Ammonium malate refers to organic compounds containing malate and ammonium. Two stoichiometries are discussed: NH4H(C2H3OH(CO2)2) with one ammonium ion per formula unit, and (NH4)2(C2H3OH(CO2)2). Malate, the conjugate base of malic acid, is chiral. Consequently a variety of salts are possible, R vs S vs racemic. The monoammonium salt has been crystallized as the monohydrate.
As a food additive, diammonium malate has been used as flavoring agent and as an acidity regulator. It has the E number E349.
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