Racemic tartaric acid is a type of organic acid that occurs naturally in various plants, particularly in grapes. It is a byproduct of the fermentation process in winemaking and is often used in the food industry as a stabilizing agent for certain products. The term "racemic" refers to the presence of equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are molecules that are mirror images of each other. This compound is commonly found in the form of a white crystalline powder and is known for its sour taste. In addition to its culinary uses, racemic tartaric acid is also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry and in the production of certain types of baking powder. Its chemical formula is C4H6O6.