Sodium malate

Sodium malate is a sodium salt of malic acid, a naturally occurring organic compound that is found in various fruits and many plants. Sodium malate is used in the food and beverage industry as a flavor enhancer and preservative. It is also used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Chemical Properties

Sodium malate, also known as disodium malate, is a white crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. The chemical formula for sodium malate is C4H4Na2O5.

Uses

Sodium malate is used in a variety of applications due to its ability to enhance flavors and act as a preservative. In the food and beverage industry, it is used in products such as fruit juices, soft drinks, and confectionery. It is also used in the production of wine, where it helps to stabilize the acidity of the wine.

In the cosmetics and personal care industry, sodium malate is used in products such as skin care creams and lotions, where it acts as a pH adjuster and skin conditioning agent. It is also used in hair care products, where it helps to improve the texture and appearance of hair.

Safety

Sodium malate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, like all chemicals, it should be used with caution and in accordance with safety guidelines.

See Also

• Malic acid
• Sodium citrate
• Sodium lactate