Malic Acid

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 Malic Acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in many fruits, particularly apples, and is commonly used as a food additive, flavor enhancer, and acidulant. It is available in crystalline or powder form and has a strong, tart taste. Commercially, it is produced synthetically or extracted from natural sources. Malic Acid exists in two isomeric forms: L-malic acid (naturally occurring and biologically active) and DL-malic acid (synthetic racemic mixture). It is highly soluble in water and widely used in food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Description

Malic Acid

Primary Uses

  1. Food & Beverage Industry

  • Acidulant: Adds tartness and enhances flavor in beverages, candies, fruit preparations, jams, and jellies.
  • Preservative: Lowers pH to inhibit microbial growth and prolong shelf life.
  • Flavor Enhancer: Intensifies fruit flavors and balances sweetness in soft drinks and desserts.
  • pH Control Agent: Used to adjust acidity in processed foods and beverages.
  • Leavening Agent: In baking powders (when combined with bicarbonates), improves leavening efficiency.
  1. Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Excipient: Acts as a flavoring agent in chewable tablets, syrups, and effervescent formulations.
  • Buffering Agent: Helps stabilize pH in oral medicines and topical products.
  • Chelating Agent: Used to bind metal ions and enhance bioavailability of active ingredients.
  • Active Ingredient: Occasionally used in formulations for kidney stone prevention and metabolic support.
  1. Cosmetic & Personal Care Products

  • Exfoliant: Used in skincare products (e.g., peels, cleansers) for gentle exfoliation and skin renewal.
  • pH Adjuster: Helps balance acidity in creams, lotions, and shampoos.
  • Humectant: Attracts moisture to the skin, improving hydration in lotions and serums.
  1. Chemical & Industrial Applications

  • Metal Cleaning & Surface Treatment: Functions as a chelating and descaling agent in industrial cleaners.
  • Electroplating: Used in some metal plating processes for complexing metal ions.
  • Polymer Additive: Occasionally used in biodegradable polymers and resins to improve flexibility or processing.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. Animal Nutrition

  • Used as a feed additive to improve palatability and digestion in livestock and poultry.
  1. Agriculture & Horticulture

  • Used in foliar sprays and nutrient solutions to enhance nutrient uptake through chelation.
  • Sometimes added to crop treatments as a pH buffer and stabilizer.
  1. Dental Applications

  • Incorporated in tooth whiteners and mouth rinses for pH control and flavor enhancement.
  • Occasionally used in plaque-removing formulations.
  1. Laboratory & Research

  • Used in biochemical research as a buffering or pH-adjusting agent in enzyme assays and fermentation processes.
  1. Beverage Mixes & Nutraceuticals

  • Included in sports drinks, dietary supplements, and rehydration salts for tartness and mineral absorption.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes
  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid
  • Common/Trade Name: Malic Acid
  • CAS Number: 6915-15-7 (DL-malic acid); 97-67-6 (L-malic acid)
  • HS Code: 2918.19.00
  • Synonyms: Hydroxybutanedioic acid; Apple acid; DL-malic acid; L-malic acid

 

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties
  • Physical State: Crystalline solid or fine powder
  • Color & Odor: White; odorless
  • Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol
  • Melting Point: 100–130 °C (varies by isomer)
  • Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
  • Molecular Formula: Câ‚„H₆Oâ‚…
  • Molecular Weight: 134.09 g/mol
  • pH (1% solution): 2.0–3.0
  • Taste: Strongly acidic, sour
  • Stability: Stable under dry, cool conditions

 

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes
  • GHS Classification:
    • Eye Irritant – Category 2
    • Skin Irritant – Category 2 (in concentrated forms)
  • Toxicity: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately
  • Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
  • Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic

 

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container
  • Container Type: Food-grade plastic or fiber drums with inner liners
  • Shelf Life: Typically 2 years under optimal storage conditions
  • Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; wear protective gear when handling large quantities

 

  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
  • Approved as food additive (E296) by FDA, EFSA, Codex Alimentarius
  • Conforms to USP, FCC, and food-grade standards
  • REACH registered and compliant with global chemical safety regulations
  • Labeling must include purity grade and additive code when used in food

 

  1. Environmental & Health Impact
  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
  • Ecotoxicity: Low; minimal environmental risk under typical usage
  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified; safe for intended applications
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  1. Safety Handling Precautions
  • PPE Required: Safety goggles, gloves, dust mask (for powder handling)
  • Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated area; avoid eye or prolonged skin contact
  • Storage Measures: Keep tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption; store away from strong oxidizers

 

  1. First Aid Measures
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air if inhaled; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; apply moisturizer if dryness occurs
  • Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation continues
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; non-toxic in small amounts, but seek advice if large quantity is consumed

 

  1. Firefighting Measures
  • Fire Hazards: Not flammable, but may decompose at high temperatures
  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
  • Special Precautions: Wear appropriate protective equipment and breathing apparatus
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce carbon oxides (CO, COâ‚‚)