Di-P-Toluoyl-D-Tartaric Acid stands out as a chemical compound recognized for its significant value in several scientific and industrial processes. In the labs where I’ve watched organic reactions unfold, people rely on this material’s precise makeup: C20H18O8 as its molecular formula. Its IUPAC name might look complex, but for those handling it every day, the real story lies in its structure—a tartaric acid backbone modified with two p-toluoyl groups. For customs and trade, its HS Code falls under 2918.19, putting it among carboxylic acids and their derivatives. The distinct arrangement affects not only how the powder behaves but also how well it suits specialty separations and synthesis tasks.
Di-P-Toluoyl-D-Tartaric Acid appears in several physical forms: white to off-white flakes, crystalline powder, sometimes as tiny pearls, rarely encountered as a liquid at room temperature. The density ties closely to its structure, sitting around 1.4 g/cm3. As crystals, it dissolves moderately well in organic solvents like acetone or ethanol, but resists simple mixing in water, which shapes the way chemists use it for resolution tasks. The molecular weight, calculated at around 386.35 g/mol, carries weight for dosing and process scale-up. The crystal nature points to meticulous synthetic control in manufacturing; a misstep here can throw off the intended chemical reactivity. In my experience, getting a consistent, manageable solid is key—clumps or dust signal quality problems that usually need to be fixed before moving to production.
This raw material offers chiral purity, highly sought after in optical resolution, pharmaceutical intermediates, and advanced materials. Di-P-Toluoyl-D-Tartaric Acid’s strong ability to form stable salts with amines comes from its specific architecture. Expect it to melt in the 160-170°C range, although impurities can shift that number. It resists oxidation under standard room light and air, but direct exposure to acids or bases breaks it down. Dry, cool storage preserves its characteristics; prolonged high heat or moisture changes both physical appearance and chemical power. Whether in solid flakes, fine powder, or near-transparent crystals, quality control always focuses on color, particle size, and absence of clumping. In scale, liter quantities of solution demand careful calculation because the specific gravity matters for formulation—overlook a decimal and the reaction can swing off mark.
Like many organic acids, Di-P-Toluoyl-D-Tartaric Acid requires care. It does not tick the box of major acute toxicity according to GHS categories, but inhaling fine powder or getting dust in the eyes brings irritation. On my bench, gloves and goggles come standard for handling, plus a good fume hood. Spills, if not swept up quickly, create slippery spots and waste raw material—dry broom and bag routine works best. Storage demands an airtight container away from incompatible chemicals like oxidizers or strong bases. I’ve also seen mishaps from ignoring humidity: small lumps form, leading to incomplete reactions. As per the SDS, disposal should follow local rules for organic acids, although its low harmfulness means it rarely counts as hazardous waste. For transportation, requirements generally call for UN packaging group III or similar, labeling for mild irritants, and recording the proper HS Code for border compliance.
Labs and factories use Di-P-Toluoyl-D-Tartaric Acid as a chiral resolving agent—its ability to separate racemic mixtures brings huge value when making enantiomerically pure drugs. In pharmaceuticals, even a small slip with impurity control translates into wasted batches that never reach the patient. When my team faced persistent yield problems, the answer traced back to incorrect density measurements on incoming lots; recalibrating equipment and demanding batch-specific COAs closed the gap. In advanced materials, its crystal-forming ability creates building blocks for further synthesis—a missed humidity check in the warehouse makes all the difference between flawless crystals and unusable sludge. To solve such problems, standard practice includes regular water content checks, on-site melting point tests, and scheduled supplier audits focusing on consistent flake or powder quality.
Beyond its place on the shelf, Di-P-Toluoyl-D-Tartaric Acid matters because it anchors critical steps throughout the fine chemical supply chain. Reliable, safe handling in my lab and across the industry ensures products leave the facility meeting regulatory expectations and customer trust. Whether you pick it up as a clear crystalline solid, dense powder, or specific solution, attention to physical property and handling determines project success. Sourcing from reputable suppliers, verifying batch data, and maintaining tight storage conditions keep this material at peak effectiveness. In an environment where a single misstep can derail weeks of work, diligence with raw materials makes all the difference.