Internet Encyclopedia of Science
BIOCHEMISTRY
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   • HOME
• ABOUT
• CATEGORIES
• COPYRIGHT
• NEWSLETTER

  



tartaric acid


tartaric acid
Tartaric acid. Picture source: Wikipedia
Carbon = black, oxygen = red, hydrogen = white
A white, crystalline, optically active carboxylic acid, also known by the systematic name 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid, which occurs in fruits. It has the chemical formula (CHOH)2(COOH)2 and three stereoisomers. Tartaric acid can be made from maleic anhydride and hydrogen peroxide or by enzyme action on succinic acid.

Tartaric acid is widely used in baking powder, cream of tartar, soft drinks, and in the textile industry. It has a relative density of 1.76 and a melting point of 171°C (340°F).


Related categories

   • BIOCHEMISTRY
   • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History




BACK TO TOP