Cream of Tartar

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Cream of Tartar, chemically known as Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate (KC4H5O6), is a fine, white, acidic powder that is a byproduct of winemaking. It is a natural crystalline acid salt obtained from tartaric acid during the fermentation of grapes. This odorless and tasteless powder is widely used in culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications due to its stabilizing, acidifying, and leavening properties. Cream of Tartar is valued for its ability to stabilize egg whites, prevent sugar crystallization, and act as an acidulant in various formulations.

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Categories: Acidulants, Dough Conditioners, Emulsifiers, Leavening Agents, Preservatives(food) Tags: Baking stabilizer, Cream of tartar, Natural acid salt, odorless powder, Potassium bitartrate, White

Description

Cream of Tartar Uses

Table of Contents

Primary Uses

Culinary & Food Industry

Acts as a stabilizer for whipped egg whites in meringues, soufflés, and frostings, preventing collapse.
Used as an acidulant in baking powders combined with baking soda to release carbon dioxide and cause dough rising.
Prevents sugar crystallization in syrups, candies, and frostings, ensuring smooth texture.
Used to enhance the flavor and texture of certain baked goods and beverages.

Pharmaceuticals & Medical

Utilized as an effervescent agent in antacid formulations combined with sodium bicarbonate.
Serves as a stabilizing agent in some pharmaceutical suspensions and powders.

Secondary Uses

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Incorporated in cosmetic powders and skin care formulations as a pH adjuster and mild exfoliant.

Cleaning Agent

Employed as a mild abrasive and acidulant in some household cleaning products.

Laboratory & Industrial Uses

Used as a buffering agent in chemical laboratories to maintain acidic pH conditions.

Acts as a raw material in some organic synthesis processes.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Potassium hydrogen tartrate
Common/Trade Name: Cream of Tartar
CAS Number: 638-22-6
HS Code: 2918.14.00
Molecular Formula: KC4H5O6
Synonyms:
- Potassium bitartrate
- Tartaric acid potassium salt
- Wine tartar

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Fine powder
Color & Odor: White; odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes at about 168 °C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Density: ~2.5 g/cm³
Solubility:
- Slightly soluble in cold water (0.5 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- More soluble in hot water
- Insoluble in alcohol
pH: Acidic (~3–4 in aqueous solution)
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Generally recognized as safe (GRAS)
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits: No specific limits; safe for general use
Toxicity: Non-toxic; used safely in food and pharmaceuticals
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal conditions

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and contaminants
Container Type: Airtight food-grade containers or bags
Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly
Special Handling: Avoid moisture absorption; keep containers sealed

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA Status: GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for food use (21 CFR §184.1069)
Food Additive Code (EU): E336
REACH Status: Registered
Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous material
Waste Disposal: Can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; biodegradable
Persistence: Naturally breaks down in environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as hazardous

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Standard gloves and dust mask when handling in bulk
Protective eyewear if dust exposure is significant

Handling Measures:

Avoid inhaling dust
Minimize dust generation in processing areas

Storage Measures:

Keep containers tightly sealed to avoid moisture uptake

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands after handling
Avoid eating or drinking in handling areas

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhaled; seek medical advice if irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water; irritation unlikely
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Non-toxic; excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; not combustible
Extinguishing Media: Use appropriate extinguishing agents for surrounding fire
Special Precautions: None required
Decomposition Products: Does not decompose under fire conditions