Benzyl alcohol, alpha-(aminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-, (-)-, tartrate (1:1) (salt) belongs to a category of specialized organic materials that combine multiple functional groups from both benzyl alcohol and tartaric acid domains. This compound’s backbone consists of a benzyl ring attached to a 3,4-dihydroxy substitution and an aminomethyl group. Combined with (-)-tartrate, a salt forms, giving the molecule features rarely found in typical commodity chemicals. Used as a precursor in fine-chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediates, or specialty biochemistry, the unique mix of alcohol, amine, and dihydroxy moieties grants it valuable reactive potential for applications involving chiral environments and protective groups. The pairing with tartaric acid through a salt formation enables crystal growth and stability at room temperature, making this compound adaptable both for short-term research and scale-up projects.
Detailed molecular investigations shed light on the nature of the compound. The structure provides a core composed of a benzyl system linked to a dihydroxy arrangement at the 3 and 4 positions, with an aminomethyl branch extending off the main chain. The salt component derives from the condensation with (-)-tartaric acid, creating ionic interactions that influence the solid’s melting profile, solubility, and crystallization. The compound’s molecular formula commonly reads as C8H11NO2·C4H6O6, combining the elements of both organic bases. With modern analytical equipment — NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry — laboratories can validate both stereochemistry and purities often above 99%. The arrangement of the benzyl ring salts and tartarate ions leads to a three-dimensional lattice, often visible through high-resolution crystallography.
Users might find this substance in a variety of physical forms, including fine crystalline powders, white to off-white flakes, or even as semi-granular pearls. Typically, it appears as a solid at ambient conditions, though under certain solvents or temperatures, partial dissolution creates solutions ideal for downstream use. Its density usually ranges between 1.3 and 1.5 g/cm³, depending on the hydration state and crystalline packing. Solubility behavior can vary sharply between polar and non-polar solvents due to the competition between the hydrophilic tartrate counter-ion and the aromatic, slightly hydrophobic benzyl core. When dissolved, solutions remain stable under neutral to slightly acidic conditions, with degradation appearing in strongly basic media over time.
Most suppliers provide the material in purity grades suitable for lab synthesis and scale production. Batches come in sealed HDPE or amber vials ranging from gram-quantities for research to kilogram orders for pilot plants. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) specify a characteristic melting point in the 160–180°C range, low volatility, and absence of pungent odors, which lowers concerns in standard fume-hood workflows. As a raw material, it frequently enters coupling reactions, chiral resolution steps, and serves roles where selective amination, protection, or reduction are needed. Chemical stability in common solvents like ethanol, methanol, and water proves reliable, although stock keepers store the powder away from excess humidity and light sources to prevent hydrolysis or discoloration.
Trading and logistics identify the substance commonly under the HS Code 2922.49, reflecting its niche as an aminoalcohol linked to organic acid salt. Retailers, shippers, and customs offices consult international regulations when moving even laboratory-scale samples, given its dual nature as both a research intermediate and possible hazardous material. Laboratory professionals should treat the compound according to guidelines for amines and tartaric acid derivatives, using protective equipment during handling to avoid accidental ingestion, skin or eye contact, and inhalation. Although the toxicity profile remains relatively low among synthetic organic intermediates, prolonged or repeated exposure may cause mild irritation. Each batch rolls out with a certificate of analysis and batch-tested documentation confirming it meets purity thresholds, which can be important for pharmaceutical and biotech compliance. Disposal follows regular organic waste procedures, ensuring substances do not reach watercourses unneutralized.
Practical experience in organic synthesis highlights the reactivity brought by the free amine and dihydroxy groups. These functionalities open multiple synthesis pathways for transforming the molecule into higher-order chemicals, making the compound a staple during multi-step reactions relying on selective functional group chemistry. Under standard lab conditions, the compound maintains stability and will not self-react or degrade rapidly; introduction of strong oxidants, acids, or bases should receive careful control, with reaction monitoring and quench protocols in place. Downstream chemical plants often keep emergency spill kits and neutralizing agents on hand since excess product runoff or accidental releases may provoke localized irritant effects or minor hazardous situations.
The path to safer and smarter chemical use benefits from clear documentation and frequent training. Workers benefit when material containers feature detailed markings, lists of expected properties, and hazard pictograms. Inventory managers maintain digital records of each bottle, tracking not just quantity but expiration dates and lot numbers. Chemical hygiene officers review workspace organization regularly, conducting drills and checks to ensure all spills or accidents meet reporting standards. Advances in green chemistry might yet yield derivatives that keep high performance but reduce any environmental footprint through biodegradable or more benign tarring.
Getting quality starts at the raw materials stage: suppliers of both benzyl alcohol and tartaric acid derivatives must guarantee consistent input streams and documented quality controls. Many facilities run audits and maintain traceability back to upstream sources, because contamination or batch irregularity translates directly into lost product or failed downstream steps. Scalar synthesis operations rely on process chemists verifying conditions at every stage, balancing temperature, mixing, and reagent charge for optimal yield — this saves on waste and limits operator exposure. In places where environmental restrictions grow tighter, plants look for closed-loop systems and solvent recycling structures so that minimal solvent escapes and all waste byproducts get neutralized before disposal.
Innovation in the upstream synthetic pathway behind benzyl alcohol, alpha-(aminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-, (-)-, tartrate (1:1) (salt) keeps the market competitive. Subtle changes in crystalline habit or melting point affect downstream solubility and processability, so buyers compare not just price but full analytical profiles in every shipment. Places that invest in advanced QA/QC labs hold the edge — they certify the molecular property spectrum for every drum or bottle, protecting intellectual property and supporting confident product launches. Pharmaceutical companies, chiral catalyst developers, and analytical labs all pull from this ecosystem, knowing that any ripple in supply chain data flows right down to impacted medicines, new materials, and specialty polymers.
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