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Malate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H6O5
CAS number
6915-15-7
IUPAC name
2-hydroxypropanedioate
State
State

Malate is typically found in the solid state at room temperature. As a salt or ester, its physical state can vary from crystalline to powder form based on its specific metal ion associations or chemical structure.

Melting point (Celsius)
135.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
408.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
134.09g/mol
Molar mass
134.0880g/mol
Density
1.6305g/cm3
Appearence

Malate usually appears as a white crystalline powder. It is often found in the form of salts with various metal ions or as the acid itself, known as malic acid, which can sometimes be a white solid or colorless crystalline material depending on its form and purity.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-hydroxypropanedioate (C4H6O5)

2-hydroxypropanedioate, commonly known as malate, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are vital for its applications in biochemistry and industry. Here's a breakdown of its solubility profile:

  • Water solubility: 2-hydroxypropanedioate is highly soluble in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Temperature effect: The solubility tends to increase with temperature, a common trait of many organic acids.
  • pH influence: Solubility can vary significantly with pH since the compound contains acidic functional groups.

In summary, the solubility of 2-hydroxypropanedioate is indicative of its behavior in aqueous environments, making it a versatile compound for various chemical reactions and biological processes. As stated, “The higher the temperature, the higher the solubility,” which underscores the importance of temperature in applications involving this compound.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Hydroxypropanedioate

2-Hydroxypropanedioate, often recognized by its common name malate, is a significant compound in biochemistry and various metabolic pathways. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Metabolic Role: 2-Hydroxypropanedioate is a crucial intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle, which is essential for aerobic respiration in cells.
  • Importance in Plants: In plants, 2-hydroxypropanedioate plays a vital role in the conversion of carbohydrates and is involved in the synthesis of primary metabolites, contributing to growth and development.
  • Health Benefits: This compound is also associated with various health benefits. It is known to help improve athletic performance by facilitating energy production and reducing fatigue.
  • Chemical Structure: The compound features a unique structure that includes two carboxylic acid functional groups and a hydroxyl group, contributing to its reactivity and solubility in water.

Notable Applications

Beyond its biological significance, 2-hydroxypropanedioate finds utility in several fields:

  • Food Industry: It is used as a food additive, providing a sour flavor and acting as a stabilizer in various food products.
  • Cosmetics: Its properties make it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations due to its moisturizing and exfoliating capabilities.

In conclusion, 2-hydroxypropanedioate is not only important in metabolic processes but also holds practical applications across different industries. As a compound, it exemplifies the connection between chemistry and health, revealing the intricate roles small molecules can play in our lives.

Synonyms
tartronate
hydroxypropanedioate
hydroxymalonate
2-hydroxypropanedioate
hydroxymalonate(2-)
CHEBI:17649
DB03680
Q27094594