ITACONIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Itaconic acid is a dicarboxylic acid belonging to the class of unsaturated organic compounds. Chemically, it can be represented as methylenebutanedioic acid or 2-hydroxy-2-propylsuccinic acid. This organic acid is derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle, which occurs within living organisms.
Itaconic acid is a white solid crystalline substance with a slightly acrid odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but easily dissolves in methanol, ethanol, and acetone. This acid is primarily used in the chemical industry as a monomer or precursor for the synthesis of various polymers and copolymers, including polyesters, polyurethanes, and resins.
In recent years, itaconic acid has gained significant attention as a sustainable and renewable bio-based chemical due to its production potential from renewable resources such as sugars, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It is produced by certain microorganisms, notably the filamentous fungus Aspergillus terreus, through fermentation processes.
Apart from its industrial applications, itaconic acid has been studied for its potential biomedical uses, including its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi. It has also shown promise as a substrate for the production of biofuels and various valuable chemical compounds.
Overall, itaconic acid serves as an essential building block in the production of polymers, while also offering potential applications in various fields, making it a valuable compound within the chemical industry.
Common Misspellings for ITACONIC ACID
- utaconic acid
- jtaconic acid
- ktaconic acid
- otaconic acid
- 9taconic acid
- 8taconic acid
- iraconic acid
- ifaconic acid
- igaconic acid
- iyaconic acid
- i6aconic acid
- i5aconic acid
- itzconic acid
- itsconic acid
- itwconic acid
- itqconic acid
- itaxonic acid
- itavonic acid
- itafonic acid
Etymology of ITACONIC ACID
The word "Itaconic" is derived from the Latin term "Itaconis", which means "pertaining to the bellies". This name was given to the acid due to its extraction from a certain fungus called Aspergillus itaconicus. Itaconic acid was first isolated and characterized in the early 20th century by German chemists Fritz Lange and Walter Hieber in 1893.
Idioms with the word ITACONIC ACID
