Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate stands out as a fine raw material in both research labs and production floors. Chemists know this as a chiral diester of tartaric acid, and it carries real meaning for anyone needing precise stereochemical outcomes in synthesis. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid under normal conditions. Across global trade, the official HS Code that covers this compound is 29181300. Importers and exporters use this for legal compliance and paperwork—without it, bottlenecks surface, especially for firms looking for speedy customs clearance.
Speak to any materials scientist, and the physical state of Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate comes up early. You feel its slightly oily touch if you spill it; it isn’t sticky like syrups or crystalline like table sugar. Its molecular formula, C8H14O6, builds on eight carbons linked through ester bonds, showing off D-(-)-configuration. That bit shapes its optical rotation and matters in chiral chemistry. I have worked with this compound in synthesis projects, and the density hovers around 1.23 g/cm3 at room temperature—a detail people sometimes overlook but is crucial for accurate batch measurements. Many find it surprising how stable it stays under regular storage, turning only slowly in open air, and not changing form to solid, crystals, flakes, powder, pearls, or any other exotic states you’d imagine with some specialty chemicals. What you see is a clear or lightly tinted liquid.
Dig into its structure, and you spot two ethyl ester groups born from tartaric acid. The D-(-) stereochemistry sets it apart from its mirror-image relative, L-(+)-diethyl tartrate. This deceptively small twist shapes its use as more than a building block: it becomes vital in the hands of specialists making enantiomerically pure products. I’ve watched colleagues argue over the significance of chirality, but here it’s not just academic; it affects activity in pharmaceuticals, so every researcher double-checks the label.
Material suppliers sell Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate almost always in liquid form, litres at a time, usually inside sealed amber bottles or drums for stability. As for powder, flakes, or crystals, you won’t run into those forms in standard shipments unless something went wrong during storage. I’ve opened shipments from overseas and checked appearance before signing off: clear, free-flowing, and without residue on the inside of the bottle signals a good batch. I often measure it out for Grignard or Sharpless epoxidation reactions in the lab, where clean, non-contaminated liquid is essential.
Looking at the chemical nature, Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate acts as a diester with moderate reactivity. Its two ester moieties don’t hydrolyze too quickly in neutral water, but under harsh acid or base, breakdown starts. Mixing with strong reducing agents or concentrated mineral acids brings no big surprises, yet fire safety measures apply—as with any organic ester. In industrial chemistry, you find it used for preparing asymmetric catalysts, chiral auxiliaries, and fine intermediates in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. In my own work making chiral ligands, the difference between the D- and L- configuration showed up right away in yield and purity.
Working with Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate does call for some care, though risks stay modest. It’s not as hazardous as acids or bases, but inhaling vapors or letting it touch your skin too long can cause irritation. Gloves and goggles, standard in any lab or workshop, prevent the typical risks. On rare occasions—say, in bulk spills—a well-trained team handles it with absorbent pads and ventilation, sending waste for proper chemical disposal. I always recommend storage in cool, dry spaces, well away from incompatible chemicals. While not classified as especially harmful, any chemical can harm water sources and soil in significant quantities. Responsible disposal practices go a long way toward minimizing these problems.
Globalization means that Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate travels far, from production facilities to end users in many countries. The HS Code 29181300 links each batch to proper customs classification, making sure regulations on hazardous or restricted materials get followed along the trade route. Exporters often provide a certificate of analysis and safety certifications, not only to keep regulatory authorities satisfied but to assure every buyer of the product’s identity and quality. I’ve heard from purchasing managers that clear labeling and compliance paperwork makes all the difference in receiving unimpeded shipments—it keeps projects on schedule and avoids fines or shipment rejection.
Raw materials like Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate show that even familiar chemicals bring challenges. Sourcing consistent material means not relying on just one supplier. I have seen prices fluctuate drastically due to demand spikes or supply chain interruptions. A trusted vendor, solid specifications, and ongoing quality checks become the backbone for reliable operations. Some companies invest in staff training—not just standard chemical handling, but product-specific protocols—so that mixing errors or cross-contamination get stopped early. Strong supplier vetting, regular audits, and transparent documentation help offset these risks and support workplace safety and best practices.
Diethyl D-(-)-Tartrate links into a broader network of global chemistry and manufacturing. From molecular structure to real-world handling, it shows how technical detail and hands-on experience work together. This material’s clear properties, legal classification, and practical demands highlight why attention to safety, sourcing, and product knowledge matter—none of it stays academic when people, projects, and supply chains depend on consistent quality.
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