(+)-Dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, anhydrous, stands out as a well-known chiral resolving agent across industrial and laboratory settings. This organic compound appears as a fine white or off-white solid, sometimes taking on a crystalline or powdery form that draws immediate attention for its unmistakable structure and clarity. Its origins trace back to dibenzoylation of D-tartaric acid, leading to a molecule prized among chemists for its strong optical activity and stable shelf-life when kept away from moisture. For professionals working on enantiomeric separation or those dealing with stereochemistry, its role feels fundamental; every batch tells a story of precision and scientific rigor.
(+)-Dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, anhydrous, delivers a unique combination of solid-state characteristics. Its molecular formula, C18H14O7, showcases a relatively high molecular weight of about 342.30 g/mol, providing essential bulk for chemical manipulations. In practical applications, it tends to manifest as fluffy crystalline flakes or a distinctive powder, with some suppliers offering it in pearls, all favoring laboratory safety and ease of weighing. No strong odor accompanies this chemical, lowering risks for those sensitive to smells. Its melting point, usually noted between 195–200°C, holds up well during most processing steps, limiting unwanted degradation or loss. Solubility leans toward organic solvents, such as ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate, yet water solubility is quite low, which can sometimes force strategic solvent choices during formulation. Density ranges near 1.40 g/cm3, offering a satisfying heft but remaining workable for storage in liter-sized containers or large plastic bottles. For those who expect uniform crystal growth or granular consistency under storage, its anhydrous form reduces the chance of clumping—a hassle experienced too many times in the lab.
On the molecular level, (+)-dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid carries two benzoyl groups, each bonded to the chiral tartaric acid core. This design encourages strong enantiomeric interactions, and for those who know what it’s like to struggle with racemic mixtures, the compound’s selective formation of diastereomeric salts with basic amines is a gift. Each crystal harvested for chiral resolution represents a reliable path toward optical purity—a concept that shapes everything from pharmaceutical design to advanced material synthesis. The geometric layout and number of stereocenters foster flexibility in applications, and the structure resists breakdown during careful handling. All these points become crucial when teaching others about stereoselective processes or pushing for scalable production in an industry setting.
Those ordering for industrial or research needs often seek out precise documentation on specifications. Common criteria include an assay over 98%—sometimes reaching 99%—with strict controls on residual solvents, heavy metals, and moisture (usually less than 0.5%). Large suppliers provide detailed certificates of analysis and safety datasheets, helping buyers verify exact content through spectral data like NMR or IR. The product aligns under Harmonized System (HS) Code 2918.13 for dibenzoylated tartaric acids, facilitating hassle-free import and export. These standards not only reduce risks tied to unknown impurities but offer clear procedures when encountering auditing or regulatory checks, something every purchasing manager appreciates after facing non-compliant deliveries.
Working with this chemical gets smoother when people respect its behavior as a pure organic acid. The anhydrous nature matters—humidity can trigger clumping and minor hydrolysis, so sealing in airtight glass or plastic containers, stored in a cool, dry place, becomes a rule, not a suggestion. Its solid state results in straightforward weighing and mixing, and anyone with a background in chemical inventory recognizes the peace of mind credited to substances that keep well over time. Spillages rarely cause acute hazards, yet contact with skin or inhaling fine dust demands basic good practice—safety glasses, gloves, dust masks. The acid’s reactive benzoyl groups mean it does not suit open bench chemistry without exhaust ventilation, and while it shuns strong oxidizers or bases, routine protocols keep risks manageable.
For those involved in raw material sourcing, knowing the safety profile of (+)-dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, anhydrous, feels indispensable. Classified as mildly hazardous, the compound may provoke irritation to skin, eyes, or the respiratory tract with direct contact or inhalation of dust, making personal protection essential. Accidental ingestion calls for rapid medical attention, but acute toxicity remains low compared to many more aggressive synthetic chemicals. No listed carcinogenicity or mutagenicity exists under OSHA or GHS standards, so routine handling aligns with standard chemical laboratory safety measures. Emergency guidelines stress cleaning up spills using damp absorbent materials and prompt disposal via chemical waste streams, instructions easily applied by trained laboratory personnel or chemical storage managers.
Chemists, pharmacists, and materials scientists have all come to rely on (+)-dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, anhydrous, for resolving racemic bases and ensuring the right chiral molecule makes it into the final active pharmaceutical ingredient or fine chemical. Success in this area carries downstream benefits—increased selectivity means purer products and less waste, which aligns well with sustainability goals. Whenever I managed sample preparation for analytical HPLC, pure chiral resolving agents like this one formed the backbone of separation protocols, allowing us to tease apart closely related compounds with confidence. Scalable production relies on the reproducibility only anhydrous, high-purity solids can give, helping avoid costly troubleshooting in upscaled synthesis runs, and reducing quality assurance headaches for teams responsible for large-volume outputs.
Problems with clumping or degradation under humid conditions routinely appear in inventory logs, yet these issues directly tie back to storage protocols. Adopting vacuum-sealed containers with desiccants, and situating storage units in low-humidity environments pays off through fewer re-order cycles and less thrown-away stock. Training staff to spot early signs of hydrolysis or contamination—yellowing, stickiness, unexpected odor—helps nip quality dips in the bud. Beyond ambient storage, tracking expiration dates, rotating older supplies forward, and investing in proper chemical cabinets with environmental controls can cut loss rates. Bulk buyers sometimes require custom packaging; negotiation with suppliers for double-layered bags or break-resistant bottles can translate to substantial savings across fiscal years, offering a practical fix from procurement to bench use.
(+)-Dibenzoyl-D-tartaric acid, anhydrous, often starts its journey from food-grade tartaric acid, extracted from natural sources like grapes. Using high-purity benzoic acid derivatives further safeguards the integrity of the finished product. Compliance with international shipping and storage regulations, including REACH certification in Europe and TSCA in the United States, becomes increasingly relevant as supply chains grow more global. Safety datasheets travel with each shipment, giving peace of mind for those responsible for on-site health and safety programs. The drive for raw materials transparency reflects a greater industry movement towards traceability and responsible sourcing, echoing across new supplier relationships and regulatory audits.
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