pectic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

pectic acid

a complex acid containing arabinose and galactose that occurs in ripe fruit, beets, and other vegetables. Formula: C 35 H 50 O 33

First recorded in 1825–35

When the middle lamella reaches the pectic acid stage, the fruit becomes soft and "mushy" in texture.

Acids and many metallic salts, such as mercury, chloride and lead acetate, precipitate pectic acid from its solutions.

A little pectic acid is thus precipitated, which is removed by filtration.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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