What is malonic acid?

Malonic acid, also known as propanedioic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid that is white in color with a crystalline appearance. Malonic acid is soluble in water and easily decomposed by heat.

This dibasic acid is commonly paired with urea to create an intermediate to be used in the synthesis of barbiturates. Malonic acid can be prepared by oxidizing malic acid or through a chemical reaction using chloroacetic acid. High concentrations of malonic acid and its calcium salt generally occur in beetroot. When malonic acid, as well as its esters and salts, are ionized, the compound is known as a malonate.