Malic Acid Formula

Malic acid is a type of organic acid that occurs naturally in many fruits, particularly apples. It belongs to a class of acids known as alpha hydroxy acids. C4H6O5 is the molecular formula of malic acid which is a dicarboxylic acid. Malic acid is also found in grapes, cherries, and citrus fruits, albeit in smaller levels. It contributes to the sour taste of fruits and is made by all living organisms. As a result of this property, it is commonly used as a food additive. Learn more about the malic acid formula, its chemical structure, and its properties along with its uses in this article.

Malic Acid Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of malic acid is given as C₄H₆O₅. In malic acid, the two carboxyl groups (-COOH) are attached to adjacent carbon atoms, forming a molecule with a backbone of four carbon atoms. The presence of two carboxyl groups makes malic acid a dicarboxylic acid, giving it unique chemical properties compared to monocarboxylic acids.

Malic Acid Structural Formula

Malic acid’s structure is a four-carbon chain with two carboxyl and one hydroxyl groups connected to separate carbon atoms. The backbone is made up of four carbon atoms (C4), six hydrogen atoms (H6), and five oxygen atoms. Malic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, which means it has two carboxyl groups (-COOH) in its structure.

Malic acid includes two carboxyl groups on carbon atoms C1 and C4 in the molecule. These functional groups are composed of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) connected to the same carbon atom.

Malic acid contains one hydroxyl group linked to the carbon atom C2. The hydroxyl group contributes to the molecule’s overall polarity and can form hydrogen bonds.

Malic Acid Properties

Here are some of the key properties of malic acid:

• Malic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with two carboxyl (-COOH) groups.
• These carboxyl groups add to the acidity of malic acid, resulting in a weak organic acid.
• Malic acid is responsible for the tart or sour flavor found in several fruits, particularly apples.
• Malic acid is very soluble in water and other polar solvents.Malic acid has chelating capabilities, which allow it to attach to metal ions and form stable complexes.
• Malic acid is biodegradable, which means it can be degraded by biological processes in the environment.
• Malic acid is relatively stable at normal temperatures and pH.
• Malic acid is compatible with many different culinary components, additives, and pharmaceutical excipients.

Malic Acid Uses

• Malic acid is frequently used as an acidulant in food and beverage items to increase tartness and acidity.
• Malic acid is used to control and maintain pH values in food and beverage compositions.
• Malic acid is utilized in pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient or buffer.
• Malic acid is used as an exfoliant in cosmetic products such as facial cleansers, masks, and peels.
• Metal cleaning products use malic acid as a chelating agent to remove scale, rust, and mineral deposits from metal surfaces.
• Malic acid is used in water treatment operations to remove metal ions and prevent scale buildup in industrial equipment and pipes.
• Malic acid is utilized as a natural flavoring agent in the preparation of fruit-flavored foods and beverages.