C5H8O4

C5H8O4 is the molecular formula for several organic compounds, most notably tartaric acid and its isomers. Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grapes and many other fruits. It is commonly used as an additive in food and beverages, serving as an antioxidant, flavor enhancer, and leavening agent. It is also employed in the pharmaceutical industry and in certain chemical processes.

The structure of tartaric acid consists of a four-carbon chain with two carboxylic acid groups and two hydroxyl groups. The presence of chiral centers means that tartaric acid exists as several stereoisomers, including L-(+)-tartaric acid, D-(-)-tartaric acid, and meso-tartaric acid. L-(+)-tartaric acid is the most common natural form.

Other compounds with the molecular formula C5H8O4 include various esters of tartaric acid, such as diethyl tartrate, which is used as a solvent. Additionally, this formula can represent other organic molecules like 2,3-dihydroxybutanoic acid, which is related to tartaric acid but has a different arrangement of functional groups. The specific properties and applications of a compound with the formula C5H8O4 depend entirely on its unique structural arrangement of atoms.