Fumaric Acid or trans-butenedioic acid, is an odorless white crystalline chemical compound widely found in nature. Fumaric Acid is a key intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle for organic acid biosynthesis in humans and other mammals. Fumaric Acid is also an essential ingredient in plant life. Fumaric Acid is found in bolete mushrooms, lichen and Iceland moss. Human skin naturally produces Fumaric Acid when exposed to sunlight. Fumaric Acid is used in the manufacture of medicines, drinks, food, animal feed, cleansing agents, unsaturated polyester, alkyd resins, and printing inks, and is the strongest organic food acid in titratable acidity and sourness. When used as a food additive, the hydrophobic nature of Fumaric Acid results in persistent, long lasting sourness and flavor impact. The versatile compound also decreases the pH with minimal added sourness in products with pHs greater than 4.5. Its low molecular weight gives Fumaric Acid more buffering capacity than other food acids at pHs near 3.O.
Molecular Formula: C4H4O4Information provided by The Chemical Company |
