Gibberellic acid
[CAS# 77-06-5]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Hormone and endocrine-regulating drugs >> Other hormone
• Name: Gibberellic acid
• Synonyms: 2,4a,7-Trihydroxy-1-methyl-8-methylenegibb-3-ene-1,10-dicarboxylic acid 1,4a-lactone
• Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₂₂O₆
• Molecular Weight: 346.38
• CAS Registry Number: 77-06-5
• EC Number: 201-001-0
• SMILES: C[C@@]12[C@H](C=C[C@@]3([C@@H]1[C@@H]([C@]45[C@H]3CC[C@](C4)(C(=C)C5)O)C(=O)O)OC2=O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.5±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Melting point: 230 °C (Decomposes) (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 628.6±55.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 231.4±25.0 °C (Calc.)^*
• Solubility: water 5 g/L (20 ° C) (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.661 (Calc.)^*
• Alpha: 82.5 ° (c=10, ethanol) (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H319-H412
• Safety Statements: P264+P265-P273-P280-P305+P351+P338-P337+P317-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovery and Applications

Gibberellic acid is a naturally occurring plant hormone with the molecular formula C₁₉H₂₂O₆, belonging to the gibberellin family. It was first discovered in the 1930s and 1940s in Japan during studies of “foolish seedling” disease in rice caused by the fungus *Gibberella fujikuroi*. Researchers identified a substance produced by the fungus that induced abnormal elongation in rice seedlings, leading to the isolation and structural elucidation of gibberellic acid. It is a diterpenoid compound, and its identification marked a significant milestone in plant physiology by revealing the existence of chemical regulators of plant growth.

The main application of gibberellic acid is in agriculture and horticulture as a plant growth regulator. It promotes cell elongation and division, stimulating stem and leaf growth, breaking dormancy in seeds and buds, and inducing flowering and fruit development. Gibberellic acid is widely used to improve crop yields, enhance fruit size, and synchronize flowering in various plants, including grapes, citrus, apples, and rice. Its ability to overcome dormancy is particularly valuable for accelerating seed germination and sprouting in cereals, legumes, and horticultural crops.

In viticulture, gibberellic acid is applied to increase berry size and uniformity in grape clusters, improve fruit set, and enhance bunch elongation, which can improve sunlight penetration and air circulation. In fruit production, it is used to increase the size of apples, pears, and citrus fruits without negatively affecting quality. In cereals and horticultural crops, gibberellic acid treatment can break seed dormancy and promote rapid germination, facilitating early planting and uniform crop establishment.

Gibberellic acid also finds applications in plant tissue culture and research. It is used to stimulate in vitro plant growth, callus induction, and organogenesis, providing a tool to study developmental processes and improve micropropagation techniques. Its role as a regulator of cell elongation and division has made it important in studies of plant hormone interactions and signal transduction pathways.

Additionally, gibberellic acid has limited use in floriculture to control plant height, improve flowering, and enhance ornamental quality. It can be applied to cut flowers and potted plants to promote uniform growth and increase aesthetic value.

The discovery and ongoing use of gibberellic acid highlight its significance as a critical plant growth regulator. Its ability to influence cell elongation, division, and differentiation makes it invaluable in agriculture, horticulture, and plant biology research. The compound exemplifies the impact of natural plant hormones on crop management and the broader understanding of plant developmental processes.

References

2008. Structural basis for gibberellin recognition by its receptor GID1. Nature, 456(7221).
DOI: 10.1038/nature07546

2008. Gibberellin-induced DELLA recognition by the gibberellin receptor GID1. Nature, 456(7221).
DOI: 10.1038/nature07519

2007. Role of DNA endoreduplication, lipotubuloids, and gibberellic acid in epidermal cell growth during fruit development of Ornithogalum umbellatum. Journal of Experimental Botany, 58(8).
DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erm071