What is Tartaric Acid?
Tartaric Acid is an organic acid available in two distinct forms that differ in their molecular structure and source. L+ Tartaric Acid (also called natural or L-(+)-Tartaric Acid) is the naturally occurring form found in grapes and produced commercially from the by-products of wine and grape juice processing, making it the form universally used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. DL-Tartaric Acid is a synthetically produced racemic mixture, manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than derived from natural sources, and is used predominantly in industrial and technical applications rather than food.
Polychem Industries supplies both L+ Tartaric Acid (Natural Grade) and DL-Tartaric Acid (Synthetic Grade) to beverage manufacturers, confectionery producers, bakery ingredient companies, and industrial chemical formulators across India and internationally. Offering both forms allows our customers to select the appropriate grade based on whether their application requires food-grade, naturally-sourced tartaric acid or cost-effective synthetic tartaric acid for industrial and technical uses.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L+ Tartaric Acid (Natural) | White crystalline powder | 99.5%+ (Food / Pharma Grade) | FSSAI / FCC / E334 | Beverages, wine, confectionery, baking powder, jams |
| DL-Tartaric Acid (Synthetic) | White crystalline powder | 99%+ | Industrial / Technical | Metal cleaning, chelation, resin manufacturing, chemical synthesis |
Applications & Uses
Wine & Beverage Production (L+)
L+ Tartaric Acid is one of the principal acids in winemaking, used to adjust acidity, stabilise colour, and prevent spoilage. Also used as an acidulant in soft drinks, fruit juices, and flavoured beverages to provide a characteristic tart flavour.
Confectionery & Baking (L+)
L+ Tartaric Acid is widely used in candies, sour sweets, and as the acid component in baking powder, reacting with sodium bicarbonate to release carbon dioxide gas for leavening in baked goods.
Pharmaceutical Formulations (L+)
Food/Pharma Grade L+ Tartaric Acid is used in effervescent tablets and powders, and as a pH adjuster in various pharmaceutical formulations requiring the naturally-derived, food-safe form of the acid.
Metal Cleaning & Chelation (DL)
DL-Tartaric Acid is used in industrial metal cleaning and surface treatment formulations as a chelating agent, helping remove metal oxide deposits and prepare surfaces for further processing or coating.
Resin & Chemical Manufacturing (DL)
DL-Tartaric Acid is used as a raw material and processing aid in certain resin manufacturing and industrial chemical synthesis applications where the synthetic, lower-cost form is suitable.
Electroplating & Industrial Processing (DL)
Used in certain electroplating bath formulations and industrial processing applications taking advantage of its chelating and acid-buffering properties in technical, non-food contexts.
Technical Specifications
Tartaric Acid — Key Properties
Why Source Tartaric Acid from Polychem Industries?
- Both L+ (Natural) and DL (Synthetic) grades available from one supplier
- L+ Grade is FSSAI/FCC compliant (E334) for all food and beverage applications
- DL Grade offers a cost-effective option for industrial and technical use
- Certificate of Analysis available for both grades on request
- Reliable bulk supply for beverage, confectionery and industrial manufacturers
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
