Catharanthine Tartrate appears as a well-defined compound in the realm of specialized raw materials, often sourced from plant origins tied to the Apocynaceae family. It enters various research and industrial channels as a reference material with clinical significance, especially in pharmaceutical research and synthesis. Recognizing its role, one appreciates its influence on the advancement of plant-based alkaloid compounds and its support in exploring medicinal chemistry’s frontiers.
Finding Catharanthine Tartrate as a crystalline substance is standard. Most suppliers offer it as a powder, solid, or sometimes as small, glimmering flakes. The substance takes on a light, off-white to beige color, reflective of its refined purity. When handled, it feels dense and sometimes wax-like, depending on the batch and storage conditions. Its density, typically measured in grams per liter, rests between 1.2 and 1.4 g/cm³ at room temperature. As with most alkaloid salts, it resists dissolving in nonpolar solvents but interacts reasonably well with water, forming a clear solution that works efficiently in analytical and preparative laboratories.
Catharanthine Tartrate possesses the molecular formula C21H25N2O8, a combination that unites the indole alkaloid structure of catharanthine with tartaric acid. The full molecular weight sits at 433.43 g/mol, which matters for accurate measurement and formulation. The structure shows multiple chiral centers, giving the substance stereo-chemical complexity. Laboratory analysis, especially through NMR or IR spectroscopy, easily identifies the key functional groups, including the indole core and carboxylate moieties, confirming its authenticity and batch quality.
Catharanthine Tartrate does not classify as acutely toxic for the average use case, but it commands careful handling as with any concentrated alkaloid. Contact with skin or eyes is best avoided, and appropriate protective gear—gloves, goggles, and a well-ventilated fume hood—should become standard operators’ routine. This compound sometimes causes irritation or allergic reactions on direct exposure. Storage requires a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark space to avoid degradation, as excess moisture or high temperatures break down the crystal lattice and decrease shelf life. Accidental ingestion or inhalation could present moderate risk; prompt medical attention and an up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheet answer most urgent questions about countermeasures.
The typical Harmonized System code (HS Code) for Catharanthine Tartrate in international trade sits at 2939.99, representing alkaloids and their derivatives. This designation triggers oversight and reporting protocols, especially when exporting or importing across stringent borders. Accurate labeling and documentation ensure seamless transit, prevent legal complications, and help customs officials trace product provenance and compliance with environmental regulations.
Research laboratories value Catharanthine Tartrate as a reference standard due to its well-documented performance in biological assays and analytical chemistry. Synthetic chemists sometimes exploit its unique structure to design new heterocyclic compounds or as a benchmark in the characterization of natural products. Pharmaceutical developers also use it during the exploration of plant-derived therapeutics, testing its pharmacological profile and seeking analogs with enhanced biological activity. Its relatively narrow scope of direct application underscores the importance of sourcing high-quality batches, as impurities or misidentified forms complicate experimental outcomes.
Safer, more reliable handling of Catharanthine Tartrate begins with rigorous supplier vetting and thorough quality control, elements no laboratory can afford to overlook. Ensuring every shipment arrives with a certificate of analysis and traceable batch records contributes to reproducibility and laboratory safety. Training on chemical handling must stay current, with regular refreshers and updates as protocols change or as new hazards emerge in updated literature. For waste disposal, consulting local environmental protection guidelines protects both personnel and community water systems. Even seemingly harmless solids like this one pose risks when handled in bulk or over long research cycles. Choosing well-researched storage and disposal solutions means researchers protect themselves, their colleagues, and the broader environment.
Catharanthine Tartrate sits at the intersection of chemical specificity and practical research need. Its unique molecular features invite rigorous scientific exploration. Professionals gain from a deeper understanding of its material properties, hazards, regulatory details, and practical applications, especially as demands for plant-based drugs and complex syntheses grow. Paying attention to the small print—from density and solubility through storage and safety—keeps research efforts reliable and sustainable for the long term.
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