Kinotannic acid is the chief constituent of the kino gum, of which it contains 70 to 80 per cent.

[2] It is closely related to the tannin from catechu; its non-glucosidal nature was established by Bergholz.

[3][4] When dry distilled it yields pyrocatechine and protocatechinic acid.

Solutions are precipitated by lead or copper salts.

Kinotannic acid is degraded by oxidation when exposed to air.