Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid with a variety of uses, including some applications in medicine. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Properties:
- Tartaric acid is a white, crystalline powder with a tart taste.
- It occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, most notably grapes.
- It's a weak organic acid and exists in different forms depending on its molecular structure.
Medical Uses:
- In medicine, tartaric acid has limited direct use.
- However, it's sometimes used as an inactive ingredient (excipient) in medications due to its acidic properties and ability to improve taste.
- One example is its use in effervescent tablets, where it reacts with baking soda to create fizz.
Other Uses:
- Tartaric acid has broader applications outside of medicine. Here are some examples:
- In the food industry, it's used as an acidulant (souring agent) in candies, beverages, and other food products.
- It plays a role in cream of tartar, a leavening agent in baking.
- In some cases, it's used in winemaking to adjust acidity levels.
Safety:
- In general, tartaric acid is safe for consumption in small amounts as found in food.
- However, in high concentrations, it can be corrosive and irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
External Links
Tartaric acid