The name (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate points to a specific chiral compound, cherished in certain corners of organic chemistry for its role in asymmetric synthesis and catalysis. This substance comes from pairing the chiral diamine—(1S,2S)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane—with D-tartaric acid. Each component brings its quirks, but together, they make a salt offering distinct stereochemistry, which matters a lot when shaping molecules for pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals. Chiral compounds such as this one shape reactions by steering outcomes toward specific enantiomers, vital for integrity and effectiveness in drug manufacturing where one mirror image can heal and the other harm. This chemical, often cataloged under the HS Code 2921.29, fits squarely into the category of cycloaliphatic amines, and the tartrate version gives scientists more grip on purity and crystal form in the lab.
Looking at its structure, (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane forms a stable cation, each amino group clinging on to the cyclohexane backbone from opposite sides, locked in the S,S-configuration. This backbone wraps itself around d-tartrate’s oxygen-rich frame, holding the salt together with hydrogen bonds and ionic forces that make for a remarkably stable, crystalline product. Its chemical formula comes out as C6H14N2.C4H6O6, with a molar mass close to 264.3 grams per mole. In its pure solid state, the material takes on an off-white or light crystalline look, with dense flakes or sometimes as a fine powder, depending on how it crystallizes from solution. The density hovers around 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³, though this shifts with humidity and compaction. Unlike common industrial powders that drift through your hands, this one feels slightly heavier and resists airborne drift. Its solubility in water is good compared to many other chiral salts. You can dissolve it to produce stable, clear solutions, handy for making catalyst stocks or for direct application in synthesis.
(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate most often comes as translucent flakes, scattered crystals, or a light, free-flowing powder. You rarely find it as pearls or beads, since the crystallization from aqueous or alcoholic solutions usually pushes growth in flat, layered forms. Packaged either in glass or heavy polyethylene bags, it keeps best under low humidity and out of direct sunlight to prevent caking. Specifications for commerce require purity exceeding 98%, with most reputable suppliers gunning for 99% and above, because tiny deviations can flatten the effectiveness in practical synthesis. Moisture content stays under 1%, and chloride and sulfate impurities should fall below 0.05%. For those handling this material, the solid state gives less trouble than liquids might—there’s no risk of spillage or splashing, only dust control and care not to let the material absorb too much air moisture, which could mess with weighing and mixing. In scientific circles, using this tartrate salt strips away worries about racemization that might show up with less pure starting materials.
Chemists grab onto this material for one main reason: it helps shave away mistakes in making complex molecules. In asymmetric synthesis—especially in making ligands for transition metal catalysis—the compound’s rigid S,S-geometry tips the balance toward one product in reactions that could otherwise go multiple ways. Anyone familiar with the rigors of pharmaceutical API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) production knows how costly a wrong enantiomer can become. Regulatory agencies demand strict controls on chiral purity, so reliable materials like this salt are not just preferred, they are required. This makes it a sought-after raw material in both laboratory-scale and industrial-scale manufacturing, where batch consistency and traceability matter for validation. As the global pharmaceutical industry expands and regulatory shackles tighten, dependable access to high-quality chiral building blocks grows more vital. Laboratories often store and use the salt in powder form, but larger operations sometimes prefer to feed pre-made aqueous solutions into reactors when scaling up. This reduces dust hazards and waste. Disposal after use looks like any organic amine salt, but most companies collect and incinerate any process leftovers since environmental regulations frown on casual disposal of nitrogen-rich byproducts.
(1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate usually sits among low-hazard industrial chemicals, but every lab tech and warehouse manager learns the same lesson: don’t take that label too lightly. The amino groups embedded in the structure can cause mild irritation to the skin and eyes with extended contact. Inhaled dust may spark coughing or discomfort, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Most handling protocols require gloves, goggles, and sometimes a dust mask. In terms of chemical hazard, it won’t catch fire in normal conditions, nor does it pose toxicity at low exposures. Still, it does qualify as a harmful substance at larger doses, with the potential for organ effects if mishandled over long periods. Any spills should be swept up while wearing appropriate PPE, and residues kept out of drains. I’ve seen cases where improper storage—leaving the bag open or failing to control humidity—resulted in caked product that became hard to weigh accurately or that fostered mold growth, both of which can derail an otherwise smooth synthesis run. Storing it cool, tightly sealed, and dry keeps its properties stable. When talking about its use in pharma or fine chemicals, documentation trails must stretch back to the raw batch, with data on purity, lot number, and handling conditions ready for inspectors at all times. This approach fits regulation, but it’s also the backbone of lab safety and reliability in both R&D and production settings.
As manufacturers and researchers become ever more aware of the supply chain’s impact on safety and reliability, the role of materials like (1S,2S)-(-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane D-tartrate comes into sharper focus. Labs committed to reducing hazardous waste find ways to recycle or safely burn waste streams instead of pouring leftovers down the drain. Regulatory mandates increasingly push producers to track their raw material origins and verify each step of processing, a step toward greater transparency and trust. Investing in sealed containment and efficient ventilation whenever powders or solutions are made keeps workspace air clean. Training is essential, especially for the next generation of chemists who might assume every crystalline powder comes trouble-free. Building better verification protocols, using robust digital documentation, and implementing batch-level checks for impurities not only strengthens compliance but also shields organizations from costly recalls or regulatory fines. The chemistry world often moves fast, but quality, safety, and traceability must never yield to shortcuts—no matter how rare or routine the material. Earning trust with regulators and end-users means keeping these standards close, every time the jar is opened or a new lot rolls out the door.
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