Dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate stands out as a specialized crystalline compound in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Its full chemical name gets used in academic labs and commercial manufacturing due to precise chirality needs. The structure features two benzoyl groups connected to a tartaric acid skeleton, showing strong optical activity valuable for resolving certain racemic pharmaceuticals. The presence of one molecule of water (monohydrate) in every molecule of the compound influences physical properties and must factor into calculations during lab prep or scale-up. The material delivers reliable results in chiral chromatography and acts as a resolving agent, especially when separation between isomers underpins the value chain of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
Dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate typically appears as flaky white or colorless crystals, sometimes forming irregular powder or pearly granules depending on the crystallization process. Unlike substances with volatile aromatic groups, this raw material gives off almost no odor. Its molecular formula clocks in at C18H14O8•H2O, yielding a molecular weight of about 378.32 g/mol. The density generally sits near 1.5 g/cm³, varying slightly with particle compactness and water content. When running solubility studies in lab settings, results show the crystals dissolve well in warm ethanol, behave moderately in water, and prove less soluble in nonpolar solvents. The substance remains stable under room temperature when stored in sealed containers, away from moisture, with slow degradation possible under direct light or high humidity.
Specialists usually require dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate in solid, coarse flake, or fine powder form. This varies depending on whether an application demands rapid solubility or slower dissolution. The consistency stems from the needle-like molecular arrangement, visible under a microscope, where intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the monohydrate play a significant role in lattice stability. The atomic connectivity keeps the two aromatic rings and tartaric backbone rigid, giving the compound its chirality—the “L” in the name refers to the levo (left-handed) isomer, crucial for enantiomeric separation processes. In custom processes, customers often request detailed specs: loss on drying, assay for active ingredient, heavy metal content, chloride, sulfate, and specific rotation—all relevant for pharmaceutical and food-grade materials.
Dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate operates as a raw material in optical resolution for research, drug synthesis, and industrial food ingredients. Many chemists depend on its ability to discriminate between left- and right-handed forms of target molecules. The compound takes on extra importance where regulatory agencies emphasize the safety and purity of resolved drugs. In life sciences, this chemical helps shape the next generation of chiral catalysts, amino acids, and nutritional supplements. Factories use bulk material as powder, solid pearls, crystal, and rarely as a concentrated solution. Sometimes the market requests material in liquid composite blends, though the compound retains better integrity as a solid.
Dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate remains relatively safe for trained chemists, but like all chemical raw materials, it requires respect. Dust inhalation should be avoided, and skin contact kept minimal, especially in settings with prolonged exposure. Safety data confirms a low toxicity profile under standard handling, though eyes and respiratory tract can show irritation if large amounts disperse in the air. Proper lab practice calls for gloves, goggles, and prompt cleanup of spills with water rather than organic solvents, due to partial water solubility. No evidence of systemic harmful effects appears in published journals, but rare cases of allergic sensitivity have surfaced. Disposal protocols direct waste to hazardous chemical streams rather than regular trash collection, protecting waterways and workers downstream.
International shipping and customs clearance for dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate rely on the HS Code 2918.19.9990, grouped with other tartaric acid derivatives. Buyers and importers check this identification against local regulations—especially important for food, drug, or lab-grade supplies—when clearing batches through ports. Product spec sheets document batch origin, assay percentage, lot number, and expiry, all matching up with GLP or GMP standards set by end-user industries. Some commercial sources produce the compound exclusively from natural starting materials, mainly for kosher or halal markets, demanding extra documentation and cross-verification by third-party auditors.
Using dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid monohydrate isn’t only about grabbing a white powder off the shelf. The properties—density, crystalline form, moisture level—affect everything from reaction efficiency to product cost and purity of the final pharmaceuticals. Chemists who ignore fine details end up battling failed separations or off-spec drugs. Since raw material prices depend on purity and specs, buyers must demand clear data sheets and certificates of analysis from producers. Labs working under tight timelines can’t afford contaminated or mischaracterized material, so transparency and testing matter at every step. A little extra care up front can keep the whole operation compliant, safe, and reliable for everyone—from industrial chemists down to the end consumer who needs the purest possible ingredients for their medication.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
