Synonym(s)
2-hydroxy succinic acid; CAS number: 97-67-6; malic acid; Malic acid
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Malic acid, also called Acidum malicum or malic acid, is a saturated dicarboxylic acid with the empirical formula C4H6O5 or the linear formula HOOC-CH2-CH(OH)-COOH which is used in cosmetic formulations. The dicarboxylic acid acts as a buffer substance.
In nature malic acid is found in apples, quinces, gooseberries and grapes. It occurs as an intermediate product in the so-called tricarboxylic acid cycle, e.g. during gluconeogenesis.
The salts/esters of malic acid are called malates.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer