Potassium tartrate

Potassium tartrate, dipotassium tartrate or argol has formula K₂C₄H₄O₆. It is the potassium salt of tartaric acid. It is often confused with potassium bitartrate, also known as cream of tartar. As a food additive, it shares the E number E336 with potassium bitartrate.

Potassium tartrate

Names
IUPAC name Dipotassium 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate
Other names Dipotassium tartrate; Argol; E336
Identifiers
CAS Number	921-53-9 (L)
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	2697916
ECHA InfoCard	100.005.180
E number	E336 (antioxidants, ...)
PubChem CID	8984
UNII	O9WLL1ZL8S (L)
InChI InChI=1S/C4H6O6.2K/c5-1(3(7)8)2(6)4(9)10;;/h1-2,5-6H,(H,7,8)(H,9,10);;/q;2*+1/p-2 Key: AVTYONGGKAJVTE-UHFFFAOYSA-L InChI=1/C4H6O6.2K/c5-1(3(7)8)2(6)4(9)10;;/h1-2,5-6H,(H,7,8)(H,9,10);;/q;2*+1/p-2 Key: AVTYONGGKAJVTE-NUQVWONBAX
SMILES C(C(C(=O)[O-])O)(C(=O)[O-])O.[K+].[K+]
Properties
Chemical formula	C4H4K2O6
Molar mass	226.268 g/mol
Appearance	colorless, slightly opaque crystals
Density	1.984 g/cm^3
Solubility	insoluble in alcohol
Refractive index (nD)	1.550
Structure
Crystal structure	monoclinic
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Manufacturing

Potassium tartrate is produced by the reaction of tartaric acid with potassium sodium tartrate (rochelle salt), and potassium sulfate, followed by filtration, purification, precipitation and drying.

Other compounds

Tartar emetic is produced when potassium tartrate is heated with antimony trioxide. Tartar emetic causes intense nausea, prostration and vomiting by irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa.

References