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Reference.org
Malic acid
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<p>Malic acid is an <a href="/facts/Organic_compound/gqCNaN45">organic compound</a> with the <a href="/facts/Molecular_formula/hghUtthl">molecular formula</a> HO2CCH(OH)CH2CO2H. It is a <a href="/facts/Dicarboxylic_acid/d69GkIAc">dicarboxylic acid</a> that is made by all living organisms, contributes to the sour taste of fruits, and is used as a <a href="/facts/Food_additive/jGk8zjn8">food additive</a>. Malic acid has two <a href="/facts/Stereoisomeric/I3kzlDE8">stereoisomeric</a> forms (L- and D-enantiomers), though only the L-isomer exists naturally. The <a href="/facts/Salt_(chemistry)/lsSKwGpn">salts</a> and <a href="/facts/Ester/FoUAIIw4">esters</a> of malic acid are known as malates. The malate <a href="/facts/Anion/wrbwhF3z">anion</a> is a <a href="/facts/Metabolic_intermediate/PjlX9C08">metabolic intermediate</a> in the <a href="/facts/Citric_acid_cycle/EGJL9NXP">citric acid cycle</a>. </p>