Coumalic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H4O4. Its melting point is around 210 °C.

In laboratory coumalic acid may be obtained by self-condensation of malic acid in fuming sulfuric acid:[1]

Coumalic Acid Synthesis

Note that this scheme is incorrect. 4 H2O and 2 CO (carbon monoxide, not carbon dioxide) are liberated during the condensation.

References

  1. ^ Richard H. Wiley and Newton R. Smith (1963). "Coumalic acid". Organic Syntheses; Collected Volumes, vol. 4, p. 201.