> Tartaric acid has been recommended for use in syrup persistently for many
> years. However, studies by Bailey in England as far back as 1966 showed that
> such use can reduce the life of honeybees if natural nectar is not coming in
> when the treated syrup is fed.
 
My understanding, at a very basic level, is that the difference is
best described as 'acidic inversion' as opposed to 'enzymic
inversion' of the sugars.  That is, the presence of an acid such as
tartaric acid *will* invert the complex sucrose molecule, but as
Bailey found the results leave some bee toxic compounds (or at least
toxic if other supplies don't 'dilute' its effects on the colony.
And it is for that reason that those of you who use HFCS (high
fructose corn syrup) are well-advised to ensure that it was made in a
way that won't prove toxic to bees (Allen Dick made this point well
in a recent posting).
 
So much for the chemistry from a non-chemist!
 
 
  (\      Nick Wallingford
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