The enzyme D(−)-tartrate dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.81) catalyzes the chemical reaction

(S,S)-tartrate oxaloacetate + H₂O

This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the hydro-lyases, which cleave carbon-oxygen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is (S,S)-tartrate hydro-lyase (oxaloacetate-forming). Other names in common use include D-tartrate dehydratase, and (S,S)-tartrate hydro-lyase. It has 2 cofactors: iron and manganese.

As of late 2007, two structures have been solved for this class of enzymes, with PDB accession codes 2DW6 and 2DW7.

• Rode H, Giffhorn F (1982). "D-(--)-tartrate dehydratase of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides: purification, characterization, and application to enzymatic determination of D-(--)-tartrate". J. Bacteriol. 150 (3): 1061–8. doi:10.1128/JB.150.3.1061-1068.1982. PMC 216323. PMID 6978882.
• Rode H, Giffhorn F (1982). "Ferrous- or cobalt ion-dependent D-(−)-tartrate dehydratase of pseudomonads: purification and properties". J. Bacteriol. 151 (3): 1602–4. doi:10.1128/JB.151.3.1602-1604.1982. PMC 220444. PMID 7107563.