aconitic acid

Noun

aconitic acid (uncountable)

1. An organic acid involved in the isomerization of citrate to isocitrate in the citric acid cycle.
   • Two isomeric acids are formed by the distillation of malic acid, which are likewise isomeric with aconitic acid obtained by fusing citric acid, and of which one has been proved to be identical with the acid which occurs in Fumaria officinalis.1844 August 1, T. Rieckher, “Chemical Examination of some Fumarates, and on the Constitution of Fumaric Acid (Paramaleic Acid)”, in The Chemical Gazette, number 43
   • When citric acid is heated to 175°, it loses a molecule of water, and gives aconitic acid, an acid which is also found in aconite.1916, Julius Berend Cohen, Theoretical organic chemistry, page 360

   Synonyms:

   achilleic acid, citridinic acid, equisetic acid, pyrocitric acid