The word "bitartrate" is spelled with the prefix "bi-" meaning "two," followed by "tartrate," which refers to a type of salt. The IPA phonetic transcription for bitartrate is /baɪˈtɑːrtreɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced as "bye" and the second syllable is pronounced as "tart" with stress on the first syllable. It is a complex word commonly used in chemistry to refer to the salt of tartaric acid. Understanding the IPA phonetic transcription enables one to pronounce the word accurately.
Bitartrate is a chemical compound commonly used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is the salt derived from the mixture of tartaric acid and a base, often sodium, potassium, or calcium. The term "bitartrate" comes from the Latin words "bis" meaning twice and "tartrate," referring to a compound of tartaric acid.
Bitartrate typically appears as a crystalline powder or small crystals. It is highly soluble in water, making it easy to incorporate into various products. Due to its acidic nature, bitartrate is often used as a leavening agent in baking processes, promoting the expansion and lightening of dough.
In the pharmaceutical field, bitartrate is utilized for medicinal purposes. Different bitartrates are utilized depending on the specific application and desired effect. For example, potassium bitartrate is commonly used as a laxative or diuretic due to its ability to increase urine production. Bitartrate compounds can also enhance the solubility and absorption of certain medications, improving their efficacy.
Furthermore, bitartrate may exhibit some antioxidant properties and is occasionally used as a buffering agent in certain industries. It is safe for consumption and generally recognized as safe by regulatory authorities when used within specified limits.
A compound containing two equivalents of tartaric acid to one of the base.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bitartrate" derives from the Latin word "bitartrātus", which is the past participle of the verb "bitartrāre", meaning "to tartrate". The Latin term originated from the combination of the prefix "bi-" meaning "twice" and "tartrāre", a verb derived from "tartarum" referring to tartar or argol. In chemistry, bitartrate typically refers to the salt formed from tartaric acid, which has an acidic or tart taste.