Leave A Message
If you are interested in our products and want to know more details,please leave a message here,we will reply you as soon as we can.
Submit
API series
Home API series

99.5% Purity L(+)-Tartaric acid CAS 87-69-4

99.5% Purity L(+)-Tartaric acid CAS 87-69-4

L-(+)-Tartaric acid​ CAS 87-69-4 is a naturally occurring organic acid belonging to the class of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids. It is one of the four stereoisomers of tartaric acid, specifically the ​L-(+)​​ enantiomer, which is the form commonly found in nature. It is a white, crystalline solid widely present in many plants, particularly in grapes, bananas, tamarinds, and citrus fruits. In wine-making, it is a primary acid found in grape must and plays a crucial role in the taste and stability of wine.

 

  • Name :

    L(+)-Tartaric acid
  • CAS No. :

    87-69-4
  • MF :

    C₄H₆O₆
  • MW :

    150.09
  • Purity :

    99.5%
  • Appearance :

    White crystalline powder or colorless crystals

Chemical Properties

CAS Number:​​ 87-69-4

​Molecular Formula:​​ C₄H₆O₆

​Molecular Weight:​​ 150.09 g/mol

​Structural Formula:​​ HOOC-CH(OH)-CH(OH)-COOH

​IUPAC Name:​​ (2R,3R)-2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid

​Key Characteristics:​​ Possesses two chiral carbon atoms, making it optically active. The L-(+) enantiomer rotates plane-polarized light in the (+) direction (dextrorotatory).

​Synonyms:​​

L-(+)-Tartaric acid

Natural tartaric acid

(2R,3R)-Tartaric acid

Dihydroxysuccinic acid

Threaric acid

E334 (when used as a food additive)

​Physical State:​​ White crystalline powder or colorless crystals.

​Melting Point:​​ 171-174 °C (decomposes upon further heating).

​Optical Rotation:​​ [α]²⁰D = +12.0° to +13.0° (c = 20 in H₂O).

​Solubility:​​ Highly soluble in water (139 g/100 mL at 20°C), soluble in ethanol, slightly soluble in ether, and practically insoluble in chloroform and benzene.

​Acidity:​​ A strong diprotic acid with two carboxylic acid groups (pKa₁ = 2.98, pKa₂ = 4.34). The hydroxyl groups can also participate in complex formation.

​Stability:​​ Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. It is hygroscopic and may absorb moisture from the air. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, bases, and reducing agents.

​Taste:​​ A strongly acidic taste.

 

Biological Activities

​Natural Role:​​ A key metabolite in many plants, contributing to fruit acidity. In humans, it is metabolized and does not accumulate, generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Pharmacological/Toxicological Profile:​

    Safety:​​ Generally non-toxic and approved as a food additive. The human body can metabolize small amounts efficiently. However, very high oral doses can act as a purgative and may cause renal toxicity due to crystal formation.

    ​Chelating Agent:​​ Its hydroxyl groups allow it to chelate metal ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium, copper), which is the basis for its use as a sequestrant and in some cleaning applications.

    Antioxidant Activity:​​ Exhibits mild antioxidant properties, primarily in food systems, by chelating pro-oxidant metal ions.

 

Biosynthesis

​Natural Biosynthesis:​​ Produced in plants via several biochemical pathways. A primary route in grapes involves the conversion of ​ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)​. Another pathway originates from carbohydrate metabolism via glyoxylic acid. The L-(+) form is the exclusive product of enzymatic synthesis in nature.

​Industrial Production:​​ Historically isolated from ​wine-making by-products​ (argol—potassium bitartrate deposits formed during wine fermentation). The modern primary source is the ​chemical synthesis from maleic anhydride. Maleic anhydride is oxidized with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a tungsten catalyst, yielding a racemic mixture (DL-tartaric acid), which is then resolved to obtain the desired L-(+) isomer, often using chiral amines. Biotechnological fermentation methods are also an area of development.

