Identifying malic acid stereoisomers before approving a substitution

Set up the comparison

Give L-malic acid, DL-malic acid and material of unspecified form separate sample codes. Check identity and specification before tasting in the same recipe.

Measurements to record

L and DL forms (Qualitative or proportion). Request batch-specific chiral identification; a total assay alone cannot establish stereochemistry. Principal component assay (% by mass). Identify the analyte, dry or as-received basis and method. Do not substitute a theoretical conversion for an incoming release result. Record the sample ID and method revision for repeat testing.

Interpreting the results

Taste cannot determine stereochemistry. Keep analytical identity and sensory assessments as separate approval steps.

What to record

• Sample ID
• Stereochemical form
• Identity record
• Specification
• Sensory result

Technical references

• ENVO: malic acid product information ↗

Products and processes