Tartaric Acid 500gm
Original price was: KSh1,745.00.KSh1,550.00Current price is: KSh1,550.00.
Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in many plants, particularly in grapes, bananas, and tamarinds. It is well-known for its significant role in the wine industry, where it helps stabilize the wine and contributes to its taste. Here are some key aspects and uses of tartaric acid:
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula: C4_44H6_66O6_66
- Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
Natural Occurrence
Tartaric acid is widely found in nature, predominantly in fruits like grapes, apricots, and apples. The potassium salt of tartaric acid, known as potassium bitartrate or cream of tartar, is a byproduct of winemaking.
Industrial Production
Commercially, tartaric acid is often produced as a byproduct of wine production. The process involves:
- Extraction: The sediment left in wine barrels, known as “lees,” is treated to extract potassium bitartrate.
- Purification: The crude potassium bitartrate is then purified and converted to tartaric acid.
Uses of Tartaric Acid
1. Chiral Resolution
Tartaric acid is used to resolve racemic mixtures of organic compounds into their enantiomers. This process is essential in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other fine chemicals.
2. Chelating Agent
Tartaric acid acts as a chelating agent, binding to metal ions to form stable complexes. This property is utilized in:
- Analytical Chemistry: To remove or mask metal ions that may interfere with analytical methods.
- Metal Titrations: Used in complexometric titrations to determine metal ion concentrations.
3. Buffer Solutions
Tartaric acid can be used to prepare buffer solutions. These buffers are important in maintaining a constant pH in various biochemical and chemical processes.
4. Synthesis of Other Compounds
Tartaric acid serves as a starting material or reagent in the synthesis of various chemical compounds, including:
- Organic Synthesis: Used to produce esters, lactones, and other derivatives.
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Intermediate in the synthesis of drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
5. Standardization
Tartaric acid is used as a primary standard in titrimetric analyses due to its high purity and stability. It helps calibrate instruments and standardize solutions.
6. Polarimetry
In polarimetric studies, tartaric acid is used to investigate the optical activity of compounds. This is crucial for determining the concentration and purity of optically active substances.
7. Coordination Chemistry
Tartaric acid is used in coordination chemistry studies to form complexes with transition metals, aiding in the investigation of metal-ligand interactions.
8. Staining Reagent
In microscopy, tartaric acid is a component of some staining solutions, helping to highlight structures in biological specimens.
9. Electroplating
Tartaric acid is used in the formulation of electrolytes for electroplating processes. It helps improve the quality and adhesion of metal coatings.
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