Synonyms

Ditartaric acid

Definition

Chemical name

Metatartaric acid

Chemical formula

C₄H₆O₆

Assay

Not less than 99,5 %

Description

Crystalline or powder form with a white or yellowish colour. Very deliquescent with a faint odour of caramel

Identification

A.

Very soluble in water and ethanol

B.

Place a sample of 1 to 10 mg of this substance in a test tube with 2 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid and 2 drops of sulpho-resorcinol reagent. When heated to 150 ^oC, an intense violet coloration appears

Purity

Arsenic

Not more than 3 mg/kg

Lead

Not more than 5 mg/kg

Mercury

Not more than 1 mg/kg