Malic Acid

C₄H₆O₅

IUPAC: 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid

CAS: 6915-15-7

Overview

Malic acid is responsible for the sour taste of green apples. Its name derives from Latin 'malum' (apple) and it is a key Krebs cycle intermediate.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 6 1.0080
Carbon C 4 12.0110
Oxygen O 5 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×6
4.5%
C
Carbon ×4
35.8%
O
Oxygen ×5
59.7%

Uses

  • • Food acidulant
  • • Wine making
  • • Skin care
  • • Metal cleaning

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Sour candy uses malic acid for its intense tartness — it's more sour per gram than citric acid

Safety

  • ⚠ Irritant

Structure

SMILES

C(C(C(=O)O)O)C(=O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
134.09 g/mol
Density
1.6100 g/cm³
Melting Point
130.0 °C
Solubility
558 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
134.0215
XLogP
-1.3
TPSA
94.8 Ų
H-Bond Donors
3
H-Bond Acceptors
5
Rotatable Bonds
3
Heavy Atoms
9
Complexity
129.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Malic Acid?
Malic Acid (C₄H₆O₅) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Malic Acid?
Malic Acid has a molar mass of 134.09 g/mol.
What state is Malic Acid at room temperature?
Malic Acid is a solid at room temperature.
Is Malic Acid organic or inorganic?
Malic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Malic Acid?
Malic Acid (C₄H₆O₅) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).