(-)-Adrenaline hydrogen tartrate stands as a key chemical compound encountered in both biochemical research and selective pharmaceutical applications. The substance presents itself as a white or almost-white crystalline powder, producing a slight bitter taste. With a molecular formula of C9H13NO3·C4H6O6, the compound melds an organic base and a tartaric acid salt, forming an ionic material that falls under the general HS Code 2939. The raw material hails from synthetic sources, mimicking the biologically active enantiomer found in mammals, including humans. Manufacturers tailor extraction and synthesis for high purity, often using this form to study adrenergic responses or to help standardize medical preparations where precision plays a central role.
In my lab experience, the material arrives in sealed, light-blocking containers to preserve stability. The appearance as solid flakes, pearlescent granules, or sometimes as a loose powder gives it versatility for various preparations. Its density generally falls in the range of 1.35 to 1.40 g/cm³, giving it a solid but brittle structure; crushing between glass rods will produce fine crystalline dust, which disperses quickly if air currents are present. The material, when exposed to moisture, absorbs water, becoming tacky and slightly darker, a trait that hints at its hygroscopic properties. My colleagues have noticed that improper storage, especially outside a desiccated environment, leads to clumping and a musty aroma, so attention to environment remains crucial.
The molecular structure boasts a catecholamine backbone, lending critical biological significance. As a result, the hydrogen tartrate salt alters the solubility profile, making it more suitable for medical solutions, which is why ampoules or vials might contain the dissolved substance. A closer look at the molecular lattice reveals tight ionic bonds, strengthened by tartrate’s dicarbonyl groups, forming hydrogen-bond bridges that stabilize the solid. The chirality of the central carbon allows for biological specificity, reinforcing its targeted activity in adrenergic signaling.
Research-grade product typically maintains a purity standard above 98%, with impurity levels tightly controlled to prevent cross-reactions or unexpected byproducts. The compound shows low volatility under ambient conditions but decomposes when exposed to light and air, losing functional groups and discoloring, which can be observed within hours if left unprotected. Laboratories frequently receive the material as flakes or in smaller pearl forms, making it easier to weigh using analytical balances, vital for consistency in pharmacological dosing. In solution, its clear, colorless appearance requires fresh preparation to avoid oxidation, a lesson learned after several ruined experiments in graduate school. Aqueous solutions typically sit at a slightly acidic pH because of the tartrate component, requiring careful adjustment for specific assays or injections.
Safety awareness matters a great deal with (-)-adrenaline hydrogen tartrate. Skin or eye contact leads to irritation; I’ve seen a few red-faced technicians after accidental spills. Direct inhalation of dust must be avoided, as the material’s potent physiological effects can lead to anxiety symptoms, elevated pulse, or even arrhythmia in sensitive individuals. Material Safety Data Sheets clearly classify it as hazardous due to its chemical reactivity and inherent toxicity above certain exposure thresholds. Room-temperature storage, sealed away from both sunlight and humidity, best preserves quality. In my own experience, using personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coats, and goggles, has been a non-negotiable standard, especially during weighing and solution preparation. Spent containers or contaminated wipes cannot enter standard waste streams; facilities must observe strict hazardous chemical disposal protocols.
The use of (-)-adrenaline hydrogen tartrate as a raw material stretches beyond research; pharmaceutical firms rely on its pure form for dermal and parenteral drug formulations, leveraging its predictable adrenergic effects and rapid breakdown in the body. Chemical suppliers ship in drums or multi-kg cartons to production facilities, and the chain of custody from synthesis to end product remains tightly regulated for quality assurance. Deviations in molecular integrity or purity invite recalls, so rigorous batch testing stands as a daily routine. The annually updated HS Code categorization reflects international trade monitoring, making paperwork accuracy just as indispensable as proper chemical analysis in keeping operations legal and efficient.
Though physiologically valuable, the dangers from improper exposure or overuse should never be underestimated. Accidental ingestion or intravenous misuse generates acute health crises, and the toxicological profile includes risks for hypertensive episodes, heart palpitations, and local tissue necrosis. Labs and industries must install clear, visible hazard signal postings near all storage and working areas. Standard practice includes strict inventory tracking, and I have seen firsthand the fallout from missing vials: delays, safety reports, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. In the context of safe chemical handling, comprehensive training for all personnel—not just principal investigators—goes further than any written manual to cut down on avoidable mistakes.
Careful stewardship of (-)-adrenaline hydrogen tartrate requires a combination of chemical knowledge and practical vigilance. Consistent labeling with molecular formula and hazard icons, strict adherence to safe storage, and robust audit trails for every shipped or received batch make up the backbone of effective management. Research facilities and manufacturing plants ought to upgrade their safety protocols as science advances, keeping exposure thresholds well below harmful levels and investing in modern, user-friendly PPE. Explicit guidelines can help avoid exposure accidents, from clearly written SOPs to regular, scenario-based safety drills. Investment in next-generation packaging, like UV-blocking polymers or one-way dispensing hoppers, could curb accidental contact and ensure product longevity, making workplaces safer and maintaining the compound’s integrity until the moment of use.
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