What are examples of tartaric acid?

Answer 1

Tartaric acid is officially named: 2*,3*-dihydroxybutanedioic acid,

Structural formula HOOC-C*H(OH)-C*H(OH)-COOH

The superscripted '*' denotes for three stereoisomeric differences:

• 2R,3R- or
• 2R,3S- or
• 2S,3S-tartaric acid (unnatural form)

The 2R,3R isomer (or L(+)-tartaric acid)is the natural most occurring one, while 2R,3S-tartaric acid is the socalled meso-tartaric acid because it is identical with its 'mirrored' 2S,3R-form.

This stereo-isomeric problem was solved by the first practicing biotechnological engeneer of the french wine industry, the great Louis Pasteur.

(citation:

L. Pasteur (1848), "Mémoire sur la relation qui peut exister entre la forme cristalline et la composition chimique, et sur la cause de la polarisation rotatoire", Comptes rendus de l'Académie des sciences (Paris), vol. 26, pages 535-538)

- translated title: "Memoir on the relationship which can exist between crystalline form and chemical composition, and on the cause of rotary polarization" -

Answer 2

Examples of tartaric acid can be found in wine as potassium bitartrate crystals (cream of tartar), in baking powder as an acidulant, and in certain fruits like grapes and bananas. Tartaric acid is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as an ingredient in some medications.