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Fumaric acid

Fumaric acid is used as a substitute of tartaric acid in beverages and baking powders.

Chemical Formula: C₄H₄O₄

Other names: allomaleic acid, boletic acid, lichenic acid, trans-butanedioic acid, trans-1,2-ethylenedicarboxylic acid

Layman's explanation: Fumaric acid is odorless and colorless or white crystalline powder with a fruit acid taste. Fumaric acid is used as a substitute of tartaric acid in beverages and baking powders and as a replacement for citric acid in fruits drinks. It is also used as antioxidant to prevent rancidity in butter, cheese, powdered milk, and other foodstuff. In addition, fumaric acid is a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, synthetic resins and plastics. Fumaric acid can be prepared by catalytic oxidation of benzene or by bacterial action on glucose and it is involved in the production of energy from food. Fumaric acid (known as trans-butanedioic acid) is the trans isomer of maleic acid (also called cis-butanedioic acid). Fumaric acid is more stable than maleic acid and can be prepared by heating maleic acid.

Keywords: food additive, antioxidant

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