Fumaric acid

Fumaric acid is a trans-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid found in plants and fungi. In cells, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle and can be converted to malate.

Fumarase: Fumarase is the enzyme that reversibly converts fumarate to malate by adding or removing water. It catalyzes fumaric acid’s hydration to malate in the citric acid cycle.
Food additive: A food additive is a substance deliberately added to food to affect properties such as flavor, stability, or texture. Fumaric acid is used as an acidulant in foods and beverages.
Dicarboxylic acid: A dicarboxylic acid is an organic compound containing two carboxyl groups. Fumaric acid’s two carboxyl groups define its acidic character and salt-forming reactions.
Fumaria officinalis: Fumaria officinalis is a flowering plant in the poppy family, native to Europe and western Asia. Fumaric acid’s name derives from the plant genus Fumaria, from which it was first isolated.
Malate: Malate is a four-carbon dicarboxylate that participates in cellular metabolism, including the citric acid cycle. It is the product formed when fumarase hydrates fumarate.
Acidulant: An acidulant is an ingredient used to give food a sour taste or adjust its acidity. Fumaric acid’s low solubility and strong sourness make it useful in certain dry mixes and confections.
Alkene: An alkene is a hydrocarbon or derivative containing a carbon–carbon double bond. Fumaric acid’s double bond permits geometric isomerism and addition reactions.
Fungi: Fungi are a eukaryotic kingdom that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Many fungi produce fumaric acid, and fungal fermentation is used to manufacture it.
Citric acid cycle: The citric acid cycle is a series of reactions that oxidizes acetyl-CoA and transfers energy to electron carriers. Fumarate is one of the cycle’s four-carbon intermediates.
Unsaturated polyester resin: Unsaturated polyester resin is a polymer material made from polyesters containing carbon–carbon double bonds, often reinforced with fibers. Fumaric acid can supply unsaturation in polyester formulations.

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