Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, Monohydrate: Comprehensive Product Description

What is Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, Monohydrate?

Not just another specialty chemical, Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate comes into its own as both a key ingredient and a reliable material in advanced synthesis work. In chemical research and the pharmaceuticals industry, people pay attention to molecules with chiral centers and structured symmetry. This compound, known for its precise molecular arrangement, plays an important role in stereochemistry and enantioselective processes, often finding its way into laboratories focused on fine-tuning purity and performance at the molecular level. Laboratories and manufacturers care about the physical integrity and distinctive behavior of this chemical, since its quirks can spell the difference between success and failure in sensitive reactions.

Products and Raw Materials

Manufacturing of Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate usually involves raw materials like p-methylbenzoyl chloride and tartaric acid, engaged through a careful controlled process. This ensures the end product maintains stability and purity, both of which matter for downstream applications. In terms of finished product appearance, it usually presents itself as solid flakes, powder, or crystalline pearls, each offering slightly different handling and storage benefits, often dictated by the demands of the user’s processes. Physical consistency gives suppliers and users confidence in batch-to-batch performance. As more sectors, especially in pharmaceuticals and fine chemical manufacturing, rely on strict standards, knowing exactly what goes in at this stage translates directly to reliability later.

Properties and Specifications

Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate, chemical formula C20H18O9·H2O, features a molecular weight around 420.4 g/mol when properly calculated, factoring in monohydrate status. Density typically measures near 1.4 g/cm³, which slots the compound neatly among other similar tartaric acids in terms of handling and storage requirements. In the lab, people appreciate its relative thermal stability and tendency to form well-defined crystals—a fact that not only makes measurement easier, but also contributes to performance in solution. Depending on the sample, this material can break into powder, flakes or even compacted into pearls, each offering unique surface area profiles for solubility, reactivity and dosing accuracy. White or off-white color lets technicians spot contamination, a practical advantage in busy workspaces. People seeking liquid forms often prepare buffered or specialized solvent solutions, since solubility trends depend on pH and concentration, both dictated by the primary crystal form’s properties.

Structure and Molecular Detail

This compound’s molecular structure stands out for its two p-methylbenzoyl groups attached to the D-tartaric acid backbone. That means pronounced chirality, which in my experience makes it invaluable for optical resolution and the sort of work that demands trace precision in enantiomer separation. Well-defined stereoisomerism, chalked up to its unique configuration, supports its uses in pharmaceutical intermediates, especially in making chiral catalysts or auxiliaries. This structural feature sets it apart from more basic tartaric derivatives, which often lack the twin aromatic substituents and associated functional diversity. In crystallography, the monohydrate’s orderly integration of water molecules subtly changes lattice energies and influences stability, so anyone working with this material ought to factor hydration into their protocols.

HS Code and Trade Compliance

International shipping, import, and export processes for Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate revolve around precise categorization. The compound typically falls under HS Code 2918.14, part of the group dedicated to carboxylic acids and their derivatives, particularly those with both acid and alcohol functions. Getting this right on paperwork avoids customs delays, complies with international norms, and streamlines trade for both small-batch labs and industrial buyers. My own dealings with cross-border chemical shipments reinforced the need for clarity here—not only does proper HS Code categorization support timely logistics, it also helps companies avoid regulatory pitfalls and ensure correct duty calculations.

Safe Handling, Hazardous Status, and Harmful Effects

Chemists know Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate for its manageable, though not negligible, risk profile. While less reactive than high-hazard organics, it still deserves gloves, goggles and fume hood precautions. Chronic exposure or poor ventilation may produce mild irritation; responsible facilities make safety data sheets accessible and enforce labeling and secondary containment on shelves and benches. Thermal decomposition may release aromatic vapors, so I learned early on never to let it heat unchecked—controlling reaction conditions pays dividends in both safety and yield. Waste management here means solvent-safe disposal, with strict avoidance of general trash or local water systems. No responsible operation skimps on spill kits and fire suppression when working with aromatic acid derivatives, since an errant spark can transform a benign bench sample into a costly cleanup.

Density, Crystal Forms, and Material Consistency

Anyone using Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate observes the physical properties closely. Density, as mentioned, sits at about 1.4 g/cm³, which fits well with bulk dosing requirements in most lab and pilot applications. The hydrated crystal structure, which forms robust blocks or needle-shaped crystals, helps the substance resist deliquescence more effectively than some other organics. I’ve stored this compound in flake and powder form; each morphs differently under humidity or pressure. Experience tells me pearl forms work best for slow-release formulations since they clump less, while tightly-packed powder offers the highest surface area, perfect for rapid dissolution during solution preparations. Laboratories often purchase by the liter in prepared solutions, especially where consistency between tests matters more than raw purity, while kilo-bag sales support bulk processing and custom synthesis runs. These variations let customers pick the format matching their workflow—no one-size-fits-all approach needed.

Applications and Industry Relevance

Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate’s main draw comes from its role in chiral synthesis and as a resolving agent in optical isomer separation. Pharmaceutical innovators, particularly those targeting high-purity drug compounds, have leaned on such tartaric acid derivatives to get results at the part-per-thousand level. Specialty manufacturers value its proven record for supporting consistent yields and improved selectivity in catalysis. The solid, flake, or pearl variants each find places in workflows from manual dosing to automated large-scale reactors, reflecting decades of adaptation in the chemical industry. Some academic researchers also use this compound to test new analytical and synthesis routes, banking on clear standards and trusted supply chains. Regulatory frameworks often follow compounds with chiral or aromatic nature closely, so documentation and transparent sourcing factor heavily into supplier-client relations. Based on what I’ve seen, having a supplier that understands the regulatory and logistical realities not only ensures steady operation but also shields users from compliance issues that can otherwise slow or halt progress.

Potential Solutions and Industry Best Practices

Consistent quality control, particularly for physical state and contamination risk, solves most issues users encounter with Di-p-methylbenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, monohydrate. Investment in purity testing—chiral purity, water content analysis, and crystalline structure checks—often saves far more downstream than it costs upfront. Companies investing in sustainable packaging and efficient handling protocols reduce employee risk and enhance environmental compliance. Supply chain transparency, with clear batch history and COA documentation, helps address both end-user confidence and audit requirements. Encouraging professional development in chemical safety, combined with ready access to safety documentation and MSDS, gives every operator the best possible foundation for responsible and effective use. Over the long haul, standardizing these practices makes ramping up innovation easier while cutting down on preventable mistakes and regulatory snags.