Tartaric acid is used industrially to

Analysis

The question asks for the industrial application of tartaric acid. To answer this, we need to look at the chemical properties of tartaric acid and its common uses in the food and chemical industries.

Concept Explanation

Tartaric acid ($C_4H_6O_6$) is a naturally occurring organic acid found in many fruits, particularly grapes. In industrial chemistry and food science, it is classified as a weak acid. Its most significant property in this context is its ability to react with bases (like sodium bicarbonate) to release carbon dioxide gas.

• Baking Powder: Baking powder is a mixture of a dry acid (often tartaric acid or its salts like cream of tartar) and a base (sodium bicarbonate). When water is added, the acid reacts with the base to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough or batter to rise.
• Other options: While tartaric acid is found in some fruits, it is not the primary ingredient used to make fruit juice. It is also not the standard industrial chemical for removing rust (which usually requires stronger acids like hydrochloric or phosphoric acid) or for drying substances (which requires desiccants like silica gel or calcium chloride).

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Identify the chemical nature: Tartaric acid is an acidic salt used as a leavening agent.
2. Evaluate the options: • A (Make baking powder): This is a classic application. The reaction between tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$) is the fundamental chemistry behind the leavening process in baking. • B (Make fruit juice): Tartaric acid is a component of some fruits, but it is not used to manufacture juice. • C (Remove rust): Rust removal requires stronger mineral acids. • D (Dry substance): Tartaric acid is not a desiccant.
3. Conclusion: The industrial use of tartaric acid is primarily in the food industry for the production of baking powder.

Correct Option

The correct option is A.

Exam Tip

When you see questions about organic acids in chemistry exams, always associate them with their functional uses:

• Citric acid: Used as a preservative and flavoring in drinks.
• Tartaric acid: Used in baking powder (leavening).
• Ethanoic acid (Acetic acid): Used as vinegar and in the production of esters.