The first organic acid to be produced industrially is
The first organic acid to be produced industrially is
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid,) was first produced industrially by bacterial fermentation in the 1880s, making it the FIRST organic acid to be produced industrially via fermentation. It was produced using Lactobacillus species from lactose (milk) or glucose. Uses: food preservative, acidulant, feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics. Subsequent industrial fermentation acids: Citric acid — from Aspergillus niger (1919, Currie). Acetic acid — from Acetobacter (vinegar), but most industrial acetic acid is now chemical synthesis. Gibberellic acid — from Fusarium moniliforme (plant growth regulator, not a bulk organic acid). Aspartic acid — amino acid, enzymatic production from fumarate.