(+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid brings together structure, chemical interest, and function. It stands out among tartaric acid derivatives thanks to its dual benzoyl group substitutions. Produced by benzoylating tartaric acid, this optically active compound pulls interest from labs involved in stereoselective syntheses, chiral resolution, and advanced research in pharmaceuticals. The compound is not only a fundamental building block for various organic molecules, but its unique combination of chiral centers makes it an essential tool for tasks where enantiomeric purity and precise three-dimensional control matter.
People working in chemical synthesis notice the compound’s solid state at room temperature. It often appears as crystalline flakes, powder, or off-white to pale-yellow pearls. Its ease of handling as a solid contrasts with some of the more temperamental raw materials in the lab. The substance does not dissolve well in plain water, but it shows good solubility in polar organic solvents — a practical advantage when making solutions for analytical separation or scaling reaction mixtures. Liquid and solution forms tend to require specific solubilizing agents for homogeneity.
Chemists value not only the formula—C18H14O8—but also the real-world physical properties. It weighs in with a molecular mass of 358.3 g/mol and a density close to 1.46 g/cm³, according to laboratory measurements. The melting point, usually around 190–195°C, signals purity and batch consistency. On close inspection, the substance displays a crystalline sheen under normal lighting and gives clear signals under standard laboratory detection methods, which matters on bustling research benches.
The distinctive stereochemistry of (+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid sits at the center of its usefulness. It’s chiral, which means it rotates plane-polarized light—a property vital to pharmaceutical chemists who often aim to create drugs with specific three-dimensional shapes. If a process needs to separate racemic mixtures, the compound’s ability to resolve such mixtures allows for the retrieval of enantiomerically pure end products.
The backbone of the molecule contains two core features: tartaric acid’s four-carbon chain and two benzoyl groups attached to the two hydroxyls at positions 2 and 3. Two carboxylic acid groups provide acidity and reactivity, making the compound a workable intermediate for derivatizations, salt formations, and more. Benzoyl substituents shield the core, helping to tailor the chemical’s reactivity and solubility for certain processes. These protective groups give the compound an edge in situations where unmodified tartaric acid could struggle. Any lab technician paying attention to yield, safety, and ease of purification quickly senses the difference when using a dibenzoylated derivative.
The HS Code for trade and customs often falls under 29181980 (Carboxylic Acids with Additional Oxygen Function). Keeping this number at hand can avert administrative headaches during international shipments, especially when sourcing raw materials at scale or moving batches between continents. It helps to store documentation showing the substance’s molecular structure and regulatory status, as customs and border protection often want to verify chemical identities.
The physical consistency of (+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid changes with temperature and environment, but at standard lab settings, it remains a non-hygroscopic, free-flowing solid. Its main uses come from its effectiveness as a resolving agent and reagent. It plays a central part in separating stereoisomers, thanks to its chiral backbone. Chemists have found it indispensable for making certain pharmaceutical intermediates, where enantiopure compounds bring therapeutic efficacy and lower regulatory risks.
The chemical stability extends to normal storage conditions, though it should be kept away from strong bases, oxidizers, and prolonged moisture exposure. The compound, while not flammable under regular conditions, may emit sharp fumes of benzene derivatives on decomposition, so proper fume hoods and storage away from ignition sources help avoid hazardous exposure.
Lab managers and bench chemists know that safety paperwork adds another layer of responsibility. (+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid, while safer than many industrial chemicals, still calls for careful handling. Eye protection, nitrile gloves, and dust-control procedures pay off during weighing and transfer. Once airborne as fine powder, it can irritate mucous membranes or eyes. Spills can be cleaned with standard absorbent pads, but calling in a chemical waste specialist for bulk mishandling limits broader workplace risk.
Chemical safety information often lumps tartaric acid derivatives into moderate hazard categories. The compound does not cause extreme acute toxicity by ingestion or skin contact but can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Fume ventilation, especially during reactions with strong acids or bases, takes care of chemical off-gassing. Brief exposure to decomposition products—like benzoic acid fumes—calls for immediate airing and decontamination of the working area.
Most manufacturers start from tartaric acid sourced from agricultural fermentation, modifying it chemically through benzoylation to yield the final product. The ready supply of both tartaric acid and benzoyl chloride keeps pricing relatively stable for mid-scale buyers. Bulk handling of raw tartaric acid and benzoylating agents requires proper containment and tracking to cut waste and environmental spill risk. Secure, labeled packaging often leads to less confusion when transferring stockroom inventory or distributing material between teams.
Responsible sourcing now means more than just tracking HS Codes or CAS numbers. Companies following E-E-A-T principles for chemical manufacturing look for full transparency about the agricultural origins of tartaric acid and green chemistry certifications for the production process. This push for sustainable procurement keeps supply chains more resilient and builds trust among partners in pharmaceuticals, specialty manufacturing, and academic research. Storing (+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid away from incompatible substances and moisture extends shelf life, cuts costs, and keeps unexpected incidents out of the lab or warehouse.
(+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid stands as a linchpin for chiral separations, particularly in pharmaceutical research. Its ability to generate enantiomerically pure substrates offers a pathway toward efficient, high-value drug targets. As someone who has worked in both academic and industrial settings, I’ve watched countless researchers rely on its reliability during column purifications. When alternative resolving agents failed due to poor solubility or difficulty in recovery, dibenzoyl-tartaric acid provided a workable solution. Quality and handling always depend on supplier consistency and clarity in technical specifications.
Improving the practice of working with (+)-2,3-Dibenzoyl-D-Tartaric Acid starts with clear labeling and secure storage. Keeping detailed batch records, monitoring storage conditions, and training staff on the unique risks and utility of the compound safeguard against mishaps. Researchers share documentation about solubility, melting point, and structure to avoid batch confusion during critical experiments. Demand for high-purity material shows no sign of dropping, so suppliers emphasizing batch analytics, secure packaging, and transparent sourcing practices will meet future market need. Clear communication and process reviews, both upstream and down, support ongoing innovation in research and manufacturing.
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