Di-m-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid, known in laboratories and catalogues by its molecular formula C20H18O8, stands out with its unique physical profile. As a synthetic acid derivative, this compound draws interest for its structure and its ability to impact various chemical processes. Chemists often work with this compound in several forms, including fine powders, solid crystals, or pearlescent flakes. Each form reflects a dedication to purity, with the density typically recorded around 1.415 g/cm3. The color tends to the white to off-white spectrum, offering visual confidence in its refinement. Most sources report a melting point between 170°C and 175°C, a key detail for synthesis and separation. Such details, as common as they may seem in a product profile, offer a real sense of what the material looks and feels like in the hand or under a scoop, qualities that matter to anyone who’s spent hours prepping samples or loading columns.
This acid exhibits interesting stereochemistry, which arises from its distinctive tartaric acid backbone and methylbenzoyl substitutions at the meta positions. The 3D structure influences not just solubility but also the selectivity in chiral resolution. I’ve seen the powder dispersing smoothly in common organic solvents like acetone and dichloromethane, but its solubility drops in water, showing the effect that aromatic groups bring. It often forms off-white crystalline solids or fluffy flakes, making it easy to handle even in bulk material drums or small glass jars. Every time a chemist scoops it, the solid’s stable mass and non-dusty granulation are appreciated—nobody enjoys an airborne mess near sensitive instrumentation.
Di-m-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid finds a special place in laboratories, particularly in the research or production environments working with chiral compounds. Its most recognizable use occurs as a resolving agent, separating racemic mixtures into their pure enantiomers. Given that pharmaceuticals often demand such purity, this single acid supports strict development timelines by reliably resolving key intermediates. Every project that involves regulatory approval highlights the importance of quality raw materials. Only a substance that consistently delivers a dependable performance ends up featured in a synthetic route. As a user, meeting GMP or GLP needs can occasionally feel stifling, but with a substance like this in the toolkit, the path gets smoother. Its effectiveness isn’t just academic—it shows up in the quality control charts, in the yields, and in the purity records.
The molecular design of Di-m-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid features two m-toluoyl groups attached to the D-tartaric acid scaffold, lending symmetry and chiral specificity. The molecular weight lands at 386.35 g/mol. The structure can be trusted to remain stable at room temperature, provided the solid is kept sealed from atmospheric moisture. Its chemical stability tracks logically with the ester and carboxylic acid functionalities within the structure. Chemists respect the balance between stability and reactivity since uncontrolled hydrolysis or racemization doesn’t give anyone a day’s rest. This is a detail that matters during transport, long-term storage, or scale-up—nobody wants unexpected surprises that derail production timelines. As a solid, it stays inert to most casual contact, making it reasonably safe for handling when proper PPE is followed.
Careful handling remains the rule. Di-m-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid avoids the worst lists of chemical hazards, but it still demands respect. The compound earns an HS Code in the 2918 family, ascribes to recognized chemical safety data sheets, and typically carries warnings related to eyes and mucous membranes. Gloved hands, papered benches, and functioning exhaust hoods keep accidents rare. From my own experience, handling a kilogram bag only takes a few extra minutes if you respect the protocols set by regulatory authorities and supported by every chemical manufacturer worth their salt. Accidental ingestion or inhalation invite discomfort—no credible scientist overlooks these warnings. This kind of discipline also guarantees that anyone receiving a delivery overseas finds what they expect—material that conforms to specification, arrives in proper containment, and responds the same way again and again.
Few laboratory chemicals punch above their molecular weight like Di-m-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid. As a raw material for the next stage in organic synthesis, its contribution stretches into agrochemical research, specialty plastics, and enantiopure compounds for medicine. It’s hard not to notice when a batch shows inconsistent particle size or fails to deliver the expected melting range—every formulation step rests on raw material quality. Ongoing discussions about regulatory harmonization, safe sourcing practices, and transparent documentation tie directly to the real-world experience of working with materials like this one. If the supply chain falters, or if manufacturers reduce batch size quality control, entire projects run aground. Addressing such issues depends on regulators, manufacturers, and users sticking to transparent communication and fast feedback. For future growth, continual adjustment of handling protocols and quality assurance keeps the science—and the industry—moving forward.
Di-m-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid, with its defined structure and real-world application value, matters far beyond its chemical formula. It serves as much as a tool for scientific progress as it does a reminder that every detail, from density to purity, shapes outcomes—all the way from bench scale to industrial delivery.
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