Diisopropyl-L-tartrate draws attention across chemical and pharmaceutical fields because of its distinctive properties and proven usefulness. This organic compound, holding the molecular formula C10H18O6, remains a choice in both research and production settings. It contains two isopropyl ester groups attached to an L-tartaric acid backbone. The density hovers close to 1.1 g/cm³, placing it among lighter organic esters. Chemists spot Diisopropyl-L-tartrate by its pale, sometimes colorless appearance—commonly seen as a liquid, yet at lower temperatures, solid or crystalline forms can turn up. The material brings a mild, pleasant aroma and resists strong reactivity, making storage less complicated than with many other esters. While handling Diisopropyl-L-tartrate, professionals lean on careful measurement, recognizing both its benefits and associated risks on the lab bench or production floor.
The physical structure stands out: two chiral centers inherited from tartaric acid, ensuring enantiomeric purity in the L-form. Structural chemists appreciate how the isopropyl groups, attached via ester bonds, shield the core, delivering both bulkiness and hydrophobicity. In powder or pearl form, it gives off a glossy sheen, hinting at purity and preparation quality. Those who encounter flakes, crystals, or solutions find easy solubility in most organic solvents, such as ethanol and acetone. This solubility streamlines integration into synthesis steps, extraction, and purification tasks. Its molecular weight—234.25 g/mol—keeps calculations straightforward, which matters both in bench-scale and industrial applications. Technicians rely on standard specifications: purity runs high, often exceeding 98%, and the boiling point hovers around 270°C. While relatively nonvolatile, Diisopropyl-L-tartrate still deserves respect for its mild irritant potential, with good practice calling for gloves, goggles, and ventilation.
Manufacturers deliver Diisopropyl-L-tartrate in several forms. Liquid remains common, but