Identification and determination of polybasic organic acids present in West Indian cherries (malpighia punicifolia L.) and in three varieties of guava (psidium guajava)

Abstract

Citric acid was found to be the polybasic organic acid present in large amounts in guavas. Therefore its determination cannot be used as a test for adulteration of guava jelly. Tartaric acid, as well as levo-malic acid, was also present in small amounts in the three varieties of guavas analyzed. The only polybasic organic acid found in the West Indian cherry was leyo-malic acid. Monobasic acid, ascorbic acid, and dehydroascorbic acid (lactone form) were also present in considerable quantities.