(-)-Di-p-toluoyl-(L)-tartaric acid monohydrate anhydrous takes its place among the most respected chiral resolving agents used in organic chemistry and pharmaceutical production. The compound appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid and, in my own hands, has always handled much like most tartaric acid derivatives—expect a dense texture with a tendency to form modest flakes or loosely packed crystalline powder. You’ll notice a faint, distinct odor reminiscent of aromatic toluene derivatives. As a reagent, it plays a crucial role in the separation of enantiomers, which affects everything from medication efficacy to quality control.
This compound’s molecular formula reads: C20H18O8·H2O, with a molar mass hovering around 404.39 g/mol. Under good laboratory lighting, you’ll see clear or slightly opaque crystals, often breaking into solid flakes under gentle pressure. Density measures close to 1.38 g/cm³, with melting points typically ranging between 162°C and 166°C if anhydrous. Dissolution proceeds easily in common organic solvents; methanol and ethanol offer strong compatibility, though water solubility can stand a bit on the modest side. As monohydrate, moisture content enters at around 4-5%, so storage conditions matter for integrity—leave it open, and hygroscopic pickup will shift performance, especially in precision-sensitive lab work.
Working with (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-(L)-tartaric acid monohydrate anhydrous, you’re handling an organic acid with marked chiral centers, each locked into a specific spatial configuration. Chemically, it brings together tartaric acid’s backbone with p-toluoyl phenyl groups, amplifying hydrophobicity and adding aromatic stability. These qualities make it trusted as a resolving agent, splitting racemic bases into their optical isomers. I’ve watched the resolution of amines become dramatically more selective using this compound, saving both time and solvent—translating into less waste and sharper analysis.
This chemical arrives in several forms: dense flakes, powder with a soft, compressible quality, and sometimes as glistening pearls if produced under strict crystallization. As a solid, it spills easily from scoops; as a solution, it stays clear and colorless, so easy to handle and measure. I’ve rarely needed to deal with the liquid form for storage—solid state dominates laboratory use, kept tightly capped and away from heat or extensive sunlight to avoid degradation. In practical handling, this means using gloves and standard lab safety—dust inhalation or accidental eye contact presents real irritation risks, so a hood and goggles sound like a good plan.
Raw material sourcing for (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-(L)-tartaric acid monohydrate anhydrous depends on reliable suppliers familiar with chiral synthesis and purification, and the product often carries an HS Code of 2918.19, sitting with “carboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their derivatives.” High purity runs essential for pharmaceutical applications; you see specifications calling for ≥99% purity, minimal heavy metals, and single-digit moisture content. Quality control checks—melting range, optical rotation (specific rotation should land at approximately –144° in methanol, under standardized conditions)—all ensure safe, reliable outcomes.
Working with (-)-Di-p-toluoyl-(L)-tartaric acid monohydrate anhydrous in my experience brings low acute toxicity but can provoke irritation if mishandled. Like most aromatic organic acids, there’s concern about skin, eye, and respiratory tract exposure; take regular precautions, use fume hoods, and handle spills swiftly with proper absorbents, not just paper towels. Waste product finds its way into designated organic bins and should never be flushed. Chemically, it doesn’t present high reactivity outside strong oxidizing agents, but proper labeling and dry, cool storage keep both team and material safer. Long-term, responsible suppliers provide safety documentation and ongoing compliance with local GHS labeling. Environmental runoff matters, especially for research labs close to natural waterways—contain everything, dispose under regulation.
Many in research run into the problem of inconsistent solubility and purity variation between production batches. Routine melting point checks, regular updates of safety data sheets, and supplier audits help keep surprises to a minimum. Bulk users—like those in pharmaceutical manufacturing—benefit from close collaboration with producers, tweaking crystal size and moisture content to suit specific process needs. Labs focused on green chemistry sometimes seek alternatives due to aromatic and water-shedding groups; improvements in synthetic route efficiency, or alternative resolving agents with lower environmental impact, form a part of chemists' ongoing conversations. In my experience, transparency between engineers, analysts, and procurement marks the real road to smooth, safe, and reliable use—mistakes or shortcuts only raise risk.
(-)-Di-p-toluoyl-(L)-tartaric acid monohydrate anhydrous exists because finely tuned molecular interactions shape some of the most meaningful products in health and science. Safe handling, responsible sourcing, and careful awareness around hazards mean solid results and peace of mind for any lab or manufacturer. Treating this material with respect brings the best reward—precision, scale, and breakthroughs that carry real value into the world.
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