Dihydroxytartaric acid disodium salt dihydrate, often classified under HS Code 2918.15, represents a specialty chemical material valued in various industries that require reliable complexation and buffering agents. Describing the full scope of this compound, it features a unique double sodium salt structure attached to the backbone of dihydroxytartaric acid, bringing both water solubility and dependable reactivity. Its molecular formula stands as C4H4Na2O8·2H2O, marking the presence of two sodium cations and two molecules of crystalline water in every unit, which directly influences its handling, storage, and practical performance in both laboratory and industrial environments.
Looking at this compound up close, practitioners encounter a solid that may appear in various attractive forms—ranging from clear white flakes to fine powders, semi-translucent pearls, and occasionally in larger crystal shapes. Each of these forms displays a slightly different bulk density: powdered batches settle closer to 1.90 g/cm³, while denser pearls and crystalline forms may exhibit a touch higher value. Water absorption plays an important role, given the dihydrate designation, leading to minor clumping under humid conditions. For those handling bulk material in sacks or buckets, a dense, free-flowing powder is preferred to guarantee precise weighing and easy dissolution in water, where it forms a stable, clear solution across a wide concentration range. That kind of versatility suits formulators and blenders whose processes depend on predictable mixing and solubility profiles.
A quick look at its structural chemistry reveals four carboxyl groups—each paired with an adjacent hydroxyl group—defining the compound’s reactivity, especially regarding chelation. This structure pulls in metal ions from solution, creating strong ionic bonds—essential for applications in water softening, electroplating, and biochemical analysis. The material remains chemically stable under typical storage, only slowly degrading at elevated temperatures above 130°C, where dehydration occurs. Its pH in solution trends slightly basic due to the sodium content, making it less corrosive than free acid forms. For those who monitor safety and environmental impact, the sodium salt hydrating step provides improved shelf-life and decreases dusting during transfer, reducing inhalation risk for workers—a real-world concern in busy production workshops.
Common product specifications call for a purity exceeding 98% (by HPLC or titrimetric assay), minimal sodium chloride residues, and tight control over water content to match the required dihydrate form. Users find that material supplied as bright white powder or crystalline flakes translates into long shelf-life, while slurries or old stock, yellowed or moist, may signal compromised purity. Mildly hygroscopic, it benefits from dry, cool, airtight conditions, with most handlers selecting double-lined containers for transport. Safety data sheets rank the product as low-to-moderate hazard—non-flammable, but mild on eyes and skin due to its slightly alkaline nature in water. Accidental spills seldom pose major hazards beyond slip risk with powders or mild throat irritations from airborne dust. Nevertheless, chemical hygiene—gloves, goggles, dust masks—remains best practice, especially when handling raw 25-kg bags or multiple tubs in tight spaces.
Among chemical raw materials, dihydroxytartaric acid disodium salt dihydrate fills a gap where safer, biodegradable chelating performance is sought. I’ve seen it replace harsher phosphates in specialty cleaners and as a “greener” alternative in textile dye processing—something textile engineers appreciate for its reduced wastewater impact. In lab settings, its predictable reactivity with transition metals saves time for chemists managing trace impurity analysis. The handling perks don’t stop at usage; its crystalline form means less spillage, easier portioning, and much clearer instruction sets for logistics staff tasked with routine stock management. For warehouses and plants, sticking with stable formats—pearls or larger flakes—means less dust, fewer respiratory risks, and a cleaner workspace overall. Reducing the potential for chemical residues on hands or counters increases confidence in process safety, especially where food or pharma grades are in the mix.
On the molecular end, the dual sodium and dihydrate configuration creates a tighter lattice than many similar tartaric compounds. The denser packing provides a reliable, measurable solution density that assists quality control technicians in verifying stock with refractometry or densitometry—a practical step for anyone checking raw material integrity at scale. Solubility remains high, exceeding 50 g/L at room temperature, which speeds batch prep for those measuring by the liter or by mass. Customers working on process R&D often track both solid-state and solution-phase behavior, adjusting cooling rates and agitation to optimize crystal recovery or dissolving time. For powdered applications, fine mesh options flow well enough for direct use in large volumetric feeders, giving technical teams flexibility in formulation across a broad concentration window.
Whether ordered as powder, pearls, or crystals, dihydroxytartaric acid disodium salt dihydrate serves teams seeking safe, high-quality raw materials with verifiable chemical identity, strong environmental profiles, and predictable performance. By sticking to quality packaging, closely managed inventories, and regular safety training, handlers keep chemical exposure low and material cost per batch on target. Manufacturers offering full traceability, coupled with technical documentation addressing density, solubility, and hazardous properties, drive both safe sourcing and practical, efficient production environments.
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