Mesoxalic acid

• Oxomalonsäure
• Ketomalonic
• Oxopropandisäure
• Dioxymalonsäure ( for the hydrate )

• 473-90-5 ( oxo form )
• 560-27-0 ( hydrate form)

113-121 ° C. ( hydrate)

Very soluble in water, ethanol and diethyl ether

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Mesoxalic is both a dicarboxylic acid and a keto carboxylic acid and are easily two protons to form the divalent anion C3O52 - off. With water it forms a stable hydrate (2,2- Dihydroxymalonsäure ); The same applies to derivatives, such as esters. Mesoxalic acid has a reducing effect, for example in the Tollensprobe; their thermal stability is poor. When heated, it decomposes with elimination of carbon dioxide ( decarboxylation, to glyoxylic acid ) and carbon monoxide ( decarbonylation to oxalic acid).

Occurrence

Mesoxalic is found in various plants, such as sugar beet and alfalfa.

Production

They can be prepared by oxidation of tartronic acid ( hydroxymalonic acid ), platinum -bismuth catalyst and air.