Tartaric Acid

Tartaric Acid

Tartaric Acid is a naturally occurring, water-soluble diprotic organic acid commonly supplied as L-(+)-tartaric acid, the form naturally present in grapes and various other fruits. It is a chiral alpha-hydroxy dicarboxylic acid valued for its clean tart taste, reliable acidity, pH-control properties, metal-ion complexing ability and compatibility with aqueous formulations. In food and beverage manufacturing, suitable food-grade material is used as an acidulant, flavour modifier, pH-control agent, humectant and processing aid in beverages, confectionery, bakery products, jams and related applications. It is also widely used in winemaking to adjust acidity and improve flavour balance. Pharmaceutical and personal-care applications include effervescent formulations, pH adjustment and selected excipient or processing uses. Industrial applications include metal cleaning, electroplating, gypsum and cement set control, laboratory reagents, organic synthesis and chiral resolution. Tartaric Acid is generally supplied as colourless crystals or a white crystalline powder and dissolves readily in water, making it convenient to handle and dose. The required assay, optical rotation, moisture content, colour, heavy-metal limits, microbiological requirements and regulatory status depend on the selected grade. Users should confirm all specifications, handling precautions and application suitability using the supplier’s current TDS, SDS and COA before commercial use.

Technical Specifications
Absorption Freely soluble in water; solubility increases with temperature. Exact solubility and moisture limits depend on grade and test method.
Acid Value Not normally specified as an acid value for the pure product; grade is controlled by assay, acidity and impurity limits.
Volatility Low; non-volatile crystalline solid under normal storage and handling conditions.
Packing Available Commonly supplied in moisture-resistant lined bags or drums; pack sizes vary by supplier and grade, with 25 kg industrial packs widely used.
Melting Point Approximately 169–172°C, with decomposition.
Appearance Colourless or translucent crystals, or white crystalline powder.
Odour Odourless.
Molecular Weight 150.09 g/mol.
Boiling Point Not applicable; decomposes before boiling.
Distillation Range Not applicable; non-volatile solid that decomposes on strong heating.
Freezing Point Not applicable to the solid product.
Specific Gravity Approximately 1.74 g/cm³ for L-(+)-tartaric acid; verify the grade-specific specification.
Refractive Index Not routinely specified for the solid commercial product.
Flash Point Not routinely assigned for the solid product; Not specified in the supplied technical data.
Specific Heat Not routinely specified for the commercial product; consult grade-specific technical data if required.
Autoignition Temp Not established in the product information used; Not specified in the supplied technical data.
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Description

L-(+)-Tartaric acid, a chiral alpha-hydroxy dicarboxylic acid supplied as colourless crystals or white crystalline powder for food, pharmaceutical and industrial use.

Uses

Used in beverages, confectionery, bakery products, jams and food processing; wine acidity adjustment; effervescent tablets and pharmaceutical formulations; cosmetics and personal care; metal cleaning and electroplating; gypsum and cement set control; laboratory reagents; and chiral resolution or organic synthesis.

Benefits

Provides clean, persistent acidity; supports pH control and flavour balance; complexes selected metal ions; is highly water-soluble; and offers broad utility across food, pharmaceutical and industrial formulations when the correct grade is selected.

Safety, Compliance & Notes

Thermal Conductivity Not routinely specified for the commercial product.
Electrical Conductivity Not routinely specified for the solid; aqueous solutions conduct ions and conductivity depends on concentration and temperature.
Heat of Formation Standard enthalpy of formation of the solid is approximately −1,272 kJ/mol (reference value).
Heat of Vaporization Not applicable as a practical product value because tartaric acid decomposes before normal vaporization.
Structure HOOC–CH(OH)–CH(OH)–COOH; molecular formula C4H6O6. L-(+)-tartaric acid is the (2R,3R) stereoisomer.
CAS Number 87-69-4 (L-(+)-tartaric acid).
EINECS Number 201-766-0.
Storage & Packaging Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from moisture, heat and incompatible materials. Use moisture-resistant packaging, prevent contamination and follow the grade-specific shelf-life and storage instructions.
Product Stewardship Minimize dust generation and release to drains or soil. Recover spills where safe and dispose of residues and packaging according to the SDS and local regulations. Maintain batch traceability and grade segregation for food, pharmaceutical and industrial uses.
Note This row describes L-(+)-tartaric acid (CAS 87-69-4). Specifications such as assay, optical rotation, moisture, heavy metals and microbiological limits vary by grade and must be confirmed from the current COA and TDS.
Notice Indicative product information only. Confirm identity, grade, regulatory status, purity, packaging, shelf life and application suitability with the supplier’s current TDS, SDS and COA before purchase or use.

Additional information

Weight

1 kg, 10 kg, 30 kg, 200 kg

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