Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 48

malic acid

HOOC–CH2–CH(OH)–COOH, IUPAC 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid, melting point 100°C. An acid found in unripe fruit, especially apples. Loss of water produces maleic and fumaric acids.

Malic acid
Common name malic acid
Systematic name hydroxysuccinic acid
Chemical formula C4H6O5
Molecular mass 134.09 g/mol
Melting point 128°C to 130°C
Density 1.609 g/cm3
Disclaimer and references

Malic acid is a tart-tasting organic dicarboxylic acid that plays a role in many sour or tart foods.

Self-condensation of malic acid with fuming sulfuric acid gives the pyrone coumalic acid :

Malic acid is the source of extreme tartness in so called "extreme candy", for example Mega Warheads.

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