Ammonium L-Tartrate stands out as an organic salt formed from ammonia and L-tartaric acid. Across labs and production shops, this compound finds solid ground for its roles as a chiral resolving agent and food additive. In a pure state, it shows up as colorless or white crystalline solids. Some users see it as a powder, solid, flakes, or even as pearls, each form serving particular purposes, from raw material for synthetic chemistry to stabilizer in foods and drinks. People often ask: does it feel gritty, sticky, or flowy? It usually presents as an odorless solid that dissolves well in water, turning out a clear solution, leaving little behind. You won’t spot it melting in your hands; instead, it keeps its shape until heated significantly above room temperature, with a melting point that sits above 150°C. Each batch may differ in crystal appearance depending on moisture content and method of production.
Chemists rely on the formula C4H11NO6 and a molar mass of 169.14 g/mol when drawing up formulas or writing up specs for Ammonium L-Tartrate. The basic structure brings together ammonium ions and L-tartrate anions. Three hydroxyl groups lend water solubility. The fixed chirality makes it valuable in separating racemic mixtures in the pharma industry, giving researchers a basic tool to create products with specific properties. Unlike common table salt or simple sugars, chirality matters when this chemical enters synthesis work.
Generally sold in bulk quantities, Ammonium L-Tartrate arrives as solid coarse powder, sometimes as larger crystalline flakes or pearls, depending on the chosen drying and purification steps. Density falls near 1.6 g/cm3, making it a bit lighter than table sugar, but heavier than magnesium sulfate. Industries source this compound in kilograms, with suppliers packaging it in moisture-tight drums or bags, shielding it from humidity that could cake or clump the product. As a solid, it holds up to light handling, breaking down under mortar and pestle with little trouble. In solution, it forms a transparent liquid that stores best at low temperature, in amber bottles or tightly capped containers.
Looking at customs paperwork, Ammonium L-Tartrate typically falls under HS Code 2918.16, part of the organic acid and derivatives chapter. Importers and exporters pay attention to these codes to ensure tariffs and safety data align. Even though this classification might seem plain on the surface, it helps governments monitor trade for chemical safety, food purity enforcement, and statistical reasons. The labeling provides clarity from the shipping docks and customs depots all the way into the factory or research warehouse.
Solid at room temperature, Ammonium L-Tartrate crystals feel dry and non-greasy, often with a slight pearly sheen. Solubility in water stays high, above 20 g per 100 ml at ambient temperatures, meaning it works in solution-based chemistry without fuss. Flame exposure triggers decomposition before boiling, so you never want to use open fire around it. Tap it on a metal surface and you hear a distinct ring, far different from the dull thud of soft, moisture-rich powders. Its pH lands on the acidic side, around 4.5 in a 1% solution, reflecting its derivation from tartaric acid.
In safe handling, Ammonium L-Tartrate poses much less risk than heavy metals or strong acids, but it deserves respect. Prolonged or repeated exposure to large amounts raises risk of irritation, especially when inhaled as powder dust. Standard lab safety applies: gloves, goggles, and a dust mask keep you protected. Ingesting small amounts, as sometimes found in food additives, usually passes regulatory review, but not all applications are edible. Always review raw material purity, and strive for pharmaceutical- or food-grade stock when purity matters. Spills clean up with water, but an eye toward environmental impact stays important; runoff can fertilize or acidify soil, so disposal follows local codes.
Labs, food processors, and specialty chemical producers treat Ammonium L-Tartrate as a go-to raw material. It helps resolve enantiomers in pharma, adjusts pH in beverages, and sometimes acts as a chelating agent in plating baths. Its solubility, density, and reliable purity draw in researchers and process engineers. Pharmacies and nutraceutical makers rely on clean, traceable sources since contamination affects both product quality and safety. Quality control teams want clear packing labels, up-to-date safety data, and batch certificates before accepting deliveries.
Paying attention to Ammonium L-Tartrate’s safe sourcing and proper disposal helps prevent harmful releases to water or soil. Most waste treatment operators recommend neutralization before dilution, steering away from dumping straight solids into sinks or drains. Food industry users—especially those working with organic or “clean label” food—track origins closely, as synthetic routes might bring unwanted impurities. Sensible, documented handling, strong hygiene, and careful scale-up help avoid exposure, both for workers inside the lab and consumers outside it. No chemical serves its uses in a vacuum, emphasizing that every gram shipped, measured, or dissolved connects directly to downstream safety, compliance, and well-being.
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