di-Ammonium Tartrate stands as a salt formed from tartaric acid and ammonium. Its chemical formula appears as (NH4)2C4H4O6, which means it contains two ammonium ions for every molecule of tartrate. This compound takes shape most often as a solid — either as white, crystalline material or as a fine powder. Anyone who works with laboratory reagents or specialty chemical production will recognize its slightly sweet smell and the way it dissolves quickly in water. Most sources I’ve used package it in bags or drums, depending on the trade volume.
Every molecule of di-Ammonium Tartrate reflects the traditional tartrate backbone, an arrangement familiar to folks working with chelating agents or acidulants. It brings together two ammonium ions and a tartrate ion, forming stable crystals or solid powders. Off the shelf, it has a molar mass of about 208.16 g/mol and a density close to 1.54 g/cm3. The compound holds together well at room temperature, breaking down when heated to high temperatures. Throw it on a balance, and even a small amount shows a low bulk density, so it won’t weigh down containers or disrupt flows in manufacturing lines. Those who process or blend this material see it as a reliable raw material for syntheses and pilot production.
Looking over various batches in the lab, di-Ammonium Tartrate usually appears either as transparent crystals or as a milky, soft powder. The crystals can resemble small flakes or pearls, glossy under the light and easy to see against a black background. I’ve scooped it from jars that have a slight granular texture; the finer powder forms work well for rapid dissolution in water. Each form offers specific advantages: flakes and crystals suit steady dosing, powder allows quick mixing for reaction vessels, and, though rarely, a highly concentrated aqueous solution can be mixed for fast processes. Liquid or gel formats don’t show up in standard chemical supply, but high-purity material always features a clean, uniform aspect.
di-Ammonium Tartrate often ships with documentation listing purity, moisture content, appearance, and trace metal levels. Analytical labs look for at least 98% purity on the label. Moisture usually shows up as a minor impurity; left out in humid air, the powder easily clumps but can be revived by gentle drying. Suppliers mark the HS Code as 2918.13, in line with international chemical trade conventions. Careful users check for chloride, sulfate, and heavy metal limits; as someone who has handled quality audits, I can say these checks ensure safety for food, electronics, and pharma applications. Color comparison and titration tests confirm identity and concentration.
In my experience, di-Ammonium Tartrate rarely earns a spot on hazardous chemical lists, but good practice says to treat it with care. Breathing in the dust or letting the powder collect on skin can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard lab gloves, goggles, and dust masks keep mishaps at bay. Any spills can be swept up and dissolved with water, then flushed down the drain if local rules allow. Burning or strong heating releases tar and ammonia, sharp smells that are best avoided by sticking to cold-room procedures. Disposal by dilution and sewer discharge fits most locations, but chemical waste bins always stand ready for larger quantities. Material Safety Data Sheets put this salt in a low-hazard category, and environmental chemists I’ve met have tested runoff — they find it breaks down quickly and does not tend to accumulate.
Looking at the range of use cases, di-Ammonium Tartrate shows up as a stabilizer, sequestrant, and source of nitrogen for chemical synthesis. I’ve seen it used in making tartaric acid derivatives or as a buffer salt in biochemistry labs where pH control holds top priority. Some technical shops deploy it in electroplating or as a leavening agent in specialty baking. I know suppliers keep it on hand as a starting material for producing optical isomers, and winemakers sometimes employ it to fine-tune the tartaric acid profile in fermentation vats. Mixing ratios depend on end use, so documentation and traceability matter to prevent overuse or underdosing. Because it features easily available ammonium ions, it supports light fertilizer formulations, especially for high-value crops.
Proper storage keeps di-Ammonium Tartrate safe, effective, and free-flowing — I keep mine sealed in airtight containers, away from direct light and humidity. Regular checks on stock quality, including testing for pH in solution and moisture by loss-on-drying, prevent surprises during critical processes. Batch traceability in production operations helps spot trends, such as clumping during hot, damp weather — a silica desiccator in every warehouse makes a difference. Source verification remains simple because most suppliers offer certificates of analysis with each batch, listing HS Code, specifications, and safe handling practices. A well-documented supply chain makes it easy to switch suppliers or verify compliance during audits, so every shipment matches the needs of industry and laboratory users. Improvements in packaging, like moisture-barrier bags, help avoid physical or chemical degradation during long-term storage or high-volume shipping.
di-Ammonium Tartrate works as a safe, efficient material if handled with reasonable care and watchful attention to storage. Drawing from both field experience and published studies, most buyers see it as a useful, stand-alone raw material for chemical, biological, and light manufacturing uses. Consistency, purity, and thoughtful hazard management keep this material a mainstay for those who need reliable ammonium and tartrate sources in daily operations.
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