Fumaric Acid Formula

Carbon is a nonmetallic, tetravalent element that is of great use to humans. Its name is derived from Latin carbo which means charcoal or ember. Even though carbon is only 0.025% of the earth’s crust and 0.03% in the atmosphere it is of great importance to mankind. Carbon’s abundance in the earth’s core and the atmosphere is high.  The ability of carbon to form polymer at normal temperature is the reason it is commonly found in all living forms. The largest source of inorganic carbon is limestones, dolomite, etc.

Fumaric Acid

Fumaric acid is an organic compound ( this means it consists of carbon). The chemical formula of fumaric acid is C₄H₄O₄ . It is mostly found in its solid state and is white in color. It has a fruit-like taste. It is also known as Allomaleic acid. It is a dicarboxylic acid. It is widely used as a food additive. Even the human skin produces fumaric acid when it is exposed to sunlight. It is a by-product of the urea cycle in human beings. The salts and esters of fumaric acid are collectively known as fumarates.  Fumaric and maleic acids were discovered by Braconnet and by Vauquelin separately while they were performing the dry distillation of malic acid in the year 1817.

Preparation method of Fumaric acid

• Fumaric acid is produced by the isomerization of maleic acid. In this reaction catalyst such as mineral, and acid is used.
• Fumaric acid can be prepared by heating dilute Bromo succinic Acid  in the presence of KOH.

• Fumaric acid can be prepared by reduction of tartaric acid in presence of phosphorus and iodine.
• Fumaric acid can be prepared by heating bromosuccinic acid with water.

• Fumaric Acid can be prepared by heating Maleic acid above 200 ⁰ C.

Structure of Fumaric acid

It is made up of Carbon, Hydrogen, and oxygen. The chemical formula fumaric acid is C4H4O4 . It is mostly found in its solid state and is white in color. It is also known as Allomaleic acid. It is a dicarboxylic acid. The IUPAC name of Fumaric acid is (E)-Butenedioic acid. Fumaric acid is the trans-isomer of butenedioic acid. It has a Carbon-carbon double bond. The geometry of this molecular is E. The molecular weight of Fumaric acid is 116 amu. 

Physical Properties of Fumaric Acid

• It mostly appears as a white-colored solid.
• It has a fruit-like odor.
• The molecular weight of Fumaric acid is 116 amu.
• Fumaric acid is Combustible but it is difficult to start a fire.
• Fumaric acid undergoes sublimation at 200 C.
• The melting point of Fumaric acid is 572 to 576 °F.

Chemical Properties of Fumaric Acid

• Fumaric acid is soluble in ethanol and concentrated sulfuric acid.
• It is soluble in alcohol but is insoluble in benzene, water, and chloroform.
• The capacity to absorb atmospheric moisture is very less.
• The pH of Fumaric acid is 3.19 
• When Fumaric acid is heated in presence of Bayers reagent it gives rise to Racemic Tartaric Acid.

• Fumaric Acid on Bromination gives 2,3-dibromosuccinic acid. 

• When Fumaric acid is heated in a closed vessel with water at a temperature of almost 150 – 170 °C it produces DL-malic acid.

• When Fumaric acid and methanol are heated in the presence of Sulfuric acid it gives rise to Dimethyl fumarate.

Uses of Fumaric acid

• The esters of Fumaric acid are used for the treatment of psoriasis due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties.
• Fumaric acid is used as a food additive. It helps preserve the taste and quality of the food products due to the low water absorption capacity of the Fumaric acid.
• Fumaric acid is used by pharmacies to produce ferrous fumarate and alexipharmic.
• Fumaric acid is used in the production of Tartaric acid.

Health Hazards of Fumaric Acid

• When Fumaric acid comes in direct contact with the eyes it causes irritation.
• Inhaling of Fumaric acid can cause irritation in the nose and throat which leads to cough 
• Continues Exposure to Fumaric acid may damage the kidneys.

FAQs on Fumaric Acid

Question 1: Write a short note on fumaric acid.

Answer: 

Fumaric acid consists of carbon. It is an organic compound.  The chemical formula of fumaric acid is C₄H₄O₄ . It is a white-colored solid. Fumaric acid has a fruit-like taste and odor. It is also known as Allomaleic acid.

Question 2: Explain the structure of Fumaric acid.

Answer: 

The chemical formula fumaric acid is C₄H₄O₄ . It is a dicarboxylic acid. The IUPAC name of Fumaric acid is (E)-Butenedioic acid. Fumaric acid is the trans-isomer of butenedioic acid. 

Question 3: If a chemist wants to prepare Fumaric acid how can he do that?

Answer:

Fumaric acid can be produced by the isomerization of maleic acid. In this reaction, mineral acid is used as a catalyst. Fumaric acid can be prepared by heating dilute hydrobromic acid.

Question 4: List some uses of Fumaric acid.

Answer: 

• The esters of Fumaric acid are used for the treatment of psoriasis due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties. 
• Fumaric acid is used as a food additive.
•  Fumaric acid is used by pharmacies to produce ferrous fumarate and alexipharmic. 
• Fumaric acid is used in the production of Tartaric acid.

Question 5: Is Fumaric acid completely safe?

Answer: 

No, Fumaric acid is not safe if it is taken in large quantities. When Fumaric acid comes in direct contact with the eyes it causes irritation. Inhaling of Fumaric acid can cause irritation in the nose and throat which leads to cough. Continues Exposure to Fumaric acid over a long period of time may damage the kidneys.