Fumaric Acid

Description

Fumaric acid (IUPAC systematic name: 2-butenedioic acid), also called allomaleic acid, boletic acid or lichenic acid, is a colorless crystalline flammable carboxylic acid based on butene and molecular formula C4H4O4. Irritating maleic anhydride fumes are produced by its combustion. Having a fruitlike taste, it is found in fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), bolete mushrooms (specifically Boletus fomentarius var. pseudo-igniarius), lichen, and Iceland moss.

Applications

Fumaric acid is an acid used in the manufacture of polyester resins and polyhydric alcohols, as a mordant for dyes, or as a flavoring. It is a common component of food additives and dietary supplements, and is sometimes used as a substitute for tartaric acid in beverages or baking powder.

Fumaric acid is a food acidulant used since 1946 because it is non-toxic. It is generally used in beverages and baking powders for which requirements are placed on purity, such as Welch's Grape Drink. It is generally used as a substitute for tartaric acid and occasionally in place of citric acid, at a rate of 1.36 g of citric acid to every 0.91 grams of fumaric acid for the same taste.

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