Applications
D-(-)-Tartaric acid is used as a resolving agent in organic synthesis. It is used as a precursor for the preparation of its ester derivatives like D-tartaric acid diethyl ester, D-tartaric acid dimethyl ester and D-tartaric acid diiso-propyl ester. It finds application in the synthesis of chiral aziridine derivative, a common intermediate for the preparation of hydroxyethylamine class HIV protease inhibitors viz. as saquinavir, amprenavir and nelfinavir. It is widely used in the food industry as a beer foaming agent, for food acidity regulations and as a flavoring agent.

Solubility
Soluble in water and alcohol.

Notes
Light sensitive. Incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents and reducing agents.