C2H2OH2CO2H2

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Tartaric \Tar*tar"ic\, a. (Chem.)
     Of or pertaining to tartar; derived from, or resembling,
     tartar.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     {Tartaric acid}. (a) An acid widely diffused throughout the


        vegetable kingdom, as in grapes, mountain-ash berries,
        etc., and obtained from tartar as a white crystalline
        substance, {C2H2(OH)2.(CO2H)2}, having a strong pure acid
        taste. It is used in medicine, in dyeing, calico printing,
        photography, etc., and also as a substitute for lemon
        juice. Called also {dextro-tartaric acid}.
     (b) By extension, any one of the series of isomeric acids
         (racemic acid, levotartaric acid, inactive tartaric acid)
         of which tartaric acid proper is the type.
         [1913 Webster]