Mesotartaric is a ten-letter word used in scientific terminology to describe a specific type of tartaric acid which contains a meso compound. It is pronounced as /ˌmɛsəʊtɑːˈtærɪk/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is spelled with a prefix "meso" meaning middle, followed by the root word "tartaric" which refers to the tart-tasting organic acid found in many fruits like grapes. The spelling of Mesotartaric is derived from the scientific naming convention that uses Latin and Greek roots to describe complex compounds in chemistry.
Mesotartaric is an adjective that pertains to or denotes a specific type of tartaric acid known as mesotartaric acid. Tartaric acid is an organic compound that naturally occurs in various fruits, particularly grapes, and is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a flavor enhancer, acidity regulator, and stabilizer.
Mesotartaric acid is a stereoisomer of tartaric acid, meaning it has the same molecular formula but a different spatial arrangement of atoms. It is characterized by having two asymmetric carbon atoms, resulting in three possible forms: meso, dextro, and levo tartaric acids.
The meso form of tartaric acid (mesotartaric acid) is unique in that it lacks optical activity, meaning it does not rotate plane-polarized light. This is due to its internal symmetry, wherein the two asymmetric carbon atoms are attached to the same types of atoms or groups. In contrast, dextro and levo tartaric acids are optically active because they have different groups attached to the asymmetric carbon atoms.
Mesotartaric acid is commonly used in wine production as a means to control and adjust acidity levels. It can contribute to the taste and mouthfeel of wines by providing a balanced tartness and enhancing their overall flavor profile. Additionally, mesotartaric acid is extensively employed in the pharmaceutical industry for its chiral properties and in the synthesis of other chemical compounds.
Overall, the term "mesotartaric" relates to the specific configuration and properties of mesotartaric acid, which plays a vital role in various applications such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
The word "Mesotartaric" is derived from Greek.
The root word "tartaros" (τάρταρος) in Greek means "hell" or "abyss". In chemistry, it refers to a white crystalline deposit in wine barrels.
The prefix "meso-" means "middle" or "intermediate" in Greek. It is often used in chemistry to denote a compound that has an asymmetric carbon atom but is optically inactive.
Therefore, "Mesotartaric" refers to a compound that is derived from tartaric acid and has an intermediate or middle position in terms of its optical activity.