D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester stands as a specialized chemical compound, recognized by its refined structure and unique characteristics in the world of synthetic organic chemistry. With the formula C6H10O6, this ester features two ester functional groups in its backbone. The base structure connects two methyl groups to the tartrate core, shifting its behavior compared to raw D-tartaric acid. Its molecular weight rests at about 178.14 g/mol, giving it a moderate profile for transport and use in lab settings. Through the years, this compound emerged as a key intermediate and material for various organic transformations and manufacturing processes. To trace it in global commerce, the HS Code often affixed is 2918199090, which covers other carboxylic acid esters and derivatives not detailed elsewhere.
Examining its physical properties, D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester most frequently appears as a crystalline solid. The crystals might take on flaky or powdery forms, though irregular pearl-shaped granules rarely show up depending on the crystallization method. It is rarely produced or shipped as a liquid due to its melting point fixed around 54-56°C. Transparency and colorlessness grant its solid state an almost glass-like aesthetic. Its density generally falls near 1.43 g/cm³, which might shift slightly with batches and storage. When crushed or processed finely, the compound turns into a powder, showing a tendency to cling together due to the mild hygroscopic nature found in similar esters.
D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester dissolves well in organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone, but its affinity for water lags behind. This property steers its use in reactions requiring controlled solubility, especially during the preparation of enantiomerically pure molecules. In industrial or laboratory containers, crystals sometimes appear clumped from exposure to humidity or compression, though careful storage helps retain a dry, free-flowing consistency. With adequate safety practices, handling as a raw material remains practical, either as bulk powder charged into reactors or dispensed as dense flakes measured by volume or weight.
Looking at the molecule, this ester connects methoxy groups via ester bonds at both carboxyl positions. The carbon backbone preserves the chirality from D-tartaric acid, which gives it usefulness in chiral syntheses—a key consideration for processes in pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals that demand absolute stereochemistry. Reactivity centers mostly around its ester groups, allowing for hydrolysis, reduction, or further derivatization. Anyone engaged in multi-step syntheses finds value in its predictable behavior. Laboratory technicians using it as a building block for chiral ligands or specialty polymers count on its reliability during controlled chemical transformations. Its structural consistency, confirmed by NMR and mass spectrometry, supports quality assurance in sectors where molecular precision drives product performance.
Purity parameters for D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester generally stretch from 98% to above 99.5%, verified through standard titration or HPLC assays. Moisture content, residual solvent levels, and optical rotation (typically +8° to +10° in methanol solution) anchor the core specifications looked for by buyers and regulators. Standard batches present as white to off-white solids, and trace amounts of unreacted D-tartaric acid or by-products stay firmly controlled. Full specification sheets also cover melting point accuracy, loss on drying, and impurity profile. For safety in handling, users note its moderate inhalation and ingestion risks typical of organic acids and their esters, though it does not release acutely toxic vapors under normal conditions.
Anyone working with D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester should wear protective gloves and goggles, as with most chemical raw materials. Accidental exposure to dust may cause eye or skin irritation—nothing exotic, but enough to obey strict lab hygiene. Its low volatility means harmful vapors play little role in workplace hazards, yet, should it become airborne, inhalation of powder must be managed. SDS sheets flag this compound for moderate hazard: It doesn't support combustion aggressively but will burn if exposed to fire, releasing CO₂ and possibly irritating fumes. Environmental harm appears minimal as long as wastewater treatment addresses minor organic loads. Industrial users always store this ester in tightly closed containers, clear of heat and direct sunlight, and scale up operations with dust extraction and process controls.
D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester serves as more than a mere chemical; it's a stepping-stone that enables the creation of high-value products. In pharmaceuticals, the pure chiral nature of its backbone transforms it into a linchpin for asymmetric synthesis. It plays similar roles in agrochemicals and scent chemistry, where, for instance, the subtle tarpene-like notes of some derivatives trace back to origins in D-tartaric acid. Manufacturers prize it for ease of further functionalization—hydrolyzing the ester back to carboxylic acids lets chemists mold the molecule as needed for their reactions. As a result, it shows up as a staple ‘raw material’ on order sheets for chemistry labs, pilot plants, and full-scale reactors.
During production, suppliers observe strict process routes to keep side products out, ensuring downstream reactions do not suffer from trace contaminants. Custom synthesis for industries needing higher stereochemical purity or unusual forms sometimes involves extra steps, but most buyers settle for batch lots that check all conventional quality boxes. D-Tartaric Acid Dimethyl Ester rarely finds itself under regulatory spotlight due to limited toxicity and established industrial experience, but companies still keep their supply chain documentation in good order for audits, compliance, and traceability. Its unique mix of stability, purity, and functional versatility means no good synthetic lab skips it when assembling new molecules or scaling up for commercial demand.
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