Quercitannic acid is a complex organic compound found in various plants. The word is spelled with a "qu" indicating the sound of /kw/ in English. The "c" in "quercitannic" is pronounced as /s/ before "i" and /k/ before "a." The second syllable "tan" is pronounced /tæn/ and "nic" is pronounced /nɪk/. The "a" in "acid" is pronounced as /æ/. Overall, the phonetic transcription of "quercitannic acid" is /kwɜrˈsɪtænɪk ˈæsɪd/.
Quercitannic acid is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the family of polyphenols, specifically to the subgroup of tannins. It is commonly found in various plant sources, particularly in oak trees (genus Quercus), hence the prefix "querci-". Quercitannic acid is also known by other names, including tannic acid or oak tannin.
In terms of chemical structure, quercitannic acid is a complex molecule composed of glucose units linked together with gallic acid. The chemical formula for quercitannic acid is C76H52O46, and it has a molecular weight of approximately 1701.2 g/mol.
Quercitannic acid is characterized by its astringent properties, which make it applicable in many industries. It is commonly used as an ingredient in the production of ink, dyes, and adhesives due to its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions. Additionally, it serves as a natural preservative in the food and beverage industry, particularly in winemaking and brewing processes.
From a medicinal perspective, quercitannic acid is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. These qualities make it a potential candidate for various therapeutic purposes, including wound healing, cosmetic formulations, and as a natural remedy for certain ailments.
However, it is important to note that excessive consumption of quercitannic acid may have adverse effects on human health. Since it belongs to the class of tannins, high doses can interfere with the absorption of certain minerals and vitamins. Therefore, it is necessary to exercise caution and moderation when utilizing products containing quercitannic acid.
An acid like tannic acid obtained from oak-bark.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word quercitannic acid is derived from the Latin word quercus, meaning oak tree, and the term tannic acid. The Latin word quercus refers specifically to the oak tree genus, which includes various species of hardwood trees that produce tannins. Tannic acid is a complex organic compound, often found in the bark and other parts of oak trees, which has strong astringent properties. It is commonly used for tanning leather and in the production of certain beverages, such as wines and teas. Thus, quercitannic acid literally means tannic acid derived from oak trees.