Tartaric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

C4H6O6 + 2NaOH → Na2C4H4O6 + 2H2O

Overview

Tartaric acid is a chiral diprotic acid naturally found in grapes that reacts with two equivalents of NaOH to form disodium tartrate. Sodium potassium tartrate (Rochelle salt) was one of the first piezoelectric crystals discovered. Tartaric acid's chirality was studied by Pasteur in his landmark optical activity research.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Tartaric Acid C₄H₆O₆ 1 (aq)
Reactant Sodium Hydroxide NaOH 2 (aq)
Product Water H₂O 2 (l)

Everyday Example

Cream of tartar (potassium hydrogen tartrate) forms as crystals in wine barrels and is used in baking as an acid component of baking powder.

Industrial Importance

Tartaric acid is used in the food and wine industries, in cement retardation, and Rochelle salt in piezoelectric transducers.

Properties

Type
Acid-Base
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-110.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Tartaric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: C₄H₆O₆ + 2NaOH → Na₂C₄H₄O₆ + 2H₂O.
What type of reaction is Tartaric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
Tartaric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.
Is Tartaric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Tartaric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -110.0 kJ/mol.