 

Applications

  • #
    Food & Beverage 
    Acidulant:​​ Provides a sharp, tart taste to soft drinks, candies, and desserts.
    Leavening Agent:​​ Component of baking powder, reacting with bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide.
    Stabilizer & Antioxidant:​​ In jams, jellies, and to prevent discoloration in foods.
    Wine Industry:​​ The most important application. Used for ​acidification​ ("acid adjustment") of wine in warm climates, and in the production of ​cream of tartar​ (potassium bitartrate).
  • #
    Pharmaceuticals
    As a ​chiral resolving agent​ to separate racemic mixtures of amines (forming diastereomeric salts).
    An excipient in effervescent tablets and powders.
    Used in some formulations as an acidifier.
  • #
    Chemical Industry
    Precursor for Derivatives:​​ Used to make tartrate salts (e.g., antimony potassium tartrate, historically an emetic), esters, and other organic compounds.
    Complexing Agent:​​ In electroplating solutions, metal cleaning/polishing, and as a mordant in textile dyeing.
  • #
    Other Applications
    Cosmetics:​​ As a pH adjuster and chelating agent in creams and lotions.
    ​Construction:​​ As a set retarder for gypsum plasters and concrete.
  •  

 

FAQs

​Q1: What is the difference between L-(+)-Tartaric Acid, D-(-)-Tartaric Acid, and Racemic Acid?​​

A1: They are stereoisomers. ​L-(+)-Tartaric acid​ (natural form) is dextrorotatory. Its mirror image, ​D-(-)-Tartaric acid, is levorotatory. A 50:50 mixture of the D and L forms is called ​racemic acid (DL-tartaric acid)​​ or ​Racemic Acid, which is optically inactive. A fourth isomer, ​meso-tartaric acid, is internally compensated and also optically inactive.

​Q2: Is it safe for consumption?​​

A2: Yes, it is ​Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)​​ by the FDA and approved as a food additive (E334) worldwide. It is a natural component of many fruits.

​Q3: Why is it so important in wine making?​​

A3: It is the primary acid in grapes. Winemakers add it to:

       ​Adjust Acidity:​​ To balance flavor and enhance microbial stability.

       ​Influence Taste:​​ Provides a crisp, tart sensation.

       ​Prevent Precipitation:​​ Its potassium salt (cream of tartar) can crystallize in wine bottles; controlling its levels is crucial.

​Q4: How should it be stored?​​

A4: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials (strong bases, oxidizers). Due to its hygroscopic nature, keep it away from moisture.

​Q5: What are the main handling precautions?​​

A5: While low in toxicity, it is a strong organic acid. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid creating dust. Wear ​protective gloves, eye protection, and clothing​ to prevent irritation. Dust can irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. In case of contact, wash thoroughly with water.

​Q6: Can it be used as a substitute for citric acid?​​

A6: In some applications (e.g., as an acidulant), yes, but the taste profile is different (tartaric acid has a sharper, more astringent taste). Functionally, in applications like chelation or leavening, it can sometimes be substituted, but formulation adjustments are often needed.

​Q7: What is the primary source for commercial production?​​

A7: While it can be recovered from wine industry by-products, the vast majority is now produced synthetically from ​maleic anhydride, which provides a more consistent and scalable supply.

​Q8: What is its shelf life?​​

A8: When stored properly in its original, unopened packaging, it typically has a shelf life of ​3-5 years. Once opened, it should be kept sealed to prevent moisture absorption and caking.

Leave A Message
If you are interested in our products and want to know more details,please leave a message here,we will reply you as soon as we can.

Related Products

Procaine hydrochloride ​C₁₃H₂₁ClN₂O₂ CAS 51-05-8
98% Purity Procaine hydrochloride CAS 51-05-8

Procaine Hydrochloride CAS 51-05-8 is the water-soluble hydrochloride salt of procaine. It is the specific formulation used in clinical medicine, famously marketed under the brand name ​Novocain. While its use in mainstream practice has diminished, it remains a historically pivotal drug and is still employed in specific medical and therapeutic contexts.  

