Chemical Name: DL-Malic Acid
CAS No.: 617-48-1
EC No.: 210-514-9
Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₅
Molecular Weight: 134.09 g/mol
E Number: E296
Synonyms: Racemic Malic Acid, 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid
1. Product Description
DL-Malic Acid is a white crystalline powder with a clean, tart flavor. It is the racemic mixture of D- and L-isomers of malic acid, primarily used as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, pH regulator, and chelating agent. Its buffering and chelation properties also make it useful in various industrial and technical applications.
2. Grades Available
3. Chemical & Physical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Strong acidic, clean taste |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and alcohol |
| Melting Point | 127 – 132 °C |
| pH (1% solution) | 2.2 – 2.5 |
| Specific Gravity | ~1.6 g/cm³ |
| Bulk Density | 0.7 – 0.9 g/cm³ |
| Optical Activity | Racemic mixture (DL) |
| Stability | Stable under dry, cool conditions |
4. Typical Product Specifications
Food Grade (FCC / E296)
| Test Item | Specification |
|---|
| Assay (as C₄H₆O₅) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Fumaric Acid | ≤ 1.0% |
| Maleic Acid | ≤ 0.05% |
| Water Content (Moisture) | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| Identification | Passes FCC tests |
Industrial Grade
| Test Item | Specification |
|---|
| Purity (as DL-Malic Acid) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 1.0% |
| pH (1% solution) | 2.0 – 2.8 |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.3% |
| Color / Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Water Insolubles | ≤ 0.1% |
5. Applications
Food Grade
Acidulant in beverages, candies, jams, jellies, fruit juices
Flavor Enhancer: Provides longer-lasting sourness than citric acid
pH Regulator: Controls acidity in processed foods and sauces
Preservative: Mild inhibitory effect on microbial growth
Chelating Agent: Improves stability and shelf life of products
Industrial Grade
Cosmetics and Personal Care: pH adjuster in skin care products
Detergents & Cleaners: Used as a biodegradable chelating agent
Metal Treatment: Cleaning and descaling formulations
Fermentation: Acts as carbon source or pH stabilizer
Resins & Coatings: Intermediate in polymer and ester synthesis
6. Regulatory Compliance
| Region/Standard | Status |
|---|
| FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) | Conforms (Food Grade) |
| EU Regulation (E296) | Approved as food additive |
| US FDA (21 CFR § 184.1069) | Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) |
| REACH (Europe) | Registered or exempt |
| Halal / Kosher Certification | Available on request |
| GMO Status | GMO-Free |
| Allergen Status | Free from major allergens |
7. Packaging & Shelf Life
Standard Packaging:
25 kg paper or kraft-lined PE bags
500 kg / 1000 kg jumbo bags for industrial bulk
Custom packaging available
Storage Conditions:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place
Avoid direct sunlight and moisture exposure
Shelf Life:
8. Safety & Handling
Refer to SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for complete safety instructions.
9. Disclaimer
The information presented herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge. It is intended to serve as a technical reference and does not guarantee specific results. Users must determine the product’s suitability for their intended application and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations in their region.
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