Tartronic acid: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:01, 15 February 2025

A chemical compound related to tartaric acid

Tartronic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C_H_O_. It is a derivative of tartaric acid, where one of the hydroxyl groups is replaced by a hydrogen atom. Tartronic acid is an important intermediate in organic synthesis and has applications in various chemical processes.

Structure and properties[edit]

Tartronic acid is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and has a melting point of approximately 140°C. The compound contains two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) and one hydroxyl group (-OH), making it a hydroxy acid.

Synthesis[edit]

Tartronic acid can be synthesized through the oxidation of glycerol or by the hydrolysis of tartronate esters. The process typically involves the use of oxidizing agents such as nitric acid or potassium permanganate.

Applications[edit]

In the field of organic chemistry, tartronic acid is used as a building block for the synthesis of more complex molecules. It is also used in the production of polymers and as a chelating agent in various industrial processes.

Biological significance[edit]

Tartronic acid is not commonly found in nature, but its derivatives can be involved in metabolic pathways. It is structurally related to malic acid and oxalic acid, which are more prevalent in biological systems.

Related compounds[edit]

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Tartronic acid''', also known by its systematic name, '''propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid''', is a tricarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C3H4O6. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. Tartronic acid is of interest in both organic chemistry and biochemistry due to its role in metabolic processes and its potential applications in synthetic organic chemistry.
+{{short description|A chemical compound related to tartaric acid}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Tartronic acid}}
-==Properties==
+[[File:Tartronic_acid.svg|thumb|right|Structural formula of tartronic acid]]
-Tartronic acid possesses three carboxyl groups, which contribute to its acidity and reactivity. It has a melting point of 150-153 °C and decomposes upon heating before boiling. The presence of multiple carboxyl groups also makes it a good chelating agent, capable of forming complexes with various metal ions.
+'''Tartronic acid''' is a [[dicarboxylic acid]] with the chemical formula C_H_O_. It is a derivative of [[tartaric acid]], where one of the hydroxyl groups is replaced by a hydrogen atom. Tartronic acid is an important intermediate in organic synthesis and has applications in various chemical processes.
+==Structure and properties==
+Tartronic acid is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and has a melting point of approximately 140°C. The compound contains two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) and one hydroxyl group (-OH), making it a [[hydroxy acid]].
 ==Synthesis==
-Tartronic acid can be synthesized through several methods. One common approach involves the oxidation of malonic acid or its derivatives. Another method is the hydrolysis of cyanacetic acid, which involves the introduction of a hydroxyl group followed by further oxidation to form the three carboxyl groups characteristic of tartronic acid.
+Tartronic acid can be synthesized through the oxidation of [[glycerol]] or by the hydrolysis of [[tartronate esters]]. The process typically involves the use of oxidizing agents such as [[nitric acid]] or [[potassium permanganate]].
-==Biological Significance==
+==Applications==
-In biochemistry, tartronic acid is known to inhibit the enzyme glycerate dehydrogenase, which plays a role in the serine pathway of microorganisms. This pathway is crucial for the metabolism of one-carbon compounds. Therefore, tartronic acid can influence metabolic pathways in certain organisms, making it of interest in studies of metabolic regulation and enzyme inhibition.
+In the field of organic chemistry, tartronic acid is used as a building block for the synthesis of more complex molecules. It is also used in the production of [[polymers]] and as a chelating agent in various industrial processes.
-==Applications==
+==Biological significance==
-Tartronic acid has potential applications in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of biodegradable polymers, due to its three reactive carboxyl groups. It also serves as a starting material for the synthesis of various chemical compounds, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Additionally, its chelating properties make it useful in the removal of metal ions from solutions, contributing to its application in environmental chemistry.
+Tartronic acid is not commonly found in nature, but its derivatives can be involved in metabolic pathways. It is structurally related to [[malic acid]] and [[oxalic acid]], which are more prevalent in biological systems.
-==Safety==
+==Related compounds==
-Tartronic acid is generally considered safe under normal handling conditions. However, as with all chemical substances, appropriate safety measures should be taken to avoid ingestion, inhalation, or prolonged skin contact. It is advisable to consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) for detailed safety and handling information.
+* [[Tartaric acid]]
+* [[Malic acid]]
+* [[Oxalic acid]]
+* [[Glyceric acid]]
-==See Also==
+==See also==
-* [[Malonic acid]]
+* [[Dicarboxylic acids]]
-* [[Oxidation reactions]]
+* [[Hydroxy acids]]
-* [[Chelating agent]]
+* [[Organic synthesis]]
-* [[Biodegradable polymer]]
-[[Category:Organic acids]]
+==Related pages==
-[[Category:Carboxylic acids]]
+* [[Organic chemistry]]
-[[Category:Biochemistry]]
+* [[Carboxylic acids]]
-[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
+* [[Chemical synthesis]]
-{{Chem-stub}}
+[[Category:Dicarboxylic acids]]
+[[Category:Hydroxy acids]]
+[[Category:Organic compounds]]