What is the pH of capsaicin?

Answer by  Chem (41)

The pH of a solution depends on the concentration of the solution. A 10% solution of say, hydrochloric acid, will have a much more acidic pH than a 0. 1% solution of hydrochloric acid. So, there isn't per se a "pH of capsaicin". Capsaicin is a phenol, which is slightly acidic (pKa ~ 9. 5), so it will be acidic

Answer by  dsmith42 (371)

Capsaicin is neither an acid nor a base, so it is not really proper to speak of its pH. The burning sensation it induces is not a function of acidity, but instead of it binding to mammalian nerves in such a way that they are tricked into signaling a burning sensation.

Answer by  ScottHorn (232)

Capsaicin is a molelcular compound, as opposed to an ionic compound. It does not dissociate in water, and therefore solutions of capsaicin do not have a pH that is easy to calculate. The pH of capsaicin in solution would depend primarily on the liquid the capsaicin was dissolved in.

Answer by  Dogless (159)

Capsaicin doesn't affect pH. pH quantifies the number of free hydrogen ions in a solution. Capsaicin has very little tendency to either donate or accept hydrogen ions, so adding capsaicin to a solution won't change its pH.

Answer by  Anonymous

Capsaicin or capsaicinoid is a protoalkaloid, which means it is has an amine group out side the cyclic ring structure. Which denote that it is basic in nature. And it extract by a typical extraction procedure for alkaloid. Hence capsaicin will definitely have a basic pH.

Answer by  Anonymous

pH depends on the concentration of the solution. Capsaicin has an acidic phenol group (pKa around 9.5) and a basic secondary amine (pKa around 3). The base is stronger than the acid (although both are weak). Overall, a solution of capsaicin will therefore have a basic pH (less than 7).