Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate, known under the chemical formula KNaC4H4O6, falls under the HS Code 2918.13. Its molecular weight checks in at 226.18 g/mol, bringing together sodium and potassium ions with L-(+)-tartaric acid. This salt has carved out a space for itself in both industrial labs and classrooms. Many chemists keep it on hand for analytical work, especially because it serves as a reliable standard material. Its roots in classical chemistry experiments run deep, and its qualities earn it a place in various processes, stretching from catalyst support work to being used as a raw material for other compounds.
This tartrate compound commonly appears as a white crystalline solid; under close inspection, it might present itself in flakes, powder, or even chunky pearls. When handled in the raw, anhydrous state, Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate feels gritty like fine table salt, though with a distinctive tang if tasted (not advised). Its crystalline structure shows definite planes and angles, traits you can spot under basic magnification. It doesn’t dissolve as quickly as its hydrated cousin, and if heated, remains stable without puffing off moisture. The density falls between about 1.984 and 2.02 g/cm3, making it heavier than similarly sized organic compounds, but not dramatically so. If ground down, the powder forms a fine, free-flowing substance—easy to scoop, though particles may cling in a humid workspace.
What stands out about this salt is its stability—many solutions keep well at room temperature, and the lack of water of hydration means it’s less prone to clumping or reacting quickly with atmospheric water. The molecular structure locks potassium, sodium, and tartrate groups together in a tight assembly, giving the crystals their hardness. The compound dissolves in water, forming a clear and nearly neutral solution on the pH scale. This property lets it act as a buffer in lab settings. Chemists often use it to balance out or prepare other solutions where stability is crucial. It doesn’t throw off unexpected fumes, nor does it break apart under regular storage conditions. Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate shows little reaction toward most acids and bases, unless strong concentrations are involved.
Trade and regulatory guidelines list Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate under Harmonized System Code 2918.13, which helps customs officials recognize and manage shipments containing this material. Laboratories that stock this chemical look for high purity specifications—ideally above 99%—to avoid interference from traces of water or impurities. Specifications also detail appearance, solubility in water, loss on drying (to ensure it’s truly anhydrous), and trace metal content. Purity impacts its reliability in analytical procedures and industrial recipes, so suppliers pay attention to particle size as well, offering the product as flakes, free-flowing powders, or compact pearls for easier handling. Bulk quantities sometimes ship in drums lined with plastic to fend off accidental moisture exposure.
With density between 1.98 and 2.02 g/cm3, even small batches pack a decent mass. Chemists find that measuring out exact gram-quantities isn’t tricky, though getting a fully dissolved solution sometimes takes patience. Dissolving it in water, technicians need to stir steadily, especially if forming a liter-scale standard solution. Volume expansion is negligible, so the final concentration stays predictable. In industry, the solid form gets added straight into mixing chambers; in the lab, a powder or crystal batch gets weighed, added to a beaker, and brought up to volume. Its granular form also lets users avoid dust clouds or unwanted static, which cuts down on waste and mishandling.
While not listed among the most hazardous chemicals, Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate still calls for careful handling. If inhaled or allowed to contact skin repeatedly, it can cause mild irritation. On accidental ingestion, especially at higher amounts, it could upset the digestive tract, causing nausea or discomfort. Clean rooms, gloves, and goggles are the norm when working with raw materials in powdered or flaked form. Spills can result in fine dust scattering over surfaces, and cleanup requires a good vacuum or damp cloth; sweeping simply kicks dust back up. This compound doesn’t pose obvious long-term environmental harms unless disposed of improperly on a large scale. Most workplace guidelines recommend sealing any waste in a proper chemical waste container and following local regulations for disposal. For safety’s sake, an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) remains within arm’s reach where the substance is stored or used.
Modern labs track raw material lots using barcodes. Analysts log every batch of Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate that passes through their workflow, tying its purity and batch number to each result generated in analytical work. This keeps errors low and ensures recalls or re-tests, if needed, stay focused and swift. For industrial uses, bulk storage bins with sealed lids fight off humidity. Facilities suffering frequent moisture problems might install dehumidifiers or silica gel packs in chemical storage rooms. Suppliers continue to upgrade packaging, switching from simple paper sacks to double-sealed plastics with tamper indicators, which cuts down on accidental contamination or product loss.
Anhydrous Potassium Sodium L-(+)-Tartrate doesn’t act alone—it often enters as a supporting member of a larger cast of raw materials. In preparing catalysts or synthesizing flavor compounds, this salt provides a neutral ionic background, steady enough to avoid throwing off delicate reactions. In schools and testing labs, its high-grade form often serves as a check compound—a sort of litmus for both new equipment and workers. Tight control on raw material quality helps organizations reach consistent product yields and avoid wastes from failed batches.
Though it remains safe under controlled use, opportunities exist for better handling over time. Upgrading air filtration in chemical stores stops airborne dust. Ramps in employee training focus on reducing hand-to-face contact and wearing masks, given tartrates’ slight irritant quality. Waste handling has room for improvement by adopting specialized disposal bins—the kind that neutralize acids and bases when small leaks or spills are encountered. Across the supply chain, automated weighing and dispensing systems reduce errors. On the environmental side, large-scale users keep careful records of disposal procedures, using neutralization steps before releasing any residuals. Local governments could team up with industry to audit disposal practices and help smaller facilities achieve safe management without massive expense.
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