Adipic acid is a white crystalline solid. It is insoluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. It is used to make plastics and foams and for other uses.Adipic acid is an alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid that is the 1,4-dicarboxy derivative of butane. It has a role as a food acidity regulator and a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is an alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid and a lipid. It is a conjugate acid of an adipate(1-).

Adipic acid is mainly used as a raw material for nylon 66 and engineering plastics. It is also used in the production of various ester products and as a raw material for polyurethane elastomers, as well as an acidulant for various foods and beverages, whose effect is sometimes superior to citric acid and tartaric acid.Adipic acid is also a raw material for pharmaceuticals, yeast purification, insecticides, adhesives, synthetic leather, synthetic dyes and fragrances.Adipic acid has a mild and lasting taste, with small pH changes over a wide concentration range, making it a good pH regulator. According to GB 2760-2007, the maximum usage level in solid beverages is 0.01 g/kg. It can also be used in jelly and jelly powder: the maximum usage level in jelly is 0.01 g/kg, and for jelly powder, the usage level can be increased according to the reconstitution ratio.