Sodium tartrate

Sodium tartrate is a white crystalline organic compound that is classified as a salt. The compound is derived from tartaric acid and sodium hydroxide. Sodium tartrate is used in a variety of applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes.

Chemical Properties

Sodium tartrate is a salt of tartaric acid, a carboxylic acid found in many plants, including grapes and tamarinds. The compound is formed by the neutralization reaction of tartaric acid and sodium hydroxide, a strong base. Sodium tartrate is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water.

Uses

Sodium tartrate has a wide range of uses in various industries. In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and acidity regulator. It is also used in the production of baking powder, which is a leavening agent used in baking.

In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium tartrate is used as an excipient, a substance added to drugs to improve their properties. It is also used in the manufacture of effervescent tablets, which are tablets that dissolve in water to release carbon dioxide.

In the chemical industry, sodium tartrate is used as a chelating agent, a substance that forms complex molecules with metal ions. This property makes it useful in the preparation of certain types of chemical reactions.

Safety

Sodium tartrate is generally considered safe for consumption. However, excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as diarrhea and stomach upset. It is also a mild irritant to the skin and eyes.

See Also

• Tartaric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Food industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical industry