Products
Tartaric acid is available as a pure substance in pharmacies and drugstores. It is less commonly referred to as tartaric acid and should not be confused with tartrate (potassium hydrogen tartrate, calcium tartrate).
Structure and properties
Tartaric acid (C4H6O6, Mr = 150.1 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder or as colorless crystals and is very soluble in water. It is obtained according to pharmacopoeial requirements by extracting the dregs during winemaking, but it can also be synthesized. It is a natural organic acid found in grapes, together with its salts in wine and in many fruits. Tartaric acid is odorless and has a sour taste. Its melting point is 169°C. Its salts are called tartrates, such as potassium hydrogen tartrate or calcium tartrate. Tartaric acid has two chiral centers. Two enantiomers exist, D-(-)- and L-(+)-tartaric acid, as well as an optically inactive meso compound with an intramolecular symmetry plane. The D-(-)- and the L-(+)-tartaric acids together form a racemate, i.e. they behave like image and mirror image (= racemic tartaric acid). Because of the meso compound, there are only three stereoisomers of tartaric acid instead of four.
Effects
Tartaric acid has acidic, antioxidant, preservative, and complexing properties.
Fields of application
- As a pharmaceutical excipient, for example, as an acid component in effervescent powders and effervescent tablets, as an acidifier, acidity regulator and preservative.
- For the production of acetic-tartaric alumina solution.
- For the preparation of active ingredient salts.
- Various applications in the food industry, for the production of baking powder. Tartaric acid is also added to elderflower syrup instead of citric acid.
Adverse effects
In case of accidental contact, tartaric acid may cause eye damage. It should be flushed with water for 15 minutes. Patients should seek medical attention.
