Diisopropyl tartrate stands as an important chemical compound used widely across several industries. Many chemists and manufacturers turn to this material during the production of fine chemicals, especially in asymmetric synthesis and as a chiral ligand in Sharpless epoxidation. The substance appears most often as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. It stands out from similar compounds due to its moderate viscosity and mild, somewhat sweet odor. Its molecular formula, C10H18O6, hints at two isopropyl groups bonded to tartrate, creating specific steric and electronic properties that drive its utility. While some prefer flakes or solid forms for easier handling, diisopropyl tartrate typically comes as a liquid, sometimes stored in drums or bottles, and on rare occasions as small pearls or crystalline chunks for laboratory use.
Often measured for both safety and process accuracy, diisopropyl tartrate has a density of about 1.09 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature. Specific gravity closely matches this figure, reflecting the material’s behavior alongside water and similar organic chemicals. In my work, I found the boiling point approaching 265°C, while its melting point drops below freezing—making it easy to store as a liquid under normal laboratory conditions. The compound dissolves well in most organic solvents, including ether, methanol, and dichloromethane, but resists dissolving in water. Its refractive index stays in a narrow window, offering reliable identification for chemists needing to verify purity. With a moderate vapor pressure and low volatility at ambient temperatures, handling requires standard chemical safety but rarely calls for extreme precautions such as refrigeration. Still, keeping it out of direct sunlight and well-sealed always made sense to avoid light or air-induced changes in quality.
Chemically, diisopropyl tartrate features a tartrate backbone, common among the tartaric acid derivatives heavily used in stereoselective chemistry. The presence of two isopropyl ester groups creates a defined chiral center, which forms the basis for its importance in asymmetric catalysis. Structured at the molecular level, every atom aligns to give the compound rigid optical activity. I’ve seen this first-hand, watching how a simple shift in configuration changes results during an enantioselective epoxidation, reminding everyone in the lab that its structure isn’t just a detail—it drives the outcome in pharmaceutical synthesis, where purity and yield depend on the right starting material. These two isopropyl groups give it bulk and shape, necessary for tight control over chemical reactions involving chiral molecules.
Color and clarity matter in both laboratory and industrial settings, so manufacturers strive to offer diisopropyl tartrate as a clear to yellowish fluid, with specks or cloudiness signaling possible contamination. Standard lots often ship at over 98% purity by gas chromatography, although the industry sometimes requires trace-level verification for color, specific gravity, and water content. Packing and bottling usually occur in sizes ranging from 1 liter up to bulk containers holding several hundred liters. Each batch is tracked with certificates confirming molecular weight, purity, and analytical readings to keep customers informed. For those converting from one form to another—say, from a dense liquid to a crystalline powder—cost and process convenience drive the choice, but most users rely on the liquid due to straightforward measuring and mixing.
With the growth of international chemical trade, knowing the correct HS (Harmonized System) Code proves crucial. Diisopropyl tartrate typically ships under the code 2918.16.00, consistent with other esters of tartaric acid. This coding helps with customs clearance, tax application, and transportation paperwork. I recall an instance where the wrong code delayed a shipment for weeks, leading to costly downtime in a pilot plant. Getting this detail right up front saves hours of effort and speeds up supply chain operations. Regulations in many countries require detailed safety data sheets, full disclosure of hazard statements, and often special labeling based on the region of use.
Manufacturers reach for diisopropyl tartrate mainly during the synthesis of enantiomerically pure products and advanced chiral drugs. Its roots trace back to raw tartaric acid refined from grapes or byproducts of wine making, later esterified with isopropanol to create the finished chemical. This supply chain relies on clean, food-grade tartaric acid and high-purity alcohols. Standards for trace metals, residual solvents, and organic impurities have grown stricter, reflecting rising expectations from fine chemical producers. Safety in handling compares to other organic esters—avoiding direct inhalation, keeping ventilation strong, and wearing gloves and eye protection reduces risks of irritation or accidental contact. Compared to many epoxidation catalysts—especially heavy metals—diisopropyl tartrate ranks lower in acute toxicity, but still deserves careful use, especially in large-scale industrial environments. Most hazards relate to its flammability and potential for mild allergic reactions, not to mention routine chemical hygiene.
Depending on the use, diisopropyl tartrate appears as free-flowing liquid in production settings, or precision-weighed powder and crystals for smaller laboratory runs. I’ve watched research chemists gravitate toward solid or crystal forms for weighing ease and reduced spill risks. Technicians in plant settings value the liquid’s fast blending and measured pumping during continuous processes. Whatever the format, quality assurance programs test for consistency batch to batch, and customers rely on clear documentation of physical state, viscosity, and purity to set up their own systems. Major distributors and chemical suppliers coordinate with regulatory bodies to ship only approved, labeled, and certified material, whether it’s packaged as pearls, flakes, or in custom solutions specified by industrial users.
Storing diisopropyl tartrate safely means using well-ventilated, cool spaces and avoiding open flames, since even moderately flammable liquids pose risks if mishandled. Regular checks for container integrity, including seals and closures, help prevent leaks or exposure. Any spillage calls for quick clean-up with non-reactive absorbents to prevent slips or spread. Disposal remains straightforward when following local hazardous waste rules—neutralization and incineration are standard measures. Newer research looks to improve stability and purity, especially as pharmaceutical synthesis demands keep growing. Some labs explore alternate esterifications to tweak properties or reduce cost, although traditional isopropyl ester continues to set the gold standard for many procedures. Bringing these standards into focus builds confidence among buyers and users, while layering transparency and rigorous documentation into every supply chain step.
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