1. Tartaric Acid
•Properties: An important organic acid with strong sourness (about 1.3 times that of citric acid).
•Source: Produced by oxidation and hydrolysis of maleic anhydride with hydrogen peroxide.
•Types: DL-Tartaric acid, L(+)-Tartaric acid (food grade/industrial grade).
Main Applications:
•Food: Acidulant (grape juice, wine, beverages, candies, bread), beer foaming agent, flavor corrector.
•Pharmaceuticals: Resolving agent, salt-forming agent, raw material for APIs.
•Industry: Tanning, photography, glass, enamel, telecommunication equipment, metal surface treatment, desulfurization.
•Construction: Retarder for gypsum and cement.
•Daily Chemicals: Cosmetics and health products.
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2. Sodium Tartrate (Na2C4H4O6)
•Karl Fischer reagent standardization.
•Masking agent, complexing agent, biochemical reagent.
•Treatment for hyperacidity.
•Food industry: acid regulator, buffer, emulsifying salt, antioxidant, synergist.
•Beverage flavoring (soft drinks, sake, candies, etc.).
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3. Potassium Tartrate (K2C4H4O6)
•Analytical reagent.
•Microbiological culture medium.
•Pharmaceutical industry.
•Food: acidulant, foaming agent (grape juice, beer).
•Glass, enamel, tanning, photography, telecommunication materials.
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4. Potassium Sodium Tartrate (Seignette Salt, NaKC4H4O6)
•Printing, mirror-making, thermos bottle industry (reducing agent).
•Electroplating industry (complexing agent).
•Medicine (mild laxative).
•Telecommunication (crystal loudspeakers, microphones).
•Fertilizer industry (ADA desulfurization agent).
•Food analysis (Fehling’s reagent for reducing sugars).
•Analytical chemistry (metal ion masking).
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5. Potassium Bitartrate (KHC4H4O6)
•Food industry: acidulant for grape juice and beverages (approved by FAO/WHO as safe food additive).
•Analytical chemistry: determination of Bi, Al, Ni.
•Microbiological culture medium.
•Glass, tanning, photography, telecommunication industry.
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6. General Applications of Tartrates
•Food: Dairy, meat, bakery, noodles, beverages, candies, condiments.
•Pharmaceuticals: APIs, laxatives, resolving agents, health supplements.
•Industry: Electroplating, glass, surface treatment, concrete additives.
•Daily Chemicals: Cosmetics, toothpaste, personal care products.
•Feed: Pet food, aquaculture feed, veterinary products.
