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Citric acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid
State
State

At room temperature, citric acid is typically a solid. It is highly soluble in water and can form solutions with various concentrations.

Melting point (Celsius)
153.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
426.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
310.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
583.15
General information
Molecular weight
192.13g/mol
Molar mass
192.1260g/mol
Density
1.6650g/cm3
Appearence

Citric acid appears as a white crystalline powder. It can also occur as colorless crystals. The compound is odorless and has a strong, tart taste, which is characteristic of citrus fruits. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid (C6H8O7)

2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid, commonly known as citric acid, exhibits noteworthy solubility properties that are of significant interest:

  • Water Solubility: This compound is highly soluble in water. At room temperature, it can dissolve in water easily, making it an excellent candidate for various aqueous solutions.
  • Solvent Compatibility: Aside from water, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid is also soluble in other solvents, such as ethanol and acetone, which broadens its application scope.
  • pH Influence: The solubility can be further influenced by pH levels. As a weak acid, it dissociates in solution, increasing its solubility as the pH declines (i.e., in more acidic environments).

In conclusion, the solubility of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid is an essential feature, making it not only suitable for food and beverage applications but also for various biotechnological processes. Its ability to dissolve readily in aqueous solutions underscores its versatility and usefulness.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-Butanedioic Acid

2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid, also known as tartaric acid, is a fascinating compound with a range of uses and properties that make it significant in both the chemical and culinary worlds. Here are some engaging facts about this compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: Tartaric acid is naturally found in many plants, particularly in grapes. It is a key component in the winemaking process, as it helps to stabilize wine by preventing the formation of tartrate crystals.
  • Acidic Nature: As a dicarboxylic acid, tartaric acid exhibits both the properties of an acid and a natural stabilizer, making it an essential ingredient in numerous food products.
  • Culinary Uses: Beyond winemaking, tartaric acid is commonly used in baking as a stabilizing agent for egg whites and cream, providing improved texture and volume in recipes.
  • Industrial Applications: Tartaric acid finds uses in the pharmaceutical industry and in the manufacture of certain types of cosmetics, owing to its safety and effectiveness.
  • History and Discovery: This compound has a long history, first isolated from tartar deposits on wine barrels in the 19th century, denoting its historical significance in the evolution of organic chemistry.

In summary, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid is a versatile compound with both practical applications and rich cultural ties. Its role in food science and industry, coupled with its extensive natural presence, highlights the deep connections between chemistry and our daily lives.

Synonyms
Citramalic acid
2-hydroxy-2-methylbutanedioic acid
597-44-4
citramalate
DL-Citramalic acid
2-Methylmalic acid
2-Hydroxy-2-methylsuccinic acid
2306-22-1
2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid
102601-31-0
alpha-Hydroxypyrotartaric acid
2-Hydroxy-2-methylbutane-1,4-dioic acid
(+/-)-Citramalic acid sodium salt
butanedioic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-
FGC721P65H
2-Deoxy-3-C-methyltetraric acid
NSC-80648
(+/-)-Citramalic acid dipotassium salt
Malic acid, 2-methyl-
UNII-FGC721P65H
DL-Citramalate
(b)-Citramalate
EINECS 209-901-5
(b)-Citramalic acid
(1)-2-Hydroxy-2-methylsuccinic acid
(b)-2-Methylmalate
(+-)-2-hydroxy-2-methylsuccinic acid
(RS)-citramalic acid
2-methyl-(b)-Malate
(R,S)-b-Methylmalate
(b)-2-Methylmalic acid
(R,S)-beta-Methylmalate
(R,S)-(b)-Citramalate
(r,s)-b-methylmalic acid
2-methyl-(b)-Malic acid
(L)-(+)-Citramalic acid
SCHEMBL61203
CITRAMALIC ACID [MI]
(R,S)-beta-Methylmalic acid
2-Deoxy-3-C-methyltetrarate
(R,S)-(b)-Citramalic acid
2-Hydroxy-2-methylsuccinicacid
(+/-)-CITRAMALIC ACID
2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioate
CHEBI:15584
DTXSID40862265
NSC80648
CITRAMALIC ACID, (+/-)-
(+/-)-2-METHYLMALIC ACID
MSK167179
NSC 80648
2-hydroxy-2-methyl-(b)-Butanedioate
AKOS024319127
AT23394
FC46195
(+/-)-.ALPHA.-METHYLMALIC ACID
2-hydroxy-2-methyl-(b)-Butanedioic acid
1ST167179
DB-057850
DS-013391
CS-0231763
NS00014571
C00815
EN300-109891
Q27098121
Z1255442426
20C88B9D-45B9-4A5D-B2F1-B824903784F3