(+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid stands out as a chiral resolving agent in modern chemistry. Laboratories and industries alike turn to this compound to separate racemic mixtures, especially during the synthesis of optically pure molecules. What gives it this advantage comes down to its unique structure: two toluoyl groups linked to a D-tartaric acid backbone. Its widespread use reflects the demand across pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, where chirality determines the activity and quality of the final product.
The synthesis of (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid begins with D-tartaric acid and p-toluoyl chloride, both standard raw materials in organic chemistry. These react under carefully controlled conditions, giving a product prized for its reliability as a resolving agent. Finished batches reach laboratories as solid forms—ranging from flakes to fine powders or crystalline masses. The raw material sources and the purity of these inputs matter even more for applications in sensitive fields like pharmaceuticals, since impurities or inconsistencies in the starting ingredients always impact the downstream results.
Looking at the molecule itself, the formula shines a light on its function: C18H16O8. The arrangement features a tartaric acid skeleton at the core, covered on each end by a toluoyl group. In the solid state, these molecules line up to create distinctive crystalline patterns. Anyone handling this compound will notice how sharp and clean the flakes or crystals appear—evidence of the purity achieved during synthesis. Its molecular weight sits at about 360.32 g/mol, information that makes dosing and handling more precise in both industrial-scale and lab settings.
Handling (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid doesn’t present surprises. The color tends toward white or off-white, signaling proper purification. Its melting point, around 187-189°C, stakes out its stability during storage and transport. Most sources list its density close to 1.53 g/cm³, which helps with volume planning, whether storing as bulk solid, kilos of powder, or as larger crystalline chunks. Unlike some intermediates which degrade with trace moisture, this compound resists breaking down in normal lab atmospheres, letting teams spend more time on the chemistry and less fending off spoilage.
Producers of (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid run extensive quality checks to ensure chemical identity and optical purity. Standard specifications focus on purity of at least 99%, chiral purity above 98%, and low levels of water or residual solvents. Buyers demand batch documentation showing compliance with these values, particularly for regulated markets. Analytical methods—NMR, HPLC, TLC—verify every shipment matches the strict targets set out in product specifications. Such oversight allows end users to build reliable manufacturing or research processes, without guessing what might be in each drum or bottle.
For customs and international shipping, (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid goes under the harmonized code 2918.19.9090, classifying it among carboxylic acid derivatives. Import regulations often demand full disclosure of raw material sources and purity levels, something that’s grown in importance as the global market faces counterfeit chemical concerns. Having a clear HS Code reduces delays at borders and simplifies documentation during customs inspections.
Industry providers offer (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid in solid forms—powders for easy dissolution, crystals for high-purity separation, or even flakes for straightforward weighing and handling. Some suppliers develop custom grain sizes, giving research teams better control over solubility and reaction kinetics. In rare settings, it may come as a concentrated solution, but most production sticks with powder, flakes, or crystalline masses. Users working on large-scale separations often want slightly larger crystals, cutting waste and keeping filtration simple.
Solubility in methanol, ethanol, and acetone reaches satisfactory levels, making mixing for resin or filters a quick step. Its relative insolubility in non-polar solvents like hexane lets chemists fine-tune extraction or purification steps. Through daily work, technicians rely on those solubility differences to achieve high-purity separations, making this acid crucial for fractionating chiral bases and amines.
Like many laboratory chemicals, (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid rewards careful handling. While not classified as acutely toxic, it can irritate skin, eyes, or airways with extended exposure. Safety Data Sheets designate appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, and masks, particularly when weighing fine powders or dissolving large quantities. Good air extraction keeps airborne dust to a minimum. Disposal of waste follows strict protocols, with spent material collected and sent for hazardous waste processing. Facilities storing significant quantities label containers as containing harmful substances, following local and international chemical safety laws.
Manufacturers rely on (+)-Di-1,4-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid as a tool for resolving enantiomers from racemic mixtures, building backbones for active pharmaceutical ingredients with exact optical purity. In my own experience, introducing this compound into a separation protocol raised the yield of desired enantiomers, cutting costs by a surprising margin. Problems sometimes pop up with batch consistency or supply interruptions—so secure vendor agreements and regular audits help maintain a reliable stream of pure acid. Chemists working in tight regulatory environments tend to favor suppliers offering full transparency around synthesis, packaging, and traceability, reducing compliance headaches while increasing confidence in the final product. Those aiming for more sustainable production look toward greener methods for its synthesis, switching out harsh reagents and reducing solvent waste wherever possible.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
