Chem. [a. F. tartrate, f. tartre, TARTAR sb.1: see -ATE1.] A salt of tartaric acid (CO2H.(CHOH)2.CO2H) formed by substituting a metal or radical for the hydrogen of the carbonyl groups (CO2H).

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  These salls are very numerous, and are acid or neutral, according as one or both of the hydrogen atoms are replaced; thus, acid potassium tartrate is CO2H.(CHOH)2. CO2K; neutral potassium tartrate, CO2K.(CHOH)2.CO2K. The H atoms can also be replaced by two different metals or radicals, forming double salts, as sodium potassium tartrate, CO2.Na(CHOH)2.CO2K, potassium antimonyl tartrate, CO2K.(CHOH)2.CO2SbO.

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1794.  G. Adams, Nat. & Exp. Philos., I. App. 547. Tartrats—the earthy insoluble in water, the alkaline soluble.

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1815.  J. Smith, Panorama Sc. & Art, II. 436. Tartaric acid … unites with the alkalies, and most of the earths. The salts formed with it are called tartrates.

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1869.  Roscoe, Elem. Chem. (1871), 200. Potassium Carbonate can be obtained perfectly pure by heating pure potassium tartrate to redness.

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