Details
2-methyl-3-phenylpropanamide CAS 7499-19-6
97% Purity 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanamide CAS 7499-19-6

2-Methyl-3-phenylpropanamide CAS 7499-19-6 is a chiral organic compound primarily recognized as a ​key synthetic intermediate​ in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its structure, featuring a phenylpropionate backbone with a methyl side chain and an amide terminal, makes it a valuable building block, most notably for the synthesis of the Class III antiarrhythmic drug ​Ibutilide.  

Details
C₁₂H₁₄O₃ CAS 718-08-1
97% Purity Ethyl 3-oxo-4-phenylbutanoate CAS 718-08-1

Ethyl 3-oxo-4-phenylbutanoate CAS 718-08-1​ (also known as ethyl 4-phenyl-3-oxobutanoate or ethyl benzylacetoacetate) is an organic compound belonging to the class of β-keto esters. It features both a ketone and an ester functional group, with a phenyl substituent at the 4-position. Its structure makes it a versatile building block in organic synthesis, particularly in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing.  

Details
C₁₄H₁₄O₅ CAS 74965-87-0
97% 2,2-Dimethyl-5-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione CAS 74965-87-0

2,2-Dimethyl-5-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione​ CAS 74965-87-0 is a specialized heterocyclic organic compound. Its structure features a 1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione core (a Meldrum's acid derivative) that is substituted at the 2-position with two methyl groups and at the 5-position with a 2-oxo-2-phenylethyl (phenacyl) group. This makes it a versatile, reactive scaffold in synthetic organic chemistry, particularly for constructing more complex molecules.  

Details
C₁₀H₁₁BrO CAS 1451-83-8
High Purity 2-bromo-3-methylpropiophenone CAS 1451-83-8

2-Bromo-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one CAS 1451-83-8, commonly referred to as 2-bromo-3´-methylpropiophenone or 2-bromo-3-methylpropiophenone, is an α-brominated ketone. It is an aryl alkyl ketone derivative where a bromine atom is substituted at the alpha-carbon of the propiophenone chain, and a methyl group is present on the phenyl ring at the meta position. This structure makes it a valuable alkylating agent and electrophilic building block in organic synthesis.  

Details
L(+)-Tartaric acid CAS 87-69-4
99.5% Purity L(+)-Tartaric acid CAS 87-69-4

L-(+)-Tartaric acid​ CAS 87-69-4 is a naturally occurring organic acid belonging to the class of α-hydroxycarboxylic acids. It is one of the four stereoisomers of tartaric acid, specifically the ​L-(+)​​ enantiomer, which is the form commonly found in nature. It is a white, crystalline solid widely present in many plants, particularly in grapes, bananas, tamarinds, and citrus fruits. In wine-making, it is a primary acid found in grape must and plays a crucial role in the taste and stability of wine.  

Details
Pyrrolidine CAS 123-75-1
99% Purity Pyrrolidine CAS 123-75-1

Pyrrolidine​ CAS 123-75-1 is a saturated, five-membered heterocyclic organic compound containing a secondary amine group. It is a cyclic secondary amine and the simplest saturated azacyclopentane, serving as the structural core for numerous alkaloids and pharmaceuticals. The molecule is fully hydrogenated relative to pyrrole, giving it basic properties.  

Details
n- Hexane CAS 110-54-3
99% Purity n- Hexane CAS 110-54-3

n-Hexane​ CAS 110-54-3 is a straight-chain, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon (an alkane) consisting of six carbon atoms. It is a volatile, colorless liquid that is a major component of petroleum ether and gasoline fractions. As a non-polar solvent, it is widely used in industrial applications, but it is also known for its potential neurotoxicity with prolonged exposure.  

Details

Leave A Message

Leave A Message
If you are interested in our products and want to know more details,please leave a message here,we will reply you as soon as we can.
Submit

Home

Products

whatsApp

contact