2,3-DI-O-PARA-TOLUOYL-D-TARTARICACIDHYDRATE stands out in the landscape of specialty chemicals with its unique structure and wide-ranging uses. This compound shows up frequently in laboratories, especially where chiral resolution and stereochemical control matter. The name might seem long, almost intimidating, but this chemical comes from tartaric acid with two p-toluoyl groups attached. It typically appears as a crystalline solid, sometimes showing up as fine flakes or a powder.
A look at the molecular level shows clear features. Its formula — C20H20O8•H2O — hints at complexity, with 20 carbon atoms, 20 hydrogens, and eight oxygens bound together, plus one molecule of water marking it as a hydrate. The p-toluoyl residues attach themselves to the D-tartaric acid backbone at two positions. These changes give it very specific optical and solubility properties. X-ray crystal structures support this arrangement, confirming its place among compounds used for chiral separation.
2,3-DI-O-PARA-TOLUOYL-D-TARTARICACIDHYDRATE doesn’t blend into the background of the stockroom. In my experience, opening a properly stored bottle gives you white to off-white crystals, sometimes sticky if not tightly sealed. This material melts near 170–175°C and doesn’t dissolve well in every solvent. Ethanol and methanol can work, but water, less so. Its density sits at about 1.3 g/cm³, meaning it’ll sink in most liquids used around the lab. If you grind it or try to form it into pearls or larger granules, it holds together reasonably well, though fine powder delivers more surface area for reactions. Packed in glass jars, flakes hold onto that trace water molecule so they don’t lose their “hydrate” identity easily.
What matters most is understanding its specification sheet — the purity, moisture content, and crystal habit all play big roles. Reputable suppliers give a purity exceeding 98%, with loss on drying below 1%. Any chemist aiming for repeatable reactions knows that cutting corners on quality makes for headaches later. For shipments, the HS Code lands at 2918199090, listing it general in the group of aromatic carboxylic acids and their derivatives. On our bench, keeping this solid in a dry, cool spot with the lid tight keeps it stable for months.
Safety can’t get ignored. Material safety data sheets classify it as mildly hazardous, mostly an irritant for skin, eyes, or if inhaled as a dust. It does not ignite easily but does char and release irritating fumes if overheated. Standard PPE covers the basics – gloves, eye protection, dust mask. The material shouldn’t go down the sink or general waste, and accidental spills need swift cleanup to protect both staff and the environment. From firsthand use, spills of the solid can be swept up with care and disposed of as chemical waste. Always double-check local regulations — some countries treat any organic acid derivative extra strictly.
This tartaric acid derivative sees its main use in the preparation of chiral ligands, especially for creating asymmetric catalysis pathways. The pharmaceutical industry leans on it for enantiomeric separations and as a resolving agent for racemic bases and other intermediates. Many fine chemical manufacturers rely on the regular supply of this solid, as even small changes to the source material can change outcomes of entire synthesis campaigns. My own lab has used it repeatedly — each batch checked against a reference standard before use, to rule out rogue contaminants or inconsistent hydration levels.
Handling these specialty chemicals takes clear rules, training, and focus on the potential human and environmental hazards. Facilities can provide improved ventilation and supply closed bottle stations to limit accidental dust. Switching to pre-measured powder packs for small-scale syntheses cuts down on handling and exposure, which lowers risk for staff. Disposal routes matter, too. Waste treatment teams can neutralize small amounts in dedicated chemical waste streams rather than mix them with general solvents or lab trash. From experience, tracking all chemical stocks through digital inventories helps spot outdated or potentially degraded containers before they become a safety risk.
2,3-DI-O-PARA-TOLUOYL-D-TARTARICACIDHYDRATE fills a clear niche in labs and manufacturing. Plenty of businesses and research teams count on its stable properties, but the real key rests with how it’s stored, tracked, and handled. Any mistakes during weighing, blending, or disposal introduce real risk. Focusing on staff training, keeping clean supply chains, and updating safety protocols makes work with this compound routine and worry-free. Sharing knowledge about its properties — right down to density, melting point, and best storage practice — cuts down on accidents and wasted batches.
Trusted databases like PubChem and ChemSpider keep up-to-date reference entries on 2,3-DI-O-PARA-TOLUOYL-D-TARTARICACIDHYDRATE, echoing the practical insights collected in professional chemical catalogues. These resources offer trusted analysis of molecular structure, precise formula, detailed property sheets, and hazard classifications. Consulting these sources and internal safety data keeps workplace practices sharp, benefits product quality, and supports compliance with international shipping as shown by the HS Code classification system.
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