Nomenclature
CAS number: 868-14-4
(2
R,3
R)-2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid
potassium salt (1:1); potassium acid tartrate; acid potassium tartrate; potassium hydrogen tartrate; cream of tartar; cremor tartari; faecula; faecla.
C
4H
5KO
6; mol wt 188.18.
C 25.53%, H 2.68%, K 20.78%, O 51.01%.
KHC
4H
4O
6.
Description and references
Obtained from the sediments in the manuf of
wine, known as argols or wine lees. The salt is at least 99.5% pure.
See also Argol and Tartaric Acid.
Properties
Colorless crystals or white, cryst powder; pleasant
acidulous taste. One gram dissolves in 162 ml water, in 16 ml boiling
water, 8820 ml alcohol; readily sol in dil mineral acids, in solns
of alkalies or borax. Soly in water also given as about 0.4% at 10°
to about 6% at 100°.Use
Largely in baking powders; coloring metals, galvanic
tinning of metals; reducer of CrO
3 in mordants for wool.
Buffering agent.
Therapeutic Category
Cathartic.
Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)
Laxative, diuretic.
Keywords
Laxative/Cathartic