Back in the middle of the last century, researchers started paying close attention to the stereochemistry of organic molecules, especially those used in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The importance of chirality—how mirror-image molecules can have completely different effects in the body—became clear with cases like thalidomide. This sent chemists digging deeper for reliable sources of chiral amines, especially diamines. Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine surfaced as a valuable scaffold, thanks to its rigid structure and easy modification. Once D-tartrate salt formation offered a practical way to obtain single enantiomers, labs around the world began adopting (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate as a standard intermediate for asymmetric synthesis, analysis, and product development.
Walk into a well-stocked research lab, and (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate will appear on shelves as a fine to off-white powder. The D-tartrate salt isn’t just a random pairing; it holds the diamine in a form with greater handling safety and shelf stability. Researchers keep coming back to the compound because it provides clean entry points for stereoselective reactions and creates an essential building block for modern asymmetric synthesis. The salt form catches attention in scale-up processes, especially since the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors need consistent quality and ease of purification.
Hold the powder in your hand and you'll notice it resists moisture and doesn’t carry much of a smell. The melting range sits close to 170–175°C, making recrystallization straightforward for purification. As a salt, it dissolves well in water and some polar organic solvents—options like methanol or ethanol usually work for both lab work and larger scale operations. Its stereochemistry—two amine groups on a cyclohexane ring, both in S-configuration—makes it a crucial chiral pool material, handedness guaranteed by the molecular arrangement. Chemists have measured its optical rotation precisely, often near -236° in water, which underscores its purity and usability in chiral resolution applications.
Producers, whether in China, Europe, or North America, tend to describe the product by its appearance, melting point, optical rotation, solubility profile, and residual solvent content. Labels on commercial bottles usually mention the chemical formula (C6H14N2·C4H6O6), molecular weight (about 264 g/mol), and the CAS number. Production lots must pass tests for heavy metals, enantiomeric purity (typically above 99%), and microbial contamination. These aren’t just boxes to check—they protect the researchers and prevent downstream problems. Material Safety Data Sheets help researchers keep track of personal protective equipment and proper disposal protocols, reducing environmental and health impacts.
Chiral resolution through salt formation stands as the go-to method. People start with the racemic cyclohexane-1,2-diamine, mix it with D-tartaric acid in aqueous ethanol, and let it crystallize. The (1S,2S) enantiomer bonds more tightly with D-tartrate, crystallizing out first. Filtering and washing yield the D-tartrate salt, which can be dried and stored or used directly. Some firms opt for asymmetric hydrogenation to skip the resolution step, but salt formation remains the backbone for cost and scale reasons. Yields have climbed over the decades, with recovery rates now well over 80%, reducing waste and cost per kilo for large batch runs.
Chemists reach for the D-tartrate salt in cases requiring transfer of chirality—basically, using it to control the three-dimensional outcome of a reaction. Alkylation, acylation, and reduction steps work readily on both amine groups thanks to their reactivity. In coordination chemistry, (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate forms stable complexes with transition metals like platinum or palladium, opening doors for anticancer drug research and homogeneous catalysis. Derivatives, such as protected amines or reduction products, slide easily into synthetic routes for natural products or small-molecule drugs. I’ve seen the compound used for introducing asymmetry into complex drug intermediates, which saves steps and bumps up yields.
Ask around, and this compound comes with a bundle of names. Some call it (1S,2S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate, others shorten it to S,S-DACH·D-tartrate or DACH-DTA. On supply chain documents, expect to see it listed with its CAS number to avoid confusion. Several chemical suppliers give proprietary codes, but chemical structure drawings cut through mislabeling or supply chain misunderstandings. Keeping a consistent record of both names and numbers helps busy teams avoid missteps, especially in regulated fields.
Lab workers respect the powder for its low volatility and manageable toxicity, but gloves and goggles remain standard. Dust can irritate skin or lungs, and strong acids release gas if mixed, so good ventilation matters in larger operations. Companies train staff to avoid direct contact and wear disposable face masks. In terms of environmental safety, regulatory bodies like REACH and OSHA ask for routine tracking of handling volumes and spillage measures. If a spill happens, water and absorbent material work well, so long as the material is disposed of in secure chemical waste containers. These practical steps keep both people and the environment safe, which counts for a lot as regulations get tighter.
Most labs using (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate work in synthetic organic chemistry, especially where building blocks for complex molecules are needed. Pharmaceutical companies frequently use the salt to make chiral ligands for asymmetric catalysis. It’s found its way into anticancer agents—platinum drugs like oxaliplatin piggyback off the diamine's chiral platform. Specialists in agrochemicals, dyes, and functional polymers also draw on its structure for specialty products. Clinical researchers sometimes use it for chiral analysis or developing enantioselective sensors, which can pinpoint the exact shapes of molecules in blood or urine.
Innovation comes from the front lines of drug discovery. Teams continue to tweak the preparation methods, aiming for greener solvents or more robust chiral starting materials. In collaboration with environmental scientists, synthetic chemists have developed water-based resolutions and tried biocatalysis, lowering the need for toxic reagents or overnight solvent evaporation. On the analytical side, high-resolution NMR and chromatographic techniques now give researchers sharper data about product purity and degradation. These advances help keep the industry both competitive and in line with public health and green chemistry values.
Toxicologists have run standard battery tests on (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate, looking at cell damage, mutagenic risk, and long-term accumulation in animal models. Results usually show low toxicity, but repeated exposure to amines in general can desensitize skin or, in higher doses, upset biological pathways. For this reason, laboratories enforce exposure limits and introduce closed-loop systems where possible, especially during purification and scaling. Regular monitoring and real-time detection methods now pinpoint trace emissions, catching problems before they become health hazards.
With demand growing for both new pharmaceuticals and efficient chemical processes, (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate will keep drawing attention from researchers and producers. Advances in fermentation, such as bioengineered synthesis, may bring down costs and reduce hazardous waste. Startups are eyeing the material for next-generation catalysts and improved chemotherapy drugs, betting on the unique shape and reactivity of the diamine. In academic and industrial settings, my experience suggests a steady march toward automation and continuous-flow reactors—the compound fits snugly into these workflows thanks to its solubility and stable handling characteristics. Both new applications and stricter safety guidelines point toward a future where performance, purity, and sustainability matter as much as price and yield.
Many people outside of chemical labs won't have heard much about (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate. In research, this compound has carved a unique spot, especially in work involving catalysts and pharmaceuticals. A lot of my own early research left me flipping through catalogs for specialty diamines like this one. Back then, what stood out most was just how tightly scientists guard high-purity forms and specific stereochemistry. Manufacturers invest in careful synthesis because one wrong twist in the molecule, and the process doesn’t work at all or delivers shade-tree results.
One major reason chemists pick this diamine deals with chirality. Many modern medicines and chemicals demand a specific “handedness,” or spatial orientation, so patients and processes don’t suffer side effects or lose efficiency. (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate brings a specific three-dimensional shape. That matters in real-world drug development, where a slight misfit can flip a helpful drug into a useless or unsafe one.
This compound supports asymmetric catalysis, a big deal in making single-enantiomer drugs. For years, pharmaceutical companies have leaned into “green chemistry” to minimize waste, cut costs, and keep side products down. Using well-chosen chiral ligands reduces these headaches on the manufacturing floor. Broadly, many chemists pick this ligand for transition metal complexes—especially those used in making HIV drugs, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics.
Sourcing chiral building blocks used to feel like hunting for gold. Now, with advances in synthetic organic chemistry, labs can prepare (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate at scale. Consistency matters. Drug regulatory agencies expect each pill to have the same makeup, batch after batch. Without dependable, well-characterized inputs, entire production lines grind to a halt. It makes sense why manufacturers pay close attention to who supplies their diamines and under what controls.
I’ve seen companies spend months validating a new source for specialty compounds like this one. Drug safety teams pore over paperwork proving nothing in the process contaminates the final product. Chemical mishaps from cut-rate or misidentified intermediates aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a business risk and a potential health threat.
Not every lab has equal access to specialized diamines. Sourcing setbacks affect more than just cost—they can slow clinical trials or interrupt shipments of lifesaving medicines. Diversifying the supply chain and investing in local production facilities could head off bottlenecks. Modern analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and chiral HPLC also give more confidence about what’s in the vial. Lab scientists gain from ongoing training in these techniques, so quality doesn’t fall through the cracks.
Open lines of communication between suppliers and researchers keep the wheels turning. In my own experience, troubleshooting a synthesis felt less daunting once a trusted supplier offered answers about shelf life, storage, and quality. These conversations help keep scientific progress on track and medicines safe for the people who need them most.
Let’s look at (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate. In the lab, you’ll often see this substance as an off-white to pale yellow powder. The chemical formula for the cyclohexane diamine part is C6H14N2, which pairs with D-tartrate, C4H6O6. When you bring them together as a salt, the formula becomes C6H14N2·C4H6O6. The structure features a cyclohexane ring with diamine groups attached at the 1 and 2 positions, both with S configuration, making it a chiral compound. The D-tartrate counterion also brings its own stereochemistry, creating a match between enantiomers that’s non-random and purposeful.
Chemists and drug developers pay close attention to chirality. The S,S configuration shapes how this molecule fits or doesn’t fit into enzyme pockets or biological targets. The world doesn’t run on symmetry alone—biology recognizes shape, and a tiny shift in configuration can mean the difference between a blocker and an enabler. Think about the way left and right hands only fit so well into the same glove. This particular combination, with S,S-diamine and D-tartrate, does not just control molecular recognition—it also affects how the compound dissolves, crystallizes, and stays stable over time.
My time with this molecule showed me how even a “simple” salt can steer bigger biochemical projects. Research groups often pick (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate whenever they need a reliable chiral source for catalysis or drug building blocks. Pharmaceutical synthesis leans on this salt to control which mirror image of a drug is produced. Optically pure diamines clear the way for fewer side reactions and more efficient conversions. That goes straight to the bottom line in research, where time and purity mean dollars and clinical impact.
Access isn’t universal. On the production side, facilities that create enantiomerically pure compounds invest heavily in chiral resolution or asymmetric synthesis technology. For a lab, purity and identity go hand in hand, and contamination with the wrong enantiomer unravels months of work. Safe handling matters, too—diamine salts can be skin and eye irritants. Consistent training and personal protective equipment remain the front line for safety.
Innovation in asymmetric catalysis and green chemistry stands out as a solution for tight supply and high costs. Enzyme-based synthesis offers an energy-friendly and selective alternative, with less waste and fewer steps. With strong verification standards, blockchain-inspired tracking for chemical batches could help labs avoid sourcing mishaps. Trustworthy suppliers and certificates of analysis let researchers work with confidence.
From pharma to asymmetric catalysis, (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate finds real use because of its precise structure. I’ve seen researchers save countless hours and resources by choosing a salt with the right configuration. As methods advance, the benefits become more accessible—even small operations can now leverage the specificity that this compound offers. Chemistry may get complex, but clear-headed sourcing and use of chiral salts keep the field moving forward.
In every chemistry lab I've walked into, there’s a sense of silent order. Some might notice the stacks of reagents lined up on the shelves, labels precise, containers sealed tight. But beneath the surface, real risks hide in the details, especially with speciality compounds like (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate. People new to handling chemicals often brush off the storage rules, thinking, “It’s just another powder.” This mistake can quietly set up bigger problems.
I’ve seen more than one mishap because someone left a sensitive chemical out on a bench instead of putting it away inside a cool, dry cabinet. (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate falls into the category of organics that do much better at room temperature—think 20 to 25°C. Fluctuations above this range or swings below can affect physical stability and, occasionally, purity. Keeping a reagent at the correct temperature keeps decomposition and unwanted moisture absorption to a minimum. Even a small amount of caking or discoloration can mean trouble for experiments, not to mention safety risks if unstable material makes it into a reaction flask.
Humidity often gets ignored, despite being one of the easiest factors to control. I remember a summer where moisture crept into everything, softening even the compounds that didn’t look hygroscopic on paper. (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate benefits from airtight, well-sealed containers—preferably made from material that resists reaction, like glass with a good PTFE-lined cap. Avoiding absorption of ambient moisture keeps the compound in a reliable state, which means researchers spend more time focusing on actual work instead of troubleshooting why results seem off.
Many seasoned chemists prefer to store this type of compound away from sunlight or harsh fluorescent lighting. Some organics slowly break down or change under exposure, and although this compound might seem stable at first glance, ignoring best practices risks subtle breakdown over weeks or months. Good habits mean tucking bottles away in opaque cabinets or wrapping sensitive substances in foil, even if it feels redundant.
Clear labeling cuts down on confusion. In shared labs, I always mark date received, the chemical’s full name, and any hazard info. Storing (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate far from acids, oxidizers, and anything with a tendency to react makes chemical sense and saves everyone from last-minute panics. It's no exaggeration—one sloppy shelf arrangement once led to a ruined set of reactions and a day wasted cleaning up. Visual reminders, like color-coded tape or designated shelves, give another layer of security.
Experience counts in these little decisions. I’ve made a point of walking new researchers through proper storage every semester. This motor-memory builds safety into the culture and reduces incidents caused by inattention. Reports from agencies like OSHA and the ACS always circle back to the reminder that accidents rarely come out of nowhere—they grow from everyday oversights. Good storage doesn’t just keep the chemical safe; it keeps people and results on track, year after year.
(1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate finds a place in chemical research labs and manufacturing facilities, mainly as a chiral catalyst or ligand. This compound rarely appears on lists of everyday consumer goods, so you mostly run into it in controlled workspaces. That's not much comfort if you’re the one handling it. Almost every chemical used in lab processes carries some degree of risk. A lack of public awareness doesn’t erase the reality of exposure.
I've stood by colleagues mixing cyclohexane compounds, knowing gloves and goggles do more than check a box. Talk to anyone who’s trained in chemical safety, and they’ll tell you: ignore those safety data sheets at your own peril. While data on (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate’s specific human toxicity isn’t as extensive as for more notorious toxins, you pick up enough from similar amines and tartrate salts to understand it isn’t benign.
Chiral diamines can cause skin and eye irritation. D-tartrate salts usually pose fewer problems unless inhaled, ingested, or given the chance to soak through bare skin. The organic amine part stands out: exposure can bring about headaches, dizziness, or a burning sensation if inhaled or touched. Some studies and supplier reports mention moderate toxicity from accidental swallowing or skin exposure.
Keep in mind—short-term symptoms often signal larger problems in settings without good ventilation, working PPE, or proper training. If the powder gets airborne or containers get left open, mistakes happen. I recall an incident during grad school where improper glove use led a lab worker to some nasty skin irritation and watery eyes. Safety data sheets note a risk of systemic toxicity, so symptoms might go beyond the surface.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the EU’s REACH database don’t list this compound among most hazardous industrial chemicals, mainly because its use stays limited to specialized fields. Still, that isn’t a green light for carelessness. In research and production, the risk rises when people get complacent. Mild toxicity doesn’t mean 'no toxicity.' Mismanagement in waste disposal could let chemical residues enter wastewater, where aquatic life fares even worse than humans.
Regulatory bodies often look at volume and route of exposure. Though large-scale dangers rarely crop up, accidents with poorly labeled bottles or mismanaged waste can leave long-term effects for both people and the local environment. OSHA lab standards focus on engineering controls, proper storage, ventilation, and medical surveillance for a reason. In academic settings, students working overtime and rushing through experiments create opportunities for careless exposure.
So many workplace injuries start with small shortcuts—no goggles, skipping gloves, not airing the room. Companies and academic labs need routine training refreshers. Safety officers advocate for minimum exposure times, use of nitrile gloves, splash-proof goggles, and working hoods. Sharing “near-miss” stories after safety meetings helps reinforce why procedures exist. Make sure spill kits, running eyewash stations, and up-to-date materials safety data sheets are within easy reach.
Proper labeling and disposal can’t stay an afterthought. Segregate chemical waste, use tightly sealed containers, and never mix unknowns in one bin. Some labs incentivize safety reporting, helping everyone catch hazards before they escalate. In workplaces, peer accountability and leadership by example help prevent the ripple effects from a single exposure event.
Whether you’re mixing a novel ligand or cleaning up a spill, the risks of (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate demand respect—not panic, but steady commitment to safe habits. Information and training keep labs functional—and people safe.
Working in research labs and pilot plants, one thing stands out: impurities in chiral building blocks can derail a project fast. (1S,2S)-(-)-Cyclohexane-1,2-diamine D-tartrate plays a key role in asymmetric synthesis, especially for making active pharmaceutical ingredients. Purity targets are usually demanding—over 98% by HPLC or GC for most pharma and fine-chemical outfits. The reason is simple. Any stray isomers or leftover reagents can spark unwanted side reactions or mask the compound’s true behavior during process development.
Purity isn't about just giving a single number from a fancy machine. Experts look at content by HPLC, specific optical rotation after drying, heavy metal testing, water content by Karl Fischer, and residual solvent limits. A strong certificate of analysis spells out more than “white powder, >98%.” It shows the main peak above 98%, heavy metals less than 10 ppm, moisture under 0.5%, with chiral purity to eliminate racemates.
A responsible supplier backs this up with third-party testing and provides spectral data. Rotational values match literature specs—usually around –225° to –245° (c=1, H2O)—confirming the desired stereochemistry. Experienced chemists want to see batch-to-batch consistency here. Somebody who has wrestled with tricky chiral separations sees the difference between marketing and real-world quality in these numbers.
Projects add months if quality control gets skipped early on. Any contamination in this compound can show up as faulty peaks in a downstream HPLC. Products aiming for regulatory approval or sensitive catalytic reactions can fail final checks—not because of a bad idea, but a lack of attention in the starting material. Nobody wants to redo kilo-batch crystallizations due to an impurity nobody checked for at the 10 g test scale.
One big sticking point lies in enantiopurity. If racemization occurs at any point in the process, the product produced won’t deliver the needed biological activity or safety profile. That’s why chiral HPLC data checks are so widely requested. Folks also demand a detailed list of any detected non-tartrate organic acids, metals like Fe, Cu, Ni, and even trace solvents from final workup. All these details matter more than a basic “98%” statement.
I’ve seen sharp teams audit their suppliers, not just rely on printed specs. Someone walks the plant, looks for batch records, and makes sure no cross-contamination gets overlooked. Spot-checking random lots, performing independent NMR, and doing full moisture analysis even if the supplier says “anhydrous” on the label—these small steps head off major problems.
Nobody loves paperwork, but good documentation around every batch number, drying procedure, and storage condition pays off. Some organizations add extra IR, mass spec, and melting point data to the CoA so buyers don’t have to chase missing details weeks down the road. Open discussion with suppliers about the end use—pharma, catalyst, or chemical synthesis—means the person filling the drum knows what’s really at stake.
Finding a reliable source is worth more than chasing minor price savings. Laboratories track the performance of every batch in real-world reactions; one off-spec lot can throw a wrench into a whole synthesis campaign. Teams with a background in chiral synthesis care less about glossy marketing brochures and more about honest, thorough analysis of what’s inside each drum. This approach, in my experience, keeps projects on time—and out of trouble with regulators.
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