Alkaline conversion reaction of D-tartaric acid was investigated. D-Tartaric acid was heated at 130°in potassium hydroxide solution for 10 hr. The reaction mixture was acidified and DL-tartarate was precipitated as a monopotassium salt. To the mothor liquor was added calcium chloride solution and meso-isomer was obtained as a calcium salt. Conversion ratio of this reaction was determined by both gravimetriy and X-ray diffraction, and the reaction in 40% potassium hydroxide solution was optimal for the formation of meso-tartarate. No conversion occured in the reaction using 20% potassium hydroxide solution while oxalate was produced in the reaction using 50% or higher concentration of the reagent.