fumaric acid

noun

a colorless, odorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 4 H 4 O 4 , isomeric with maleic acid, essential to cellular respiration in most eukaryotic organisms: used in the making of synthetic resins and as a replacement for tartaric acid in beverages and baking powders.

fumaric acid

/ fjuːˈmærɪk /

a colourless crystalline acid with a fruity taste, found in some plants and manufactured from benzene; trans -butenedioic acid: used esp in synthetic resins. Formula: HCOOCH:CHCOOH

fumaric acid

/ fyo̅o̅-măr′ĭk /

A colorless crystalline compound found in various plants and produced synthetically. It is used mainly in resins, paints, varnishes, and inks. Fumaric acid is a geometric isomer of maleic acid, having two carboxyl (COOH) groups attached on opposite sides of an ethylene chain. Chemical formula: C 4 H 4 O 2 .

First recorded in 1875–80

C19: from New Latin Fumāria name of genus, from Late Latin: fumitory, from Latin fūmus smoke

When heated with concentrated hydrobromic or hydriodic acids, it is converted into fumaric acid.

Fumaric acid is found in fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), in various fungi (Agaricus piperatus, &c.), and in Iceland moss.

Maleic anhydride is obtained by distilling fumaric acid with phosphorus pentoxide.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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