tartaric acid

nounChemistry.

an organic compound, C4H6O6, existing in four isomeric forms, the common or dextrorotatory isomer being a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder or transparent crystals: used in effervescent beverages, baking powders, confections, photography, and tanning.

Origin of tartaric acid

First recorded in 1800–10

Words Nearby tartaric acid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tartaric acid in a sentence

The greater portion of the copper, however, is present as part of the complex negative ion of cupric-tartaric acid and its salts.
The Elements of Qualitative Chemical Analysis, vol. 1, parts 1 and 2. | Julius Stieglitz
Take four ounces of powdered tartaric acid, and two drachms of essential oil of lemon.
Domestic French Cookery, 4th ed. | Sulpice Baru
Heat gently, and a silver mirror will form if tartaric acid is present.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. Bruce
A rose-red color forms if tartaric acid or tartrates are present.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. Bruce
A precipitate will form if tartaric acid is present and it will dissolve in an excess of ammonium chlorid or acetic acid.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants | Edwin M. Bruce

British Dictionary definitions for tartaric acid

tartaric acid

noun

a colourless or white odourless crystalline water-soluble dicarboxylic acid existing in four stereoisomeric forms, the commonest being the dextrorotatory (d-) compound which is found in many fruits: used as a food additive (E334) in soft drinks, confectionery, and baking powders and in tanning and photography. Formula: HOOCCH(OH)CH(OH)COOH: Systematic name: 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for tartaric acid

tartaric acid

[ tär-tăr′ĭk ]

A crystalline organic acid that exists in three isomeric forms and occurs widely in plants. It is found in byproducts of wine fermentation and has a wide variety of uses, including to make cream of tartar and baking powder, to add effervescence to beverages, to polish metal, in printing and dyeing, and to make photographic chemicals. Chemical formula: C4H6O6.

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