Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate shows up in laboratories and factories because its structure and properties open doors in synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical production. Carrying the molecular formula C8H14O6 and a molar mass of 206.19 g/mol, it takes shape as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes seen as a solid if stored cold enough. Many recall the unmistakable sweet, fruity scent when working with this ester, a feature that sets apart its presence on the bench or production floor. Its specific rotation, firmly positive, gives it the “L-(+)-” label and confirms its chirality, relevant for enantioselective synthesis. Born of tartaric acid and ethanol, Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate stands as an ester with applications far beyond simple laboratory curiosities.
Touching a vial or bottle of Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate, there’s a distinct, slightly oily texture that clings to gloves. Its density hovers around 1.204 g/cm3 at 20°C. Unlike powders or flakes commonly seen among industrial chemicals, this compound comes as a clear to faintly colored liquid, which pours with ease. Water does not dissolve it well, but find mixing possible in ethanol, ether, and many organic solvents. Laboratories often test its refractive index, typically in the range of 1.431–1.436 at 20°C, and its boiling point at reduced pressure lies around 140°C (15 mmHg), which plays out in distillations for purification. Crystal forms can appear at very low temperatures or after long storage, but most practical applications rely on the liquid state for handling and dosing.
The molecule contains two ethyl ester groups connected to the tartrate backbone. Each carbon in the tartaric acid core holds an -OH group or an ester linkage, and its stereochemistry matters a great deal. Chemists look to the L-(+)-form for its optical purity, a key point in asymmetrical synthesis, especially when building pharmaceuticals that depend on handedness for their activity. The specific structure grants its power in resolving agents and as an intermediate. Anyone who has spent time separating racemates in the lab knows the dependence on such chiral auxiliaries to push reactions in the right direction.
In my years spent developing pharmaceutical intermediates, Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate featured prominently across several stages of synthesis. Its role as a chiral building block, especially in asymmetric epoxidation (the Sharpless epoxidation comes to mind), puts it front and center. This reaction, awarded with a Nobel Prize, wouldn’t have unfolded on an industrial scale without a consistent supply of enantiopure tartrate esters. Beyond pharma, it enters the world of flavors, fragrances, resins, and specialty polymers. The sweet, slightly fruity aroma—reminiscent of ripe fruit—hints at its use in flavor compositions. As a raw material, the compound’s relative nontoxicity and biodegradability hold appeal compared to petroleum-derived chemicals.
Processors, traders, and end-users track Sourcing and handling through common identifiers: the HS (Harmonized System) Code usually falls under 2918.19, although users always double-check classifications depending on the local import requirements. Typical purity standards touch 98–99% (GC or HPLC), with moisture content, color, acidity, and residual solvents all but guaranteed to remain within tight specification. Packing usually involves metal or HDPE containers, ranging from liter bottles in labs to drums for bulk industry, each marked for safe transport. Crystals must be protected from moisture, yet the liquid state avoids most hazards of dusting or accidental inhalation, which can plague powdered or flaked goods.
Safety data bring up experience from handling esters and alcohol derivatives: Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate generally shows low acute toxicity under typical exposure, though it can irritate eyes and skin. Spills produce a slippery mess—quick cleanup ensures workplace safety. Storage calls for cool, ventilated spaces away from acids, bases, strong oxidizers, and moisture, as these cause hydrolysis or unwanted side reactions that degrade product quality. It’s not classified as a hazardous air pollutant, but sensible care, gloves, and eye protection all matter. In solid or pearl form (sometimes produced for specialized uses), inhalation remains a non-issue, but ingestion or prolonged contact should always be avoided. SDS sheets guide these practices, and anyone training new staff quickly drills safe-handling routines.
Examining tartrate esters as a class, it becomes clear they come from renewable sources: grapes, wine by-products, and fermentation. Their use in green chemistry has gained appreciation. Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate biodegrades under most conditions, so its environmental persistence compares favorably with halogenated solvents or persistent industrial chemicals. While large-scale production generates some solvent waste, companies recycling process streams stand out. From an industrial ecology perspective, closing the loop on raw material cycles—recovering tartrates from food sector waste, purifying, and converting into value-added chemicals—can reduce footprints.
Supply price swings periodically affect planning, since key starting materials depend on agricultural yield. Chemists and procurement officers adapt by building robust supply networks and monitoring raw material volatility. Regulatory agencies occasionally raise the bar on purity for pharma end-uses, making advanced purification (distillation, crystallization, or chromatography) a must. Smarter catalysts, continuous flow processes, and biocatalytic upgrades have drawn interest among practitioners, pointing toward safer, less wasteful, and more energy-efficient routes. In my experience, integrating safer process windows (lower temperatures, closed systems) improves worker safety and product consistency. For smaller users or researchers, sourcing from verified suppliers with traceable documentation can bridge gaps in safety, quality, and compliance.
Chemical Name: Diethyl L-(+)-Tartrate
Molecular Formula: C8H14O6
Molecular Weight: 206.19 g/mol
CAS Number: 87-91-2
HS Code: 2918.19
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid (sometimes crystals at low temperature)
Density: ~1.204 g/cm3 at 20°C
Boiling Point: ~140°C (15 mmHg)
Refractive Index: 1.431–1.436 (20°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether
Chirality: L-(+)-Enantiomer, Optical rotation +8.5° to +9.5° (20°C, neat)
Packaging: Sealed metal, HDPE, or glass drums and bottles, moisture tight
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