(1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate: Physical Characteristics, Applications, and Safety

What is (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate?

(1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate stands out as a chiral organic salt, built by pairing (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine with L-tartaric acid. Its unique structure features two amine groups arranged on a cyclohexane ring, paired with tartaric acid. The combination strengthens its utility in both laboratories and industry where chiral purity matters. The compound typically appears as a white, off-white, or slightly creamy crystalline solid, though batch origin and minor impurities sometimes alter appearance to light yellow. Manufacturers offer the material as flakes, powder, or fine crystals, making handling or precise dosing feasible across different chemical processing steps.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Looking at the numbers and specs, (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate carries a molecular formula of C10H22N2O6. That translates to a molar mass of 270.29 g/mol. Handling is mostly straightforward—solid, rarely forming clumps, non-hygroscopic under normal lab humidity. Density measures near 1.37 g/cm³, a value right between bulk solids and lighter powders, so it pours and transfers easily but doesn't offer the dusty, airy feel of lighter polymers. The melting point hovers in the 187–190°C range, resisting decomposition under moderate heating. Solubility varies with solvents: high in water, moderate in methanol or ethanol, and low in non-polar solutions, giving it a predictable role in preparative synthesis or crystallization workflows.

Structure, Form, and Specifications

Visualizing its structure, (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine forms the backbone—a six-membered cyclohexane ring flanked by two amino groups on adjacent carbons, both oriented in the R configuration. Hydrogen bonding with tartrate anions drives crystal formation, ensuring high chiral purity, which brings value when synthesizing pharmaceutically active intermediates or catalysts. Customers usually request this compound in bulk as crystals or fine flakes. Particle sizes range from coarse-grained to micronized, determined by downstream process requirements, like fast dissolution, slow release, or smooth mixing. Each batch comes with a certificate of analysis listing purity often surpassing 98%, optical rotation, and traces of moisture or residual solvents.

HS Code and Regulatory Details

Shipments of (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate travel under HS Code 29212990, which covers other cyclic amides and derivatives. This harmonization code streamlines cross-border trade and customs clearance. For regulatory filings, the material’s non-flammable status and classification as a specialty organic intermediate, not an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), allow easier storage in lab and warehouse environments. Safety data sheets recommend storage in cool, ventilated spaces, with containers sealed tight to prevent accidental moisture absorption or cross-contamination with incompatible chemicals.

Material Forms: Solid, Flakes, Powder, Pearls, Crystal, Solution

You’ll spot (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate on benches in research zones as solid chunks, glassy flakes, or, when suppliers optimize for processing, as fine powder. Crystal batches display transparent or nearly white surfaces. Manufacturers sometimes supply it as a concentrated aqueous solution for faster dilution, but the solid form dominates since it resists degradation and packs tightly. I’ve run into this compound packed in thick polyethylene bags placed inside rigid drums, supporting both low and high-volume applications. The choice of form influences how quickly a chemist can weigh or dissolve the material, but purity remains consistent regardless of format.

Safety, Hazards, and Harmful Effects

Interacting with (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate doesn’t produce immediate toxic effects under standard use, but the diamine backbone can act as an irritant on skin or eyes. Safety data sheets stress gloves, goggles, and dust masks during handling, especially for researchers who process large quantities or operate in enclosed spaces. Accidental spillage rarely leads to lasting harm, but robust ventilation and basic chemical hygiene protect against airborne dust or minor contact. Avoid ingesting or inhaling the compound, and handle with standard laboratory care—especially since the cyclohexanediamine structure can sensitize sensitive individuals over repeated exposures. Some production sites run monitoring for airborne particulates and stress eyewash access in bench areas.

Raw Material Origins and Applications

The diamine half comes from hydrogenation of o-phenylenediamine, while L-tartrate sources from tartaric acid fermentation. These starting materials are stable, cost-effective, and available at industrial scales. This matters in chiral catalysis, where batch-to-batch consistency and reliable sourcing affect pharmaceutical outcomes. Companies turn to this compound as a resolving agent for separating racemic mixtures, building blocks for drugs, and in specialty catalysts for fine chemical synthesis. The particular value lies in its chiral nature—enabling downstream products to meet regulatory demands for enantiomeric purity, which can decide the safety of an entire medication or the function of a new material.

Potential Solutions to Safety and Environmental Issues

Tighter local ventilation, ongoing engineering controls, and closed-system handling reduce risk for staff working with (1R,2R)-(+)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine L-tartrate. Swapping open weighing scoops for single-use spatulas, encouraging regular health check-ups, and clear hazard labeling mean lab teams sidestep exposure risks. For waste, neutralization in dilute acid or base, followed by aqueous treatment, handles small spills safely. Industrial producers invest in recycling mother liquors, filtering every last batch against particulate escape, and using trace detection to keep discharge far below legislative thresholds. This hands-on approach works better than blanket policy, anchoring chemical stewardship where people use and process these kinds of raw materials.