bitartrate

Thân thiện

A chemist adds potassium bitartrate to a beaker of water.

Definition

Noun: 1. An acid tartrate; a hydrogen tartrate: A salt or ester of tartaric acid that contains one replaceable hydrogen atom, making it an acidic compound. It is often found in natural substances like grapes and is a key component in baking powder and some pharmaceuticals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate, a common ingredient in baking.
  • The analysis revealed the presence of calcium bitartrate in the wine sediment.

Advanced Usage

• In Chemistry: The term specifies a specific type of tartrate salt where not all acidic hydrogen atoms have been replaced by a metal or cation. For example, "potassium hydrogen tartrate" is the systematic name for potassium bitartrate.
• In Food Science: Bitartrates are crucial as leavening agents. The reaction between a bitartrate (like cream of tartar) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough to rise.

Variants and Related Words

• Tartrate (n): A salt or ester of tartaric acid. Bitartrate is a specific, acidic type of tartrate.
• Cream of tartar (n): The common name for purified potassium bitartrate.

Synonyms

• Hydrogen tartrate: The more systematic chemical name.
• Acid tartrate: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its acidic nature.

Notes on Meaning

This is a technical, scientific term primarily used in chemistry, food science, and oenology (wine science). It is not commonly used in everyday conversation. Its meaning is precise and refers to a specific chemical structure.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an acid tartrate; a hydrogen tartrate