Potassium bitartrate

Description

Potassium bitartrate (potassium hydrogen tartrate or commonly cream of tartar) is generally recognized as a safe compound. It crystallizes out of wine casks during fermentation. Today, cream of tartar is used for the ‘on-demand’ generation of carbon dioxide from its acid-base reaction with baking soda. When the two react, copious bubbles of carbon dioxide are swiftly released. The bubbling action can dislodge small blockages, a useful technique used to keep drains clear. The release of carbon dioxide also finds extensive applications in leavening of dough in baking, among many other applications. Prominent applications include: • leavening agent • anticaking agent • feed laxative • cleanser for brass, copper, or aluminum • synthetic reagent • pH regulator