ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE: An In-Depth Review

Historical Development

My journey with organic chemistry started in a cramped college lab, where the value of building-block molecules stood clear. Over the decades, ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE emerged from that spirit—a story with origins tied to the evolution of chiral auxiliaries in pharmaceutical synthesis. Researchers in the mid-20th century struggled to achieve high enantiomeric purity, especially for new CNS-active compounds. Around this period, academic labs in Europe and North America turned to nipecotic acid derivatives. The resulting tartrate salt showed up soon after, simplifying separation and yielding clean chiral compounds. You rarely see breakthroughs happen overnight, but the demand for improved neurological therapies pushed chemists to fine-tune these molecules. Today, academic papers routinely cite this compound as a reliable intermediate, a testament to the work put in by generations past.

Product Overview

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE, as I’ve handled it, presents as a crystalline solid, white to off-white, and has a mild ester aroma. It bridges the worlds of synthetic intermediates and research-grade standards in medicinal chemistry. If your focus centers on developing GABA analogues or other neurochemical tools, this compound's presence in the lab signals both ambition and rigor. Chemists use it as a chiral resolving agent, reagent, or precursor. Its versatility owes much to the pairing of the ethyl ester with an optically pure tartrate counterion—allowing stereochemistry to steer the final outcome. Compared to less specialized esters, this one offers more control, something I have come to appreciate during custom synthesis projects for neuroactive compound libraries.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The compound typically carries a melting point around 96–98°C. It dissolves smoothly in polar solvents—methanol, ethanol, and DMSO, with only moderate solubility in water. Density sits near 1.3 g/cm³, steady and manageable in the lab. The stereochemistry, coming from the (R)- configuration, proves crucial for applications downstream—botching this step can derail months of work. Store this salt at room temperature, protecting it from moisture and excessive heat, since hydrolysis can break the ester link and spoil its utility. The tartrate portion not only supplies optical purity but helps in stabilization, making this material a reliable reference sample for quality control checks. Infrared and NMR analyses offer easy confirmation with signature peaks for both ester and secondary amine groups.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

A typical analytical certificate for ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE states a purity of at least 98%, with less than 0.2% residual solvents. Optical rotation is provided for every lot, confirming enantiomeric excess exceeds 99%. Packaging relies on dark amber vials, airtight with tamper-resistant seals. Product labels must cite UN transport codes and include signal word “Warning” due to product classification as a potentially harmful organic amine. Each shipment includes batch numbers, manufacturing date, recommended storage conditions, and emergency contact information according to REACH, GHS, and OSHA standards. My experience with regulatory audits taught me how demanding documentation can be, but for compounds that end up in clinical development pipelines, this transparency lays a foundation of trust.

Preparation Method

Synthesizing ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE starts with the esterification of (R)-nipecotic acid and ethanol, catalyzed by a mild acid like sulfuric or p-toluenesulfonic acid. After extracting the ethyl ester, the chemist neutralizes the mixture, uses rotary evaporation to concentrate it, and finally introduces an optically pure L-tartaric acid under slow stirring. The tartrate salt crystallizes, getting filtered and washed before drying under vacuum. Each gram benefits from careful pH adjustment; even minimal deviations increase side-product formation. In scale-up operations, keeping reaction temperatures below 40°C prevents darkening. For research teams working in GMP environments, all glassware requires validated rinsing procedures to block cross-contamination. My own lab routines echo this process—reiterating that small missteps can dock yield or muddy the spectroscopic profile.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE stands out for reactivity at the ester and amine positions. Standard saponification frees (R)-nipecotic acid after aqueous base treatment. Alkylation at the nitrogen unlocks entire families of CNS agents, making it a go-to intermediate. Amidation experiments begin with DCC or EDC couplings, commonly introducing bulky groups to probe receptor interactions. Hydrogenation over palladium smooths out unwanted aromatic byproducts and preserves chirality. My experiments modifying the ethyl chain with longer alkyl groups created analogues with much slower blood-brain-barrier crossing—often the kind of subtle change that turns marginal lead compounds into clinical success stories. The tartrate moiety departs cleanly during these modifications, rarely causing trouble for downstream purifications.

Synonyms & Product Names

In the chemical catalogs, ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE goes by several other titles: Ethyl (R)-nipecotate L-tartrate, (R)-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate, and ethyl (R)-piperidin-3-carboxylate L-tartrate. In some European listings, researchers call it (R)-nipecotyl ethyl ester tartrate salt. I’ve encountered project reports where abbreviation “ENN-T” became shorthand in group meetings, a reflection of its role as a familiar tool. International chemical identifier codes, CAS and EINECS numbers, appear on invoices and customs declarations to avoid cross-border confusion—small touches that smooth research logistics.

Safety & Operational Standards

Lab workers treat this compound with more caution than most salts. Skin and respiratory contact may cause irritation, according to SDS sheets. I always advise nitrile gloves, lab coats, and fume hoods during transfer or weighing. Proper eye protection is non-negotiable, as the tartrate may cause mild conjunctival inflammation. Storage needs locked chemical cabinets kept free of acids or strong oxidizers. Spills wipe up with inert absorbent—never with bleach, as unexpected oxidation by-products could develop. Local waste disposal follows hazardous organic category protocols. Annual safety reviews ensure compliance, and having a robust reporting culture reduces risk for students and seasoned chemists alike.

Application Area

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE belongs in research programs tackling neurological disorders like epilepsy, spasticity, and chronic pain. Medicinal chemists thrive on its ability to deliver chiral building blocks for GABA analogues, transporter inhibitors, and neuroreceptor ligands. I worked on several SAR campaigns where subtle changes to the nipecotate backbone shifted compound profiles from inactive to breakthrough. Beyond pharma, some research into agricultural products draws on its chiral properties to chase new classes of insecticides with reduced off-target effects. Its presence in academic papers and patents serves as a shorthand for solid scaffold design, trusted for consistent results in bioassays and pharmacokinetic screens.

Research & Development

University-industry collaborations push the boundaries on this compound’s potential, from targeted radiolabeling for PET imaging to new time-release prodrugs for neurological diseases. Teams synthesize libraries around the nipecotat backbone and test each variant for transporter selectivity. For startups in neurodegenerative research, access to reliable chirality unlocks a sharper edge against established competitors. Government-funded grant programs increasingly expect documentation for every stage, requiring not just results but well-characterized intermediates—a trend that brings this compound to the fore during due diligence stages. Some start-ups have even published open-access protocols as a way to legitimize their R&D, pointing to a future where such specialized intermediates anchor entire research ecosystems.

Toxicity Research

Preclinical toxicology on ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE consistently shows low acute toxicity in rodent models. LD50 values often exceed 300 mg/kg, though repeated dosing can prompt liver enzyme rises and gastrointestinal distress. My own work required regular liver panel checks to spot these trends early. Cell culture assays show minimal cytotoxicity at research concentrations; nonetheless, stakeholders keep a close eye on metabolite profiles formed after in vivo administration. Some studies flag possible interaction with monoamine oxidase at higher concentrations, underscoring the need for dose-finding and chronic exposure experiments. Environmental fate appears benign, with rapid hydrolysis and low persistence in soil simulants.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE stands poised to benefit from advances in targeted drug design and enantioselective synthesis. Demand for optically pure CNS agents continues to rise, and tools that guarantee precision become ever more critical. Automation and flow chemistry could scale up its preparation, cutting both cost and environmental burden while improving safety for operators. With AI-driven predictive modeling, the next generation of researchers will enjoy templates and protocols that optimize modifications, shortening discovery timelines. Regulatory agencies may tighten requirements for impurity profiling, making robust documentation more valuable for producers who want a foothold in clinical trials. Longer-term, an increased focus on sustainable chemistry might prompt adoption of greener solvents or catalysts in synthesis workflows. Students who master chiral resolution and functional group transformations around this compound will remain in high demand, given that neuropharmacology and agricultural chemistry both continue to pivot on reliable, stereochemically defined molecular tools.



What is ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE used for?

Looking Closer at a Little-Known Compound

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE might sound like pure chemistry jargon, but this compound has real stakes in the world of modern drug development. It plays a specific part behind the scenes, mostly inside research labs and pharmaceutical production pipelines.

Why This Compound Matters

Drug discovery relies on molecules that not only perform their intended action but also fit strict safety and stability profiles. ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE gets attention because it can serve as a chemical building block or intermediate in the synthesis of a range of pharmaceuticals. Chemists look at these kinds of compounds to create more effective medicines with fewer side effects.

This molecule stands out for its chiral purity. In other words, it exists in a specific “handedness,” which influences how the final drug interacts in the body. Human bodies respond differently to left-handed and right-handed versions of the same compound, so choosing the right version can mean less risk for unwanted reactions.

Drug Development and Innovation

Drug makers work with molecules like ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE to explore new pathways for treating nervous system disorders, including epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. Its chemical structure resembles pieces of molecules found in neurotransmitters and drugs aimed at modulating the signals in the brain. This similarity helps researchers design new treatments targeted at specific neurological processes.

Pharmaceutical companies also test this compound’s derivatives for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Crossing this barrier allows medications to work where they are needed most, deep inside the central nervous system. If a drug cannot pass into the brain, it cannot do its job for many neurological diseases.

The Real-World Impact

Medical research rarely gets easy wins. Every improvement in drug chemistry comes from careful choices made in labs, where chemists test and optimize these molecules for years. The reason ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE has value comes from the demand for new treatments with better tolerability and safety. People with chronic brain conditions have limited options. Each new drug built using novel intermediates can bring hope for better therapies in the long run.

My own experience with friends facing neurological illnesses has shown me how every step in pharmaceutical progress affects real people. When older medications cause rough side effects, the push for innovation feels urgent—not just academic. Watching someone navigate epilepsy or depression brings home why improved compounds matter.

Keeping Trust and Quality High

Safety benchmarks in pharmaceutical production never take a day off. Makers of ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE need to guarantee that every batch matches the chemical and purity standards expected by regulators. Anything less can trigger health risks or delay much-needed treatments.

Public trust in new therapies depends on rigorous science at every stage. Regulatory agencies check that intermediates like this one come with complete data on quality control, traceability, and long-term safety. Skipping steps puts lives at risk, so transparency from lab to pharmacy counts.

Where Research Heads Next

Advances in chemistry keep pushing boundaries on what’s possible for medicine. ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE stands as a stepping stone in that journey, letting skilled researchers explore new ways to treat neurological disease. Greater collaboration between scientists, doctors, and patients can jump-start the use of promising compounds. Everyone deserves a shot at safer, more effective medicine.

What is the chemical structure of ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE?

A Peek at the Pieces

Chemistry fans often smile when they see quirky molecule names, and ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE really deserves a double-take. In my own student days, I learned to spot patterns in tricky compound names. This one splits into parts that each tell a story.

Ethyl signals the presence of an ethyl group, a common two-carbon feature that crops up in everything from alcohol to fuel additives. Then comes (R)-nipecotat, which refers to nipecotic acid with a specific shape—chemists call this “chirality,” which can make or break a drug’s effects. L-tartrate adds a natural touch; it’s based on tartaric acid, the sour stuff in grapes. Every part of this molecule has a job that shapes how it acts in biological systems or in the lab.

Why the Structure Matters

Some people may wonder why chemists fuss over diagrams and letters. The answer feels obvious for those who witnessed drugs fail or succeed because of molecular quirks. Chirality tells a big part of this story. The (R)- prefix means the molecule twists to the right, using an arrangement that may bind effectively to body receptors, much like a key that slides smoothly into a lock. I’ve seen pharmaceutical researchers get excited when the right chirality boosts a compound’s potency or slashes its side effects.

On the other hand, the L-tartrate portion of this combo usually means the tartrate comes from natural plant sources—without the need for harsh chemical synthesis. Chemists prize L-forms of tartaric acid for their compatibility in medical and food-grade settings. Structure isn’t some dry detail; it sets the rules for how a molecule behaves, how stable it stays on a shelf, or how safely it moves through the body.

Building Blocks and Their Connections

In the lab, examining the structure reveals three core building blocks: the ethyl group, the nipecotate fragment, and the L-tartrate section. Sometimes, a single misplaced atom means all the difference, so attention to detail becomes everything.

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE typically shows an ethyl ester attached to an (R)-configured nipecotate, joined to a molecule of L-tartaric acid via an ester linkage. The ester bond doesn’t just hold pieces together. It adds fat-solubility and may improve absorption in pharmaceutical use. My first instructor explained this as “making medicine friends with your body’s cells.”

On a molecular diagram, you’d see a nipecotate core, shaped as a six-membered ring with a nitrogen tucked inside, ethyl decorating one side, and the tartrate’s four-carbon, two-hydroxyl body hooked up as a counterion. It’s a balance: structural complexity offering the desired activity, with enough stability to survive production and storage.

Why This All Connects to Safety and Value

For healthcare professionals, getting a grip on compound structure means understanding how drugs behave, how side effects arise, and when contamination risks show up. Unexpected impurities often result when the wrong chiral form sneaks in. Food scientists appreciate knowing every atom’s position to ensure safety, especially with compounds from natural sources like L-tartrate.

In summary, the details behind ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE involve more than textbook chemistry. Its structure signals real-world implications, from drug development to food safety, making chemical literacy a valuable tool, not just for experts, but for anyone who values health and quality.

What are the storage conditions for ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE?

Protecting Quality in the Lab and Warehouse

Responsible handling of chemicals starts with storage. Folks who work with ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE know this material comes with specific needs if you want to make sure it keeps its potency and doesn’t spoil. Keeping a chemical stable over the long haul saves money and helps experiments or production stay on track. Ignore the basics, and you’re asking for headaches, wasted resources, and risky surprises.

What the Evidence Says About Safe Storage

From reading safety data sheets, the rule for ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE becomes clear: cool, dry, and dark environments keep it in prime shape. This isn’t just some suggestion. The chemical structure in this compound—especially the ester and tartaric acid portions—doesn’t take kindly to heat or moisture. If humidity sneaks in, hydrolysis can break down the molecule. Heat speeds that process up and can mess with the product’s consistency.

Best practice is to store this chemical in tightly sealed containers. Air brings not only moisture but also oxygen, and both degrade quality over time. As I’ve seen in the lab, plastic screw cap bottles sometimes look fine at first, but glass with a PTFE liner stands up much better. It pays off to label everything with the receipt date and log each open bottle.

Temperature and Light Make a Difference

Room temperature can mean a lot of things depending on where you work. In a climate-controlled lab, no trouble. In a hot warehouse, it’s a recipe for trouble. I always try to keep this compound below 25°C. In some places, the safest move includes using a refrigerator set at 2–8°C, especially for large or expensive lots. Light doesn’t damage all chemicals, but ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE calls for dark cabinets or opaque storage. Light can sometimes trigger reactions that change color, purity, and reactivity.

Keeping People and Product Safe

Good storage isn’t just about maintaining chemistry. It protects staff and the environment. Clear labels and hazard warnings matter. Spills or leaks become much more likely when containers are left half-open or stuck under poor conditions where seals fail. I’ve seen someone store this compound near acids, and even trace cross-contamination can ruin a batch or worse, trigger a reaction in storage you never expected.

Make sure shelves are solid and chemicals aren’t stacked high. One weak shelf led to a disaster in my colleague’s storeroom—dozens of costly reagents lost, including a whole shipment of nipecotate compounds. Every chemical should have a place off the floor, with an up-to-date inventory. Digital logs and physical checks together help catch issues before they grow.

Simple Steps Pay Off

In my experience, building a checklist works wonders: dry area, sealed bottle, out of direct light, inside temperature limits, and regular reviews. Routine matters. Following these steps, accidents drop and the chemical lasts longer, saving money for more important work. Facilities that focus on prevention rarely face the emergencies that hit places taking shortcuts.

Quality chemicals start with smart storage. From procurement through to daily use, everything depends on treating each bottle like it matters.

Is ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE available in different purity grades?

Digging Into Purity: More Than Just a Number

Most people outside laboratories rarely think about the purity of compounds like ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE. In science and manufacturing, this detail changes everything. Researchers, for instance, might buy this compound from different suppliers, only to realize their experiments work sometimes and fail other times. The catch often lies in purity grades.

Quality comes in shades, not just “pure” or “impure.” Chemical suppliers list purity as a percentage—something like 98%, 99%, or even higher. Sometimes, two suppliers list the same chemical, but one has a slightly higher price tag. That extra money gets you less of the stuff you don’t want: trace contaminants left over from production. As someone who’s ordered research chemicals before, I’ve seen even tiny differences in purity produce results all over the map. For teams racing to develop a new drug or optimize a manufacturing process, those hidden contaminants can send weeks of work into the trash.

Purity Grades in Practice: Choices and Challenges

Many companies supply ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE in two or more grades. At the top: “analytical grade” or “HPLC grade.” These suit the most demanding chemical analyses and medical applications. You’ll see purity levels around 99% or higher and a full breakdown of possible impurities. “Technical grade”—lower and cheaper—might work well for preliminary tests or manufacturing where a few parts per thousand of impurity don’t matter. The downside here? That lower grade introduces variables you might not spot until issues bubble up. Chemists worry about by-products affecting their research. Manufacturers know that a batch with unnoticed contaminants can mean lost time, yield drops, even regulatory headaches.

Sourcing the right grade asks more than scanning a catalog. Reliable documentation supports claims of purity. Trusted laboratories measure out contaminant profiles, not just the main compound’s percentage, and update those records frequently. Experience shows that cutting corners at this stage can cost ten times more in troubleshooting or—worse yet—product recalls later.

Why Purity Grades Should Never Be an Afterthought

Some people suggest that for less sensitive uses, such as educational experiments or basic industrial processes, “close enough” purity works fine. My time working with both students and seasoned researchers tells a different story. I’ve watched more than a few projects stall out when assumptions about chemical quality didn’t match lab reality. Even in a classroom, small impurities occasionally trigger reactions that nobody intended, leading to confusion.

For those developing new treatments, purity influences patient safety directly. Global regulators have become stricter, pushing for clearer records and spot checks. Companies dodging these standards eventually lose trust—and business—when problems come to light. The stakes only grow as research moves forward and products hit wider markets.

Getting It Right: Steps Forward

Organizations using ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE can protect their work with a few key actions. Buying only from suppliers with solid reputations remains step one. They publish transparent analytical data, make it easy for customers to trace batch records, and respond quickly to questions. Teams should regularly review those documents instead of relying on labels alone. Setting internal standards for purity—even higher than legal minimums—pays off in reliability and safety. Communication between teams ensures that everyone understands which grades work for which tasks and why these choices matter. A little vigilance at this step supports strong results and lasting trust.

What are the safety and handling precautions for ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE?

Why Respecting This Compound Matters

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE appears in chemical labs and in some advanced manufacturing work. Its structure packs some punch when it comes to reactivity. Even skilled chemists find themselves checking protocols twice before starting work with it. I’ve got my own scars from lab accidents—I never want to see anyone ignore solid safety rules, especially with materials like this.

What Proper Handling Looks Like

The number one rule stays the same—gloves and safety goggles aren’t optional. This compound doesn’t hesitate to irritate skin or eyes on contact. Take a spill, and you realize plain water doesn’t cut it. In my experience, having a walk-in shower or eyewash station within ten seconds’ dash proves its worth quickly.

Ventilation isn't just a box-ticking exercise. This tartrate stirs up fumes that create tight chests and coughing fits nobody forgets soon. Fume hoods do the heavy lifting, drawing away vapors before they can hit your lungs. Pay attention to the “Keep container tightly sealed” on the label and don’t ignore strange smells while working.

Storage: Keep It Shelved Right

A lot of folks in new labs stack bottles together because shelf space feels tight. Big mistake. ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE reacts badly with acids, some oxidizers, and, from what I’ve seen, heat is never its friend. It belongs in a cool, dry, and well-marked area away from sunlight. Forgetting this has left experienced hands replacing a batch of ruined chemical and scrubbing down shelves on a Friday night.

Label containers clearly. I’ve once witnessed mix-ups simply because two similar-looking solvents shared a shelf. A good practice is to double-check labels before pouring or transferring anything. Your nose can’t always rescue you when mistakes happen; many of these compounds have faint odors or none at all.

Spill Response—No Guesswork Allowed

Immediate action saves days of headaches. Cover small spills with specialized absorbent, then dispose using chemical waste procedures. Rags and regular mops only spread the problem. For larger amounts or anything near water pipes or drains, call your local hazardous materials team. Never play hero with substances classified as hazardous.

I’ve watched teams react badly from not having ready supplies. Spill kits in every corner of a lab, with clear instructions, should be as regular as fire extinguishers. This isn’t overkill—it’s real protection. My old supervisor used spill drills as much as fire drills, and everyone learned fast why that mattered.

Protect Yourself and Others—No Lone Wolf Work

Lab safety isn’t a solo mission. Take a minute to scan the space before starting, and keep a colleague in the loop anytime you work with ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE. Lone working has led to some of the worst incidents in chemical history. I’ve always relied on a buddy system—and it’s paid off more than once.

Always keep the safety data sheet nearby. I’ve seen folks try to “wing it” and land in the hospital or burn through a precious batch of reagents. Knowledge and respect for a compound’s hazards keep both research and researchers in one piece.

People in all stages of their careers make mistakes. The ones who stick around the longest read, recheck, and rely on solid protocols. ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE doesn’t pardon shortcuts, so treat it with the kind of caution that never feels old-fashioned.

ETHYL-[(R)-NIPECOTAT] L-TARTRATE