D-Tartaric Acid diethyl ester is a chemical that steps right into countless reaction vessels, research labs, and manufacturing floors as a specialty raw material. Built on a framework rooted in chemistry’s backbone, the compound’s molecular formula C8H14O6 marks a fusion of tartaric acid and ethanol. Its HS Code, often classified as 2918.19.9090, points suppliers and buyers to its niche among esters of polycarboxylic acids. Folks in chemical industries, synthetic labs, and even seasoned chemists know this compound for more than just its mouthful of a name—it represents precision in chiral synthesis and a building block for pharmaceutical intermediates.
Take a close look at D-tartaric Acid diethyl ester and you’ll notice it commonly appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes showing up in crystal or solid form if temperatures drop low enough. Density lands close to 1.16 g/cm³, which gives you a feel for how it pours and handles day-to-day. Unlike many base acids that bite with their corrosive nature, this ester holds a milder touch, lacking the strong acidity of its parent molecule. Its melting point typically hovers just below room temperature and boiling point rises past 270°C, which matters when process engineers and lab techs work with solvents or scale up reactions.
Structurally, D-tartaric Acid diethyl ester holds two ethyl groups welded onto the tartaric acid backbone, each bonded through an ester linkage. This design means the compound packs oxygen-rich pockets, setting it apart in reactivity from simpler esters or alcohols. Chemists see an opportunity here: the molecule’s chirality and stable carbon backbone turn it into a go-to ingredient for asymmetric synthesis—especially in drug development and specialty chemical manufacturing. Handling this ester also feels different. Crystalline samples present sharp, sand-like edges; as a liquid, the surface tension remains close to water, making measurement and storage simple for researchers.
Quality specs typically ask for purity above 98%. Most production lots land well above this, with both GC and NMR providing data that help confirm identity. Refractive index sticks around 1.430–1.440, a figure familiar to any chemist cross-checking identity. Water content must be under tight control—not just for shelf life, but because trace water can trigger hydrolysis, knocking the molecule back toward tartaric acid. That’s why handling and packaging info often highlights moisture barriers, desiccant use, and robust storage drum construction. Each batch rolls out with CoA data covering melting point, boiling point, density, purity, and residual solvent levels, so buyers know exactly what lands in their hands.
D-Tartaric Acid diethyl ester isn’t just one thing. It slips into roles as liquid in process, solid in cold storage, powder for certain syntheses, and crystals for those hunting high-purity materials. Packing and shipment rely on the chosen state: steel drums work for larger volumes in liquid form, while crystalline product often rides out in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags. On larger sites, there’s the hard reality of temperature swings, so refrigeration and humidity control keep the bulk stocks viable for months, not days. Small labs keep it in amber vials to block stray light, while fees for custom packaging rise with demands for ultrapure or lab-scale batches.
Chemical handling always demands attention, and D-tartaric Acid diethyl ester doesn’t stand apart from that rule. Its safety data highlights possible eye and skin irritation. Inhalation of vapors or fine powder is best avoided—you never want a chemical’s hazard profile catching you off guard. This ester isn’t flagged as acutely toxic, but anyone who’s worked fine chemicals knows the value of gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation. Storage guidelines stress segregation from acids, bases, and strong oxidizers. Regulatory frameworks such as REACH and US TSCA often apply, especially for import, export, or supply into regulated end markets like pharma and food synthesis. Waste disposal follows general organic chemical practices, with incineration and solvent recovery widely preferred.
Most of the demand comes from fine chemical synthesis, especially companies who need chiral intermediates. Drug makers, especially those focused on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), draw on its stereochemical purity to create complex molecules. Material scientists sneak it into custom polymers, specialty coatings, and once in a while, high-value agricultural chemistry. In my experience, sourcing this ester often leads to paperwork and tight spec sheets—your buyer wants traceability, and your supplier wants assurances the product won’t get lost in a regulatory black hole. In every bin or drum you open, there’s the work of dozens of hands: process engineers, analysts, safety officers, and logistics coordinators, each keeping risks to a minimum.
Every material has its weaknesses. D-tartaric Acid diethyl ester can break down under strong acids or bases, losing both its valuable chiral structure and becoming a simple mixture with tartaric acid and ethanol. Sourcing raw tartaric acid sometimes binds supply chains to grape industry by-products, tying price and availability to harvests in Italy, Spain, or South America. Environmentalists keep one eye on any process waste since many esters run the risk of lingering in water streams. For safer operations, regular audits, in-house sampling, and robust cleanup processes help avoid issues. As new regulations pop up—like those from Europe’s ECHA or new EPA guidance—companies pivot their paperwork fast, making traceability more of a necessity than a box ticked on a form.
Chemists and supply chain teams keep aiming for tighter specs and smaller environmental footprints. Technology around solvent recovery and purification continues to grow, which shrinks process waste and recycles more material. Stronger ties with upstream suppliers offer more stable sourcing, and green chemistry approaches look for ways to swap traditional solvents for water-based or safer alternatives when making, cleaning, or handling this ester. For buyers who need it safe, pure, and legal, keeping up with regulatory shifts keeps everyone one step ahead. In practice, partnerships between labs, manufacturers, and shippers not only build confidence in product quality but keep the reputation of a whole line of commerce intact. Products like D-tartaric Acid diethyl ester don’t just support industries—they challenge every part of the supply chain to run smarter, safer, and cleaner.
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