T

Tartaric acid

IUPAC: (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid

C4H6O6 Acids CAS 87-69-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H6O6
CAS Number87-69-4
Molecular Weight150.09
Melting PointBetween 168 °C and 170 °C
DensityRelative density (water = 1): 1.79
Solubility582 mg/mL at 20 °C
AppearanceDry Powder; Other Solid
Also Known As(2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid; L-tartaric acid; 87-69-4; L-(+)-Tartaric acid; (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid; (+)-Tartaric acid; (+)-L-Tartaric acid; (R,R)-Tartaric acid; Threaric acid; Dextrotartaric acid
CategoryAcids

What is Tartaric acid?

L-tartaric acid is the L-enantiomer of tartaric acid. It is a conjugate acid of a L-tartrate(1-). It is an enantiomer of a D-tartaric acid.

Formula & Notation

C4H6O6

IUPAC Name: (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid; L-tartaric acid; 87-69-4; L-(+)-Tartaric acid; (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid; (+)-Tartaric acid; (+)-L-Tartaric acid; (R,R)-Tartaric acid; Threaric acid; Dextrotartaric acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Dry Powder; Other Solid. Molecular formula: C4H6O6. Molecular weight: 150.09 g/mol. Melting point: Between 168 °C and 170 °C. Density: Relative density (water = 1): 1.79. Solubility: 582 mg/mL at 20 °C. Vapor pressure: 0.00000015 [mmHg]. LogP: -1.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting PointBetween 168 °C and 170 °C
DensityRelative density (water = 1): 1.79
Molecular Weight150.09
Solubility582 mg/mL at 20 °C
AppearanceDry Powder; Other Solid

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Tartaric acid
Formula C4H6O6
CAS Number 87-69-4
Molecular Weight 150.09
Category Acids
Synonyms (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid; L-tartaric acid; 87-69-4; L-(+)-Tartaric acid; (2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid; (+)-Tartaric acid; (+)-L-Tartaric acid; (R,R)-Tartaric acid; Threaric acid; Dextrotartaric acid

Frequently Asked Questions

L-tartaric acid is the L-enantiomer of tartaric acid. It is a conjugate acid of a L-tartrate(1-). It is an enantiomer of a D-tartaric acid.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.