This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)

Tartrate structural formula

A tartrate is a salt or ester of the organic compound tartaric acid, a dicarboxylic acid. Its formula is O⁻OC-CH(OH)-CH(OH)-COO⁻ or C₄H₄O₆²⁻.

As food additives, tartrates are used as antioxidants, acidity regulators, and emulsifiers. Examples include:

• sodium tartrates (E335)
  • monosodium tartrate
  • disodium tartrate
  • sodium ammonium tartrate the compound through which Louis Pasteur discovered chirality
• potassium tartrates (E336)
  • monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar)
  • dipotassium tartrate
• potassium sodium tartrate (E337)
• calcium tartrate (E354, used as emulsifier)
• stearyl tartrate (E483, used as emulsifier)