Tartrate

Tartrate is a salt or ester of Tartaric acid, an organic acid that is widely distributed in plants and occurs naturally in grapes, bananas, and in many other fruits. Tartrate is commonly associated with wine and is a significant component in the winemaking process.

Chemistry

Tartrates are derived from tartaric acid, a dicarboxylic acid. The carboxylate anions of tartaric acid are known as tartrates. Tartaric acid and its derivatives have a plethora of uses in the field of pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and in many other industries.

Uses

Tartrates are used in many industries due to their various properties. In the food industry, they are used as preservatives and additives. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used in the production of certain medications. In the wine industry, tartrates are a natural byproduct of the fermentation process.

Food Industry

In the food industry, tartrates are used as preservatives and additives. They are used in baking powder as a leavening agent. They are also used in the production of certain types of candy due to their sour taste.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, tartrates are used in the production of certain medications. Potassium tartrate, for example, is used as a laxative and antacid. Sodium tartrate is used as a laxative and in the treatment of non-toxic goiter.

Wine Industry

In the wine industry, tartrates are a natural byproduct of the fermentation process. They can form crystals, often referred to as "wine diamonds", that can appear in the cork or on the sides of the bottle. These crystals are harmless and do not affect the taste or quality of the wine.

See Also

• Tartaric acid
• Potassium tartrate
• Sodium tartrate

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  Diagram of the tartrate molecule
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  Tartrate crystals on a cork