ml of a 1%
solution of furfural in water, 6 ml water and 5 ml concentrated sulfuric acid.
The mixture turns rose and then violet within 5 min. (The same colour is
produced by desoxycholic acid).
To about 10 mg of cholic acid add 2 drops of benzaldehyde and 3 drops of
75% sulfuric acid and heat at 50o for 5 min. Then add about 10 ml of glacial
acetic acid; a brown colour is produced (desoxycholic acid gives a green
colour).
PURITY
Loss on drying (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.5% (140o, 4 h, pressure less than 5 mm of mercury)
Specific rotation (Vol. 4)
[alpha] 25, D: Not less than + 37o (2% (w/v) solution in ethanol)
Sulfated ash (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.1%
Test 2 g of the sample
Lead (Vol. 4) Not more than 2 mg/kg
Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the specified
level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be
based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4, “Instrumental
Methods.”
METHOD OF
ASSAY
Transfer about 400 mg of the dried sample, accurately weighed, into a 250-ml
flask, add 20 ml of water and 40 ml of ethanol, cover with a watch glass, heat
gently on a steam bath until dissolved and cool. Add 5 drops of
phenolphthalein TS and titrate with 0.1 N sodium hydroxide to the first pink
colour that persists for 15 sec. Perform a blank determination and make any
necessary corrections. Each ml of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide is equivalent to
40.86 mg of C24H40O5.
CHOLIC ACID
SYNONYMS
DEFINITION
Chemical names
C.A.S. number
Chemical formula
Structural formula
Formula weight
Assay
DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL USES
CHARACTERISTICS
IDENTIFICATION
Solubility (Vol. 4)
Melting range (Vol. 4)
Colour reactions
PURITY
Lead (Vol. 4)
METHOD OF ASSAY