Malic acid, also known as 2 - hydroxy succinic acid, has two stereoisomers due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom in the molecule. There are three forms in nature, namely D malic acid, L malic acid and its mixture DL malic acid. White crystalline or crystalline powder with strong moisture absorption, easily soluble in water and ethanol. Have a special pleasant sour taste. Malic acid is mainly used in food and medicine industry.

Items		Standards
ASSAY(%)		99.0-100.5
MELTING POINT(℃)		127-132
FUMARIC ACID ≤%		1
MALEIC ACID ≤%		0.05
WATER INSOLUBLES ≤%		0.1
SULPHATED ASH ≤%		0.1
HEAVY METALS ≤ppm		20
LEAD ≤ppm		2
ARSENIC ≤ppm		2
MERCURY ≤ppm		1
CHLORIDE ≤ppm		100
SPECIFIC ROTATION		-0.2
RESIDUE ON IGNITION ≤%		0.1

(1) In food industry: it can be used in the processing and concoction of beverage, liqueur, fruit juice and the manufacture of candy and jam etc. It also has effects of bacteria inhibition and antisepsis and can remove tartrate during wine brewing.
(2) In tobacco industry: malic acid derivative (such as esters) can improve the aroma of tobacco.
(3)In pharmaceutical industry: the troches and syrup compounded with malic acid have fruit taste and can facilitate their absorption and diffusion in the body.