Is malonic acid the same as malic acid?

Malonic acid and malic acid are not identical; they are distinct compounds with different structures and properties. Malonic acid (C₃H₄O₄) has the structure HOOC-CH₂-COOH, with two carboxyl groups attached to a central methylene group. This makes it extremely reactive, making it a common reagent in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and various chemical reactions. In contrast, malic acid (C₄H₆O₅) has the structure HOOC-CH₂-CH(OH)-COOH and contains a hydroxyl group in addition to the carboxyl group, making it less reactive. It occurs naturally in fruits such as apples and is used in the food industry primarily for its sour flavor, but it is also used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

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