L(+)-Tartaric Acid (Antifreeze Admixture)

L(+)-Tartaric Acid – Antifreeze Admixture for Cement and Versatile Industrial Acid

Basic Information

• Product Name: L(+)-Tartaric acid (natural tartaric acid)

• CAS Number: 87-69-4

• Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₆

• Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless crystals

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol

• Optical Rotation: +12° to +13° (in water)

• Melting Point: 168–170°C

• Purity: Typically ≥99% (food/pharmaceutical grade available)

Overview
L(+)-Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid widely found in grapes, bananas, and tamarinds. It is a key additive in the food and beverage industry, but also plays an important role as an antifreeze admixture in cement and concrete formulations. When used in cement, it lowers the freezing point of the mixing water, allowing hydration and setting to proceed even at sub‑zero temperatures, thus preventing frost damage during winter construction. Additionally, it acts as a set retarder, extending workability time.

Applications

• Cement and concrete: Used as an antifreeze admixture to enable cold‑weather concreting; also functions as a set‑retarding agent to control setting time.

• Food industry: Employed as an acidulant, stabilizer, and buffering agent in beverages, baking powder, confectionery, and wines.

• Pharmaceuticals: Used as an excipient, in effervescent tablets, and as a chiral resolving agent.

• Cosmetics: Acts as a pH adjuster and chelating agent in skin care products.

• Chemical synthesis: Building block for tartrate esters and other derivatives.

Key Benefits

• Natural and biodegradable – environmentally friendly.

• Effective at low temperatures – prevents freezing and ensures proper cement curing.

• Improves workability – extends setting time for easier placement.

• High purity – suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Recommended Usage
For cement admixture, typical dosage ranges from 0.05% to 0.2% by weight of cement, depending on temperature and desired retardation effect. Optimize through concrete trials.

Handling and Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, away from moisture and strong oxidizers.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent caking.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, dust mask) when handling.

• Avoid inhalation of dust; wash thoroughly after handling.

Packaging
Available in 25 kg bags, 50 kg drums, or custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity, optical rotation, heavy metals, and moisture to ensure compliance with food, pharmaceutical, or industrial specifications.