Saccharic Acid

Saccharic Acid is isomeric with three other allied acids - viz. mucic, iso- and manno-saccharic acids. It is obtained by the oxidation of sugar, usually by means of nitric acid. It forms a gummy, amorphous, soluble mass with a sour taste, which blackens and decomposes if heated. As ordinarily prepared, it acts on polarized light, being laevo-rotatory, though dextro- and in active compounds can also be prepared. It forms well-defined crystalline salts, those of the alkalies being soluble in water.