International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 349
Food additives Europe numbers: E349
Ammonium malate is a substance formed when malic acid (a naturally occurring acid found in fruits) combines with ammonia. It exists in two forms:
- Monoammonium malate (NH₄HC₄H₄O₅) - This has one ammonium ion per formula unit.
- Diammonium malate ((NH₄)₂C₄H₄O₅) - This has two ammonium ions per formula unit.
The most common form used commercially is the diammonium malate, also known as ammonium hydrogen 2-hydroxysuccinate. It is a white colored solid .
Ammonium malate is primarily used as a food additive. It acts as an acidity regulator (controls the pH of food) and imparts a tart or sour flavor to food products. It is known by the E number E349.
In some cases, ammonium malate is also used as a research chemical. However, more research is required to determine its potential medicinal applications.
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Ammonium malate