(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine D-tartrate often turns up in discussions about enantioselective synthesis and chiral catalysis. Chemists appreciate it for its unique structure, which includes two tightly held amino groups on a cyclohexane ring. This makes it a useful building block in the creation of complex, optically active molecules. The D-tartrate counterion doesn’t just balance charges; it also reinforces the enantiomeric purity that researchers and manufacturers need in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Laboratories choose this material because it delivers both stereochemical control and predictable reactivity—features that speed up R&D or help bring new therapies to market.
Across research benches and industrial environments, (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine D-tartrate tends to appear as a solid form—usually as white to off-white crystalline flakes or a fine powder. Digging into its specific gravity, you’ll notice a density of about 1.3 g/cm³. Its melting point sits above room temperature, typically ranging between 190 and 194°C, adding stability under regular storage and handling. The compound doesn’t easily dissolve in nonpolar solvents like hexane, but mixes readily with water and certain alcohols, making it adaptable in varying lab workflows that rely on aqueous solutions. The double nitrogen centers give it a distinct amine smell, common in diamine materials, and its refractive index falls in line with other organic diamine salts.
The chemical stands out for its chiral backbone. Each unit contains a cyclohexane ring locked into an S,S configuration by two amino groups, and joined by D-tartrate for its salt form. That brings the molecular formula to C8H20N2O6, with a molar mass of about 256.26 g/mol—figures that matter for those sizing up yields, calculating stoichiometry, or transporting raw materials. Chemists respect its well-documented structure for handing off chiral information to molecules built in its image, especially in asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. That translates directly into the real world when synthesizing drugs or fine chemicals where the 3D arrangement makes or breaks product safety and effectiveness.
Suppliers usually provide (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine D-tartrate in sealed, light-resistant containers that keep out excess moisture. The solid material comes packed in bulk, from small laboratory bottles to industrial drums, as powder, flakes, or crystalline beads (“pearls”). This ensures easy weighing and transfer, since its hygroscopic nature means the material will pull water from the air if not handled carefully. For specific use-cases, some sources offer custom particle sizing, which influences blending rates and dissolution speed. Most product specifications call for assay purities of 98% or higher, with trace metal content and water content tightly controlled. The compound’s CAS number—138-01-2—serves as its universal identifier, and its Harmonized System (HS) Code, typically 29212990, streamlines international trade and logistical processes.
Every chemical carries risk, and (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine D-tartrate is no exception. Skin and eye contact warrant immediate rinse with copious water, since its amine functionality brings the risk of irritation or reaction for sensitive users. Inhalation in powder form should be avoided—good ventilation and protective gear fend off accidental exposure. The compound does not present explosive or highly flammable hazards under normal storage, but operators must prevent prolonged contact with acids or strong oxidizing agents to avoid hazardous mixtures. Waste needs disposal under local regulations for organic chemicals, with spill kits on hand. On an industrial scale, training staff and securing clear labeling limits both human error and potential downstream legal or health issues, meeting workplace safety standards. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) detail all essential guidance for transport, storage, and emergency response.
In the real world, (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine D-tartrate underpins the production of specialty ligands for chiral catalysts, which spark countless reactions in fine chemical and pharmaceutical syntheses. Its enantiomeric purity keeps sensitive manufacturing lines moving smoothly, since one wrong isomer could scuttle an entire production batch or trigger unwanted side effects in a drug product. Many research teams rely on this molecule as a steady “starting point” to graft more complex structures onto, which shortens development timelines and supports regulatory compliance. The raw materials for its own manufacture usually trace back to cyclohexene and various tartaric acid derivatives, shaped by methods that maximize yield while locking in stereochemistry. Each step along this chain ties back to the quality of this intermediate, so process manufacturers regularly monitor purity and consistency to maintain both supply integrity and end-use effectiveness.
Scaling up production of (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-Cyclohexanediamine D-tartrate taps both chemical engineering and regulatory expertise. Markets in North America, Europe, and East Asia have watched demand grow steadily, driven not just by pharmaceutical research but also emerging uses in specialty coatings, electronics, and even advanced material science. Companies that source raw materials locally or use green chemistry gain a leg up, as clients want lower environmental impact for every product in their supply chain. Proper documentation of each lot, adherence to ISO and GMP standards, and rigorous third-party verification remain non-negotiable for players aiming at high-value applications. Looking forward, new advances in asymmetric synthesis and an uptick in chiral product demand suggest this chemical will stay front and center for innovation. As costs of raw materials fluctuate and compliance requirements tighten, only suppliers that prioritize both quality and transparency build trusted, long-lasting relationships with their customers.
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