Tartaric acid

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Tartaric acid
Names
IUPAC name
2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid
Other names
2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid
E334
Paratartaric acid
Racemic acid
Threaric acid
Uvic acid
Properties
C4H6O6
Molar mass 150.087 g/mol
Appearance Crystalline solid
Odor Odorless
Density 1.79 g/cm3
Melting point D-(−)-Tartaric acid
172-174 °C
L-(+)-Tartaric acid
170-172 °C
racemic
210-212 °C
meso-Tartaric acid
165-166 °C
Boiling point Decomposes
L or D-tartaric
20.6 g/100 ml
DL, racemic
21 g/100 ml
meso
125 g/100 ml
Solubility Soluble in ethanol
Poorly soluble in glacial acetic acid, diethyl ether, isobutanol
Insoluble in chloroform, dichloromethane
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich (levo)
Sigma-Aldrich (dextro)
Sigma-Aldrich (racemic)
Simga-Aldrich (meso)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Succinic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Tartaric acid is a white crystalline organic acid which occurs naturally in many plants, most notably in fruits, such as grapes. One of its salts, potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, is formed naturally in the process of winemaking.

Naturally occurring tartaric acid is chiral, and is a useful raw material in organic chemistry for the synthesis. The naturally occurring form of the acid is dextrotartaric acid or D-(-)-tartaric acid.

Properties

Chemical

Tartaric acid can be reduced to succinic acid.

Physical

Tartaric acid is a crystalline colorless solid, soluble in water and alcohols.

Availability

Tartaric acid is available in many winemaking and agricultural stores, though it's more commonly found in the form of potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar) rather than pure acid.

Both racemic and isomeric tartaric acid can be purchased from chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Tartaric acid can be made by acidifying potassium bitartrate, which can be extracted from wine fermentation products (lees) or purchased from the store.

Projects

  • Grow large and beautiful crystals
  • Demonstration of chirality in organic compounds
  • Make cream of tartar
  • Make dihydroxymaleic acid

Handling

Safety

Tartaric acid has low toxicity and it's approved as food additive.

Storage

Tartaric acid should be kept in closed bottles.

Disposal

No special disposal is required. Discard it as you wish.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads