Isocitric acid

Isocitric acid is a structural isomer of citric acid.  Salts and esters of isocitric acid are known as isocitrates. The isocitrate anion is a substrate of the citric acid cycle. Isocitrate is formed from citrate with the help of the enzyme aconitase, and is acted upon by isocitrate dehydrogenase.

Isocitric acid is commonly used as a marker to detect the authenticity and quality of fruit products, most often citrus juices.  In authentic orange juice, for example, the ratio of citric acid to D-isocitric acid is usually less than 130. An isocitric acid value higher than this may be indicative of fruit juice adulteration.

Interactive pathway map

See also 

 Citric Acid
 Tartaric Acid
 Malic Acid

References

Category:Alpha hydroxy acids
Category:Tricarboxylic acids
Category:Citric acid cycle compounds
Category:Aldols