Malic Acid

What is Malic Acid?

Molecular Formula (Malic Acid): C₄H₆O₅

Molecular Weight: 134.0874 g/mol

Chemical Name: Malic Acid

CAS Number: 6915-15-7

It is a chemical found naturally in all fruits. It is formed during fruit metabolism. Malic acid is an organic dicarboxylic acid that acts as a tart flavoring agent in many sour or tart foods.

It has been found to increase exercise tolerance in people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. It supports energy production and helps carry out reactions in the body.

It is the chemical that provides cells with energy and carbon skeletons for the formation of amino acids. It is the source of extreme sourness. In sour candies, if we want to achieve a low level of sour taste, it is used together with citric acid, or citric acid is used instead of malic acid.

It has an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, i.e., in the energy production mechanisms for cells.

The esters and salts of Malic Acid are called malates. The most commonly used type is its magnesium salt, Magnesium Malate.

Malic acid formula: C₄H₆O₅

E Code: E 296

Other names are as follows;

• DL-Form
• 6915-15-7
• 2-Hydroxysuccinic Acid
• Hydroxysuccinic Acid
• Butanedioic acid
• 2-Hydroxybutanedioic Acid
• Dioxytetralic Acid
• Alpha-hydroxysuccinic Acid
• 2-Hydroxyethane-1,2-dicarboxylic Acid
• DL-2-Hydroxybutanedioic Acid
• (+-)-2-Hydroxysuccinic Acid
• E 296

How is it Produced?

In recent years, with the rising production of biodiesel, research has been conducted on the conversion of 10% (w/v) low-value crude glycerol into organic acids for Malic Acid production. It is known that a fungal family naturally produces organic acids with high titers, rates, and yields in the production of Lactic Acid.

It was found that Ustilago trichophora naturally produces malic acid from Glycerol with a small amount of by-products.

It is a bio-based chemical mainly used for its ability to add acidity to foods and beverages. Its production from Glycerol is, to date, the highest rate applicable for its microbial production.

Besides this, it is produced and metabolized in relatively large quantities in the human body every day.

In some processes, Malic Acid is produced from the compound maleic anhydride through hydration using high temperature and pressure.

What are its Physical and Chemical Properties?

In appearance, it is a colorless crystal. Its odor is characteristic.

It has a smooth taste. It can generally be described as a sour taste.

Boiling point is in the range of 225 °C to 235 °C.

Melting point is between 127 °C and 132 °C.

Solubility is 55.8 g in 100 g of water at 20 °C.

Malic Acid is highly soluble in methanol, ethanol, acetone, ether, and other polar solvents.

Density is 1.601 g/cm³ at 20 °C.

It is stable under recommended storage conditions.

When heated to decomposition, it produces irritating fumes.

What are the Benefits of Using Malic Acid?

• It provides a smooth, clean, and lasting sour taste.
• It has the ability to enhance and blend flavors.
• It has a great advantage due to its high solubility rate.
• It is less hygroscopic than citric acid or tartaric acid.
• It has a lower melting point than other acids, making it easier to incorporate into molten confectioneries.
• It has good chelating properties with metal ions.
• It can form effective buffering mixtures.
• In the production of diluted orange juice, trisodium citrate, tartaric acid, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride can be used as flavor preservers.

Use of Malic Acid as a Mixture

It is used in cherry and apple-based products. The reason for using acids as a mixture in food additives is to alter the perceived intensity of acidity.

The difference between Citric Acid and malic acid is that Citric Acid has a very intense taste but it fades quickly in food. In contrast, malic acid has a milder effect but leaves a more persistent taste in food.

Mixing Citric Acid with malic acid will create a more lasting zest. Acid mixtures can be formulated with equal parts of malic, Citric Acid, and tartaric acid.
In some fruit-based wines, citric acid may not be preferred. For this reason, acid mixtures containing this chemical can be used in wines made from grapes.

What are the Uses of Malic Acid?

• In the food industry, malic acid is used to intensify the effect of flavoring agents. It often reduces the amount of flavor required. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of its use.
• In the food industry, it brings out different flavors, creating very diverse taste experiences.
• In some beverage applications, it enhances the brightness of certain flavor notes and improves the aromatic profile.
• In the cosmetics industry, it is an important component in the manufacture of AHA-BHA products. These compositions can be used for skin rejuvenation and to reduce fine lines.
• In the production of snack foods, malic acid is used to enhance flavors like cheese and hot pepper.
• To create a richer and more natural flavor experience, it is used to help broaden the flavor profile of many products.
• It is used in the manufacturing of carbonated beverages. It provides economic benefits in artificially sweetened products. Its purpose here is to make the flavor profile broader and more natural.
• It is used in non-carbonated beverages. Its purpose here is to enrich fruity aromas. It acts as a pH balancer. And it is a preferred acidity regulator because it masks the sediment of some salts.
• In dry mixes for iced tea, sports drinks, or fruit soups, it is used as a food additive due to its rapid solubility and flavor-enhancing effects. In pre-packaged teas, it is used to maintain the pH at or below 4.6. This helps to stabilize microbial activity.
• It is used in the production of low-calorie beverages.
• It is used in the production of alcoholic cider to maintain a sharp taste.
• In tea production, it is used to achieve a pH between 4 and 5 during brewing.
• It prevents bacterial growth by lowering the pH of soft drinks.
• In bakery products, it is used in glaze compositions applied before or after baking to lower the acidity below pH=6. The purpose of this is to increase the effectiveness of the preservative.
• It is used in confectionery manufacturing. Here it adds appealing properties to hard and soft candies, tablets, or sugar-free sweets.
• Its high-solubility form is used for blending chilled confectioneries.
• It is used as a preservative in low-moisture hard candies, thereby increasing shelf life.
• It is used as a food additive in the manufacturing of bakery products.
• It is one of the substances used as a preservative in the freeze-drying process of foods to prevent color changes that can occur as a result of enzymatic degradation.
• It is used in the manufacturing of medical and personal care products. It is added as a supplement in the production of throat lozenges and cough syrups.
• It is added to the formulas of skincare products to improve the skin and give it vitality.
• Malic Acid, which is in the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) class, is used in the manufacturing of products for wrinkle treatment. In this application, it helps the skin to appear brighter and smoother.
• It is used in the production of molasses to impart a sour taste.
• It is used for the sterilization of milk-borne bacteria in coffee machines.
• It is used in the petroleum industry. It facilitates the transfer of crude oil from the well to the refinery.
• It is used as a taste modifier in the manufacturing of sugar-free sweetener tablets.

What Factors Affect its Price?

The price of malic acid is directly dependent on the prices of the raw materials used in its production. As the price of glycerol used in its production increases, the price of this chemical will increase.

Prices are directly related to the application areas of malic acid. As its use increases, its price will also increase because the amount of raw material produced will not be sufficient to meet the demand.

The price of Malic Acid is directly related to the number of companies that produce it. As the number of production facilities increases, the price will temporarily decrease, but it will reach a reasonable level over time.

The costs for companies selling malic acid are directly dependent on their proximity to the production facility. As the distance increases, the prices will increase.