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.

Description

Cream of Tartar Uses

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