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Malic acid, also known as apple acid or malonic acid, is an organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables. However, its significance goes far beyond its natural presence. In industry and household use, this acid has numerous applications that highlight its versatility.

Properties and production of malic acid

Malic acid is a divalent carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C₄H₆O₅. It is a colorless, crystalline substance with a characteristic sour taste. Its melting point is about 185°C, and it is well soluble in water as well as in organic solvents.

The acid can be produced in various ways. Traditionally, it was obtained by fermenting apples or other fruits. Nowadays, industrial production mostly takes place through chemical synthesis, using maleic anhydride or fumaric acid as starting materials.

Technical applications of malic acid

Malic acid has diverse uses in industry. One of its main areas of application is the food and beverage industry. Here, it serves as an acidulant, pH regulator, and preservative in products such as fruit juices, jams, baked goods, and soft drinks.

Furthermore, malic acid plays an important role in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. It is used in skincare products such as creams, lotions, and masks because it gently exfoliates the skin and regulates pH levels. In pharmacy, it is used as a component of medications, dietary supplements, and antacids.

In the chemical industry, malic acid serves as a starting material for the production of polymers, plasticizers, and other chemical intermediates. It is also used in textile finishing and metalworking to clean and treat surfaces.

Malic acid in cleaning products

Another important area of application for malic acid is cleaning agents for household and industrial use. Its property as a mild acid makes it an effective descaler and degreaser. In limescale removers, dishwashing detergents, and all-purpose cleaners, malic acid helps remove stubborn dirt and descale surfaces.

Furthermore, malic acid is also used in environmentally friendly cleaning products. Due to its biodegradability and skin compatibility, it is an excellent natural substitute for synthetic chemicals in cleaning agents.

Malic acid in cosmetics

In the cosmetics industry, malic acid also has a firm place. Its mild acidic effect makes it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. In creams, lotions, and masks, malic acid helps exfoliate the skin, regulate pH, and reduce impurities.

Additionally, malic acid is used in hair care products to improve hair shine and smoothness. It is also found in dental care products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, as it can contribute to tooth cleaning and plaque reduction.

Malic acid in the food industry

As already mentioned, malic acid is an important component in the food and beverage industry. Its acidic effect serves not only for flavor regulation but also as a natural preservative.

In fruit juices, jams, and jellies, malic acid helps lower the pH to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. It is also used in baked goods, sweets, and soft drinks to create or enhance the sour taste.

Moreover, malic acid is used in food production as an acidulant, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It contributes to the texture, shelf life, and quality of final products.

Malic acid in industry

Besides the aforementioned applications, malic acid is also used in many industrial processes. In the chemical industry, it serves as a raw material for the production of polymers, plasticizers, and other chemical intermediates.

In textile finishing, malic acid is used to degrease, bleach, and dye fabrics. It is also applied in metal processing to clean and treat surfaces.

Furthermore, malic acid plays an important role in pharmacy. It is used in medicines, dietary supplements, and antacids to regulate pH and support the effectiveness of active ingredients.

Conclusion

Malic acid is a versatile organic acid used in numerous industries and households. Its properties as a mild acidulant, pH regulator, and preservative make it a valuable component in products such as cleaning agents, cosmetics, food, and chemical intermediates.

The significance of malic acid goes far beyond its natural presence in fruits. Its diverse technical applications show that this acid is an important building block in modern industry and households.