(-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid (Anhydrous) appears in solid form, most often as colorless to pale crystals or flaky powder. This compound carries the molecular formula C20H18O8 and a molecular weight of 386.35 g/mol. It belongs to a family of tartaric acid derivatives used widely for their stereoselective properties. The structural arrangement connects two p-toluoyl groups to the L-tartaric acid core, shaping both physical and chemical traits. Chemists use this compound as a resolving agent, especially for separating enantiomers in pharmaceuticals and research applications. People dealing with it usually know its flake, crystal, or powdered solid state, although hydrated forms exist in some supply chains. Its anhydrous nature increases shelf stability and improves consistency during application.
The density of (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid settles near 1.4 g/cm³. In ambient, dry storage, the material maintains stability as a crystalline powder or flakes. The melting point, which usually ranges from 148°C to 152°C, marks an important safety threshold for labs. Solubility varies depending on solvent; it dissolves in methanol, ethanol, and acetic acid, but barely interacts with water, which often helps during purification and crystallization. The product may form a pearly luster if processed slowly, but remains chemically stable under most normal handling conditions. Chemists working with this acid note its faint aromatic odor—a result of the p-toluoyl groups. Light and heat don't radically transform its structure unless exposed to highly reactive agents. Its anhydrous state prevents clumping, making weighing and mixing easier for precise use. Good practices keep moisture away as even a slight hydration may shift efficiency in chiral separations.
Looking at the three-dimensional structure, (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid features two benzene rings attached via ester bonds to the tartaric acid’s secondary alcohols. Each benzene ring holds a methyl group at the para position, giving this molecule both aromatic character and additional steric bulk. The molecule’s four oxygen atoms—two linked as carboxylic acids, two as esters—drive the compound’s roles in resolving racemic mixtures. This approach forms diastereomeric salts with alkaloids and bases, making physical separation possible for many critical pharmaceuticals. Structure grants this molecule unique chiral qualities, aligning with growing demands in the enantioselective synthesis sector.
Industries and laboratories interested in sourcing (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid (Anhydrous) will look for consistent purity, typically not less than 98%, to ensure proper function in chemical resolutions. Most suppliers list the HS (Harmonized System) Code as 2918.19.9990, reflecting classification under carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Handling the specifications requires tight quality control, as small impurities or hydration shift both the weight and resolution effectiveness. Bulk orders often come in sealed bags or jars, usually stored in cool, dry spaces to guard against unwanted hydrolysis or contamination. Analysts frequently confirm identity using melting range, nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental analysis before use.
(-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid in its anhydrous form does pose some risks. Inhalation or skin contact can cause mild to moderate irritation. Dust management becomes important due to fine particles. Proper personal protective equipment—lab coats, nitrile gloves, and safety goggles—minimizes these risks. Material safety data sheets note that it does not class as a severe hazardous or toxic chemical, but large spills should be avoided, and dust should not be inhaled. Environmental risk lies low since rapid degradation under most conditions prevents bioaccumulation, but disposal into general waste or drains contravenes most safety standards. With chemical compounds of this type, safe storage—sealed in original packaging, away from food or incompatible solvents—secures both product quality and worker safety.
The production of (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid draws on two principal raw materials: L-tartaric acid and p-toluic acid. Both undergo selective esterification, often under acidic catalysis and controlled temperatures. Its value as a raw material comes from high chiral purity, feeding directly into syntheses for optically active pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Resolution processes rely on its ability to form distinguishable salts, turning this ‘one step’ into a game-changer for alkaloid, base, and amine separation. The chemical industry prizes it because minor tweaks in material sourcing or process scale can meet batch or continuous production needs, essential for flexibility in modern synthetic chemistry.
Having spent years in chemical development and laboratory supply, I see the practical side of (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid every day. It anchors the workflow for chiral center validation in countless new drug candidates. Projects suffer delays with inconsistent batches or when suppliers cut corners on anhydrous handling. Quality teams routinely monitor for water content, ensuring the expected yield in resolution efforts. Scale-up from grams to kilograms sometimes uncovers purity or moisture issues; temperature-controlled rooms and vacuum sealing help solve these. Long-term supply agreements with respected producers give process chemists peace of mind so they can chase after better chiral selectivity, making small errors far less likely to disrupt clinical research. Labs that invest in proper training, storage, and validation equipment spend less time troubleshooting and more time turning ideas into solutions. Maintaining clear MSDS files and environmental protocols helps emerging suppliers enter global distribution channels without jeopardizing safety or sustainability.
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