Metatartaric acid

Idealized chemical structure of metartaric acid
Names
Other names
E353
Identifiers
ECHA InfoCard 100.116.846 Edit this at Wikidata
E number E353 (antioxidants, ...)
Properties
(C4H4O5)n
Molar mass Variable
Appearance Off-white solid[1]
Freely soluble[1]
Solubility in ethanol Soluble[1]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Metatartaric acid is a food additive. Chemically, it is a polymeric lactone of variable composition and different molecular weights obtained through a dehydration reaction by heating tartaric acid.[2]

Uses

As a food additive, it has the E number E353 and is classified as an acidity regulator.[1] It is added to wine to prevent the precipitation of potassium hydrogen tartrate and calcium tartrate.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Younes M, Aquilina G, Castle L, Engel KH, Fowler P, Frutos Fernandez MJ, et al. (March 2020). "Re-evaluation of metatartaric acid (E 353) as a food additive". EFSA Journal. 18 (3): e06031. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6031. PMC 7448071. PMID 32874249.
  2. ^ "Cold Stabilization". Australian Wine Research Institute.
  3. ^ "3.3.7 Treatment with Metatartaric Acid" (PDF). International Code of Oenological Practices.
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