Tartaric acids: formula, properties, production

Tartaric acids are compounds that are often found in the plant world. It can be both free isomers and acid salts. The main source of this substance is the ripe fruit of the grapes. Wine stones, in a different way, potassium sparingly soluble salts, are formed during the fermentation of a drink from berries. This food additive is labeled E334. Obtain it most often from secondary products of processing of wine products.

Tartaric acid: formula and varieties

Tartaric acid is hygroscopic crystals that have no odor or color. However, the substance has a pronounced sour taste. All varieties of tartaric acid are readily soluble in water, as well as in ethyl alcohol. The compounds are more resistant to the action of aliphatic hydrocarbons, benzene and ether. The chemical formula of this compound is C ₄ H ₆ O ₆ .

Tartaric acid is found in the form of 4 isomers. This is explained by the symmetrical and equilibrium arrangement of acidic carboxyls, hydrogen ions and hydroxyl residues. It:

1. D-wine, in another way - tartaric acid.
2. L is tartaric acid.
3. Antiviral, in another way - mezovinnaya acid.
4. Grape acid, which is a mixture of tartaric acids L- and D-.

Physical properties

Tartaric acids are identical in chemical properties. However, they are completely different and there are significant differences in physical parameters. For example, the D- and L- tartaric acids begin to melt at a temperature of 140 ° C, the grape acid from 240 to 246 ° C, mesogenic acid - 140 ° C.

With regard to solubility, the first two compounds are perfectly soluble in water, and the remaining two compounds are resistant to moisture.

Salts of tartaric acid

Tartaric acid can form only two types of salts: acidic and medium. Compounds of the latter type can completely dissolve in water. However, when immersed in corrosive alkali, Rochelle crystals form. Acid monosubstituted acids are poorly soluble in liquids. This applies not only to water, but also alcohol and wine drinks. They gradually settle on the walls of the vessels. After that, the contents are carefully extracted and used to produce an organic acid.

As for the tartar, it is found not only in the juice of grape fruits, but also in nectars with pulp, and in pastes made from fruits.

Daily rate

Tartaric acids are simply necessary for the body with an increased radiation background, dysfunction of the digestive system, permanent stresses, and also with a decreased acidity of the stomach.

These compounds are found in acidic fruits. The maximum concentration of tartaric acid is concentrated in rhubarb, papaya, cowberry, quince, pomegranate, cherry, gooseberry, black currant, lime, oranges, avocado, tangerines, cherries, apples and grapes.

With a correct and balanced diet, the daily requirement for such compounds is fully covered. For normal body work, men need 15 to 20 milligrams of tartaric acid, women from 13 to 15 milligrams, and children from 5 to 12 milligrams.

Why is tartaric acid useful?

The properties of tartaric acid are difficult to overestimate. This compound has biological significance. Wine acid:

1. Tones the heart muscle.
2. Expands blood vessels.
3. Stimulates the synthesis of collagen.
4. Increases the elasticity and elasticity of the skin.
5. Protects from the oxidation of cells of the body.
6. Increases the speed of all metabolic processes.
7. Reacts with radionuclides, and also speeds up their removal from the body.

When using this supplement, it is worth considering that exceeding the daily allowance is fraught with consequences. There may be signs of an overdose, which include paralysis, dizziness, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, excessive use of the reagent can lead to death. Death occurs in situations where the dose of tartaric acid exceeds 7.5 grams per kilogram of weight.

To not cause damage to your body, it is not recommended to increase the daily norm of the substance yourself. This can only be done by the attending physician. Especially if the patient is predisposed to herpes, has sensitive skin or has a disrupted mechanism for the assimilation of certain acids.

Application in food industry

Tartaric acid, the formula of which is indicated above, makes it possible to slow down the processes of decay and decomposition of products. Due to this property, the compound has become widely used in the food industry. Tartaric acid prevents premature damage to flour, as well as canned products. Very often, the compound is used as an antioxidant reagent or an acidity regulator.

In the composition of alcoholic beverages, table water, bakery and confectionery products, as well as canned products, tartaric acid is present. Getting this component is a simple process. To do this, waste is used, which are formed as a result of obtaining a wine beverage.

It should be noted that the substrate is used to preserve the whiteness and plasticity of the chocolate glaze, fixing the whipped proteins, and also for loosening the dough. In addition, the additive E334 allows you to soften the taste of alcoholic wine, making them more tart and pleasant.

Use of tartaric acid in other spheres

Tartaric acid is widely used not only in the food industry, but also in pharmaceuticals. For medical purposes, the compound is used as an auxiliary component. It is used in the manufacture of soluble drugs, some laxatives, as well as effervescent tablets.

Tartaric acid is also used in cosmetology. This compound is a part of many professional shampoos, lotions, creams and peelings, intended for hair and skin care.

In fact, tartaric acid is used in many areas. For example, the compound is used in the textile industry to fix the color as a result of the dyeing of the fabrics. In construction, the additive is used as a reagent. It is added to gypsum and cement mixes. Due to this, the mass freezes more slowly.

Segnetovuyu salt used in the manufacture of computers, loudspeakers and microphones, due to its piezoelectric properties.