Tartaric acids are compounds that are often found in the plant world. These can be both free isomers and acid salts. The main source of this substance is ripe grape fruits. Tartar, in other words, potassium insoluble salts, are formed during the fermentation of a drink from berries. This food supplement is labeled E334. It is most often obtained from secondary products of processing wine products.
Tartaric acid: formula and varieties
Tartaric acid is a hygroscopic crystal that is odorless and colorless. However, the substance has a pronounced sour taste. All varieties of tartaric acid are highly soluble in water, as well as in ethanol. Compounds are more resistant to aliphatic hydrocarbons, benzene and ether. The chemical formula of this compound is: C 4 H 6 O 6 .
Tartaric acid is found in the form of 4 isomers. This is due to the symmetric and equilibrium arrangement of acid carboxyls, hydrogen ions and hydroxyl residues. It:
- D-tartaric, in another way - tartaric acid.
- L- tartaric acid.
- Antivic, in a different way - mesovic acid.
- Grape acid, which is a mixture of tartaric acids L- and D-.
Physical properties
Tartaric acids are identical in chemical properties. However, they are completely different and there are significant differences in physical parameters. For example, tartaric acids D- and L- begin to melt at a temperature of 140 ° C, grape acid - from 240 to 246 ° C, mesovic acid - 140 ° C.
As for solubility, the first two compounds are highly soluble in water, and the other two are resistant to moisture.
Tartaric acid salts
Tartaric acid can form only two types of salts: acidic and medium. Compounds of the latter type can be completely dissolved in water. However, when immersed in caustic alkali, Rochelle crystals form them. Acid monosubstituted acids are poorly soluble in liquids. This applies not only to water, but also to alcohol and wine drinks. They gradually settle on the walls of blood vessels. After that, the contents are carefully extracted and used to produce organic acid.
As for tartar, it is found not only in the juice of grape fruit, but also in nectars with pulp, and in pastas made from fruits.
Daily rate
Tartaric acids are simply necessary for the body with increased radiation background, digestive system dysfunction, constant stress, as well as with reduced acidity of the stomach.
These compounds are found in acidic fruits. The maximum concentration of tartaric acid is concentrated in rhubarb, papaya, lingonberry, quince, pomegranate, sweet cherry, gooseberries, black currant, lime, oranges, avocados, tangerines, cherries, apples and grapes.
With proper and balanced nutrition, the daily need for such compounds is fully covered. For normal functioning of the body, men need from 15 to 20 milligrams of tartaric acid, women from 13 to 15 milligrams, and children from 5 to 12 milligrams.
What is useful tartaric acid
The properties of tartaric acid are difficult to overestimate. This compound has biological significance. Wine acid:
- Tones up the heart muscle.
- Expands blood vessels.
- Stimulates collagen synthesis.
- Increases firmness and elasticity of the skin.
- Protects against oxidation of body cells.
- Increases the flow rate of all metabolic processes.
- It reacts with radionuclides, and also accelerates their excretion from the body.
When using this supplement, it is worth considering that exceeding the daily norm is fraught with consequences. Overdose symptoms may occur, including paralysis, dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, excessive use of the reagent can be fatal. Death occurs in those situations when the dose of tartaric acid exceeds 7.5 grams per 1 kilogram of weight.
In order not to harm your body, it is not recommended to increase the daily norm of the substance yourself. This can only be done by your doctor. Especially if the patient is predisposed to herpes, has sensitive skin, or the mechanism of absorption of certain acids is impaired.
Application in the food industry
Tartaric acid, the formula of which is indicated above, allows you to slow down the processes of decay and decay of products. Due to this property, the compound has been widely used in the food industry. Tartaric acid prevents premature spoilage of flour and canned foods. Very often, the compound is used as an antioxidant reagent or acidity regulator.
The composition of alcoholic beverages, table water, bakery and confectionery products, as well as canned foods contains tartaric acid. Obtaining this component is a simple process. To do this, use the waste that is formed as a result of obtaining a wine drink.
It is worth noting that the substrate is used to preserve the whiteness and plasticity of chocolate glaze, to fix whipped proteins, as well as to loosen the dough. In addition, the addition of E334 allows you to soften the taste of alcoholic wine drinks, making them more tart and enjoyable.
Use of tartaric acid in other areas
Tartaric acid is widely used not only in the food industry, but also in pharmaceuticals. For medical purposes, the compound is used as an auxiliary component. It is used in the manufacture of soluble drugs, some laxative drugs, as well as effervescent tablets.
Tartaric acid is also used in cosmetology. This compound is part of many professional shampoos, lotions, creams and peels designed for hair and skin care.
In fact, tartaric acid is used in many fields. For example, the compound is used in the textile industry to fix color as a result of dyeing fabrics. In construction, the additive is used as a reagent. It is added to gypsum and cement mixtures. Due to this, the mass hardens more slowly.
Fermented salt is used in the manufacturing process of computers, speakers and microphones, due to its piezoelectric properties.