Question

The acid that imparts sour taste to butter is :

• A. acetic acid
• B. oxalic acid
• C. lactic acid
• D. tartaric acid

Answer 1

The correct option is C

lactic acid

Explanation for the correct option:

(C) lactic acid

1. As we know that the organic compound which is having acidic properties is organic acids.
2. These acids mainly occur in animals, plants, and microbial sources.
3. The acids which are present in butter are lactic acid$\left({\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_6{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$, butyric acid$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{CH}}_2\mathrm{COOH}\right)$, palmitic acids$\left({\mathrm{C}}_{16}{\mathrm{H}}_{32}{\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$, etc.
4. Lactobacillus produces lactic acid that is responsible for the sour taste of butter.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) Acetic acid

Acetic acid also called ethanoic acid$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\right)$ found in vinegar not found in butter.

(B) Oxalic acid

Oxalic acid$\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_4\right)$ is found in tomatoes.

(D) Tartaric acid

Tartaric acid$\left({\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_6{\mathrm{O}}_6\right)$ is found in tamarind.

Therefore lactic acid is responsible for the sour taste of butter.

Hence, the correct option is (C).