What is "sorbic acid"

n. (context chemistry English) an unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acid, CH₃.CH:CH.CH:CH.COOH, found in Rowan berries, and used as a preservative

n. a white crystalline carboxylic acid used as a preservative

Sorbic acid, or 2,4-hexadienoic acid, is a natural organic compound used as a food preservative. It has the chemical formula CHO. It is a colourless solid that is slightly soluble in water and sublimes readily. It was first isolated from the unripe berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), hence its name.