E472d is a chemical compound, Tartaric acid esters of fatty acids

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• The code 'E472d' refers to tartaric acid esters of fatty acids. Specifically, 
• "E" indicates that it is a food additive used in the European Union and 
• "472d" is the specific sub-code for this variety of fatty acid esters.

Description of raw materials used in production -

Tartaric acid esters of fatty acids are derived from a combination of fatty acids (usually from vegetable or animal oils or fats) and tartaric acid (an organic acid naturally occurring in many plants, particularly grapes).

Tartaric acid is an organic acid naturally occurring in many plants, especially grapes. 'Esters' means a type of compound produced by the reaction between an acid (in this case, tartaric acid) and an alcohol (which in this context is derived from fatty acids). Fatty acids' are carboxylic acids with long chain hydrocarbon tails.

Synthesis process

• Production of fatty acids - Fatty acids are often obtained from the hydrolysis of oils or fats.
• Reaction with tartaric acid - The fatty acids are then made to react with tartaric acid in the presence of a catalyst to form the esterification.
• Purification - After the reaction, the mixture is purified to remove any impurities and achieve the desired emulsifier.
• Packaging - The emulsifier is then packaged for sale or used as an ingredient in various food products.

What it is used for and where

Food

Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E472d, a complex of food additives with emulsifying and stabilizing functions used by the food industry.

The complete list:

• E472a: Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

• E472b: Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

• E472c: Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

• E472d: Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

• E472e: Diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides

• E472f: Mixed esters (tartaric, acetic) of mono- and diglycerides