Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate is best seen as a tailored organic compound used across fine chemical synthesis and specialized laboratory work. Often, this compound acts as a resolving agent due to its distinctive chiral structure. It lets chemists separate enantiomers in pharmaceutical research, a task that can decide the purity and impact of active drug ingredients. The compound’s value comes from the absolute specificity of its molecular shape, which traces to its L-tartaric acid backbone adorned with two p-toluoyl groups and a single water molecule of hydration. All these characteristics play a role in its selectivity and functionality in chiral applications.
The molecular formula of Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate is C20H18O9•H2O, and the molecular weight tallies up to about 404.38 g/mol. The molecule displays an intricate arrangement of aromatic rings from the toluoyl groups and the hydroxylated tartaric acid skeleton. The relative density falls around 1.40 g/cm³, reflecting tight packing in its crystalline structure. This density supports its behavior in suspension and solution and can influence separation processes in industrial setups. The crystalline solid usually presents as flaky to granular powder, sometimes forming larger, pearly lumps under controlled growth. The color shows up as white to off-white—important for visual purity grading—though subtle yellowish tinges may appear if manufacturing or storage veers off standard.
Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate shows up in the lab as a solid: it can come as fine powder, flakes, or granular crystal clusters. This diverse configuration means it can be weighed precisely and dissolved into liquids for various concentrations, knowing it will act reliably in those mixes. Many standard shipments show the material vacuum-sealed in moisture-resistant containers to protect the single water molecule joined in its structure—this hydration state locks in several key properties and ensures it remains intact through transport and storage. The material usually resists rapid melting, with decomposition not far above typical laboratory temperatures, so open flames and high heat don’t mesh well with safe work. This empirical handling knowledge, gathered from day-to-day lab practice, keeps costly spillages at bay and preserves the chiral purity everyone’s after.
For supply or regulatory purposes, the HS Code classifies Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate under 2918.19, flagging it as a carboxylic acid derivative. This designation matters for trade compliance and international movement, as the product often gets shipped in bulk to research and pharmaceutical sites around the world. Purity grades hit 99% or better, because even a fractional deviation can skew enantiomeric resolution downstream. Industry standards mention specific melting point range—usually 166-172°C—so users can confirm the identity and quality on arrival. Solubility favors organic solvents like methanol or acetone, with only modest behavior in plain water due to bulky aromatic substituents, a detail that shapes practical mixing choices during lab prep.
Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate doesn’t drive most chemical hazards in typical research settings and lacks acute toxicity in the tiny amounts handled for most applications. Respiratory irritation and mild skin reactions can crop up if powders escape proper containment, echoing familiar risks found with similar organics. Longer exposure, especially if personal protection lapses, could prompt headaches or eye discomfort, so steady use of gloves and goggles forms the real shield. The monohydrate remains chemically stable under ambient lighting and low humidity, yet containers that trap condensation (and thus more water) may degrade sample consistency. Waste is usually tagged non-hazardous, though abiding by local guidelines avoids fuss with downstream waste handlers. Sturdy labeling, tidy workspace discipline, and a heads-up to cleanup teams secure day-to-day lab safety.
Raw materials for Di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate center on L-tartaric acid and p-toluoyl chloride, both well-known commodities in the chemical trade. These reagents draw on an established industrial flow, bolstered by consistent quality traces and audit pathways. The product’s layered structure—an organic acid with twin aromatic bodies—delivers selectivity for pharmaceutical resolution projects. The role in chiral separation stands out in drug design, impacting medications for everything from simple anti-inflammatories to new-generation antivirals. Researchers who rely on this compound might check every batch for retained moisture through Karl Fischer titration or by continuous crystallization metrics, reflecting a learned respect for the subtle ways a reagent can shift project results.
Every granular property—density, melting point, solubility, solid form—feeds straight into questions of lab logistics and industrial efficiency. The compound’s density calls for precise calibration in automated dispensers. Its melting point signals upper temperature limits before structural breakdown. Solubility drives choices on which solvent to pick for clean dissolutions, steering clear of undetected residues. The crystal habit impacts everything from storage volume to filter selection, all building on lived experience from lab workers and process chemists alike. Hazard profiles, painstakingly documented from years of regulatory oversight and bench-level incidents, let managers build robust safety plans and keep compliance audits short. Having worked through these checks on a daily basis, it’s plain that detailed technical insight saves time, reduces rework, and ultimately raises the standard of scientific outcomes.