Fumaric acid: Difference between revisions

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'''Fumaric acid''' is a compound that is found in nature and is also produced synthetically. It is a key intermediate in the [[tricarboxylic acid cycle]] for organic acid biosynthesis in humans and other mammals. Fumaric acid is also used in food and beverage products as a food acidulant.
{{short description|An article about fumaric acid, its properties, and uses}}


==Chemical Structure and Properties==
==Fumaric Acid==
Fumaric acid is a white crystalline compound and is one of two isomeric unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, the other being [[maleic acid]]. It has a fruit-like taste and has been used as a food acidulant since 1946. The chemical formula of fumaric acid is C4H4O4.
[[File:Fumaric-acid-2D-skeletal.png|thumb|right|200px|Skeletal formula of fumaric acid]]
Fumaric acid is a [[chemical compound]] that is classified as a [[dicarboxylic acid]]. It is an important intermediate in the [[Krebs cycle]], which is a key metabolic pathway in [[cellular respiration]]. Fumaric acid is also used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant and is found naturally in [[fumitory]], [[lichen]], and [[Iceland moss]].


==Natural Occurrence==
==Chemical Properties==
Fumaric acid occurs naturally in fumitory, bolete mushrooms, lichen, and Iceland moss. Fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, produce fumaric acid naturally as well.
Fumaric acid has the [[chemical formula]] C_H_O_ and is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid. It is the trans isomer of [[butenedioic acid]], with the cis isomer being [[maleic acid]]. Fumaric acid is less soluble in water compared to maleic acid, which is due to its trans configuration that allows for stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding.


==Industrial Production==
==Biological Role==
Fumaric acid is produced industrially from maleic acid, which in turn is produced from maleic anhydride. Maleic anhydride is produced by the oxidation of [[benzene]] or [[butane]].
In the [[Krebs cycle]], fumaric acid is formed by the oxidation of [[succinate]] by the enzyme [[succinate dehydrogenase]]. It is then converted to [[malate]] by the enzyme [[fumarase]]. This conversion is an important step in the cycle, which is crucial for the production of [[adenosine triphosphate]] (ATP) in [[aerobic respiration]].


==Uses==
==Industrial Uses==
Fumaric acid has several uses in various industries. In the food and beverage industry, it is used as a food acidulant. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to produce [[antibiotics]] and other drugs. In the chemical industry, it is used to manufacture polyester resins, alkyd resins, and as a starting material for the production of plasticizers.
Fumaric acid is used in the food industry as an acidulant, providing a sour taste to products such as [[baked goods]], [[confectionery]], and [[beverages]]. It is also used in the production of [[unsaturated polyester resins]], which are used in the manufacture of [[fiberglass]] and other composite materials.


==Health Effects==
==Health and Safety==
Fumaric acid is generally considered safe for consumption. However, high levels of consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Fumaric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food products. However, in industrial settings, exposure to high concentrations of fumaric acid dust can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper safety measures should be taken to minimize exposure.


==See Also==
==Related pages==
* [[Krebs cycle]]
* [[Dicarboxylic acid]]
* [[Maleic acid]]
* [[Maleic acid]]
* [[Tricarboxylic acid cycle]]
* [[Cellular respiration]]
* [[Aspergillus niger]]


[[Category:Organic compounds]]
[[Category:Organic acids]]
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Dicarboxylic acids]]
{{Chem-stub}}

Latest revision as of 12:02, 15 February 2025

An article about fumaric acid, its properties, and uses


Fumaric Acid[edit]

Skeletal formula of fumaric acid

Fumaric acid is a chemical compound that is classified as a dicarboxylic acid. It is an important intermediate in the Krebs cycle, which is a key metabolic pathway in cellular respiration. Fumaric acid is also used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant and is found naturally in fumitory, lichen, and Iceland moss.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Fumaric acid has the chemical formula C_H_O_ and is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid. It is the trans isomer of butenedioic acid, with the cis isomer being maleic acid. Fumaric acid is less soluble in water compared to maleic acid, which is due to its trans configuration that allows for stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Biological Role[edit]

In the Krebs cycle, fumaric acid is formed by the oxidation of succinate by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase. It is then converted to malate by the enzyme fumarase. This conversion is an important step in the cycle, which is crucial for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in aerobic respiration.

Industrial Uses[edit]

Fumaric acid is used in the food industry as an acidulant, providing a sour taste to products such as baked goods, confectionery, and beverages. It is also used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, which are used in the manufacture of fiberglass and other composite materials.

Health and Safety[edit]

Fumaric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food products. However, in industrial settings, exposure to high concentrations of fumaric acid dust can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Proper safety measures should be taken to minimize exposure.

Related pages[edit]