Labelled Malic Acid. The naturally occuring isomer is the L-form which has been found in apples and many other fruits and plants. Selective α-amino protecting reagent for amino acid derivatives. Versatile synthon for the preparation of chiral compounds including κ-opioid receptor agonists, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogue, and phoslactomycin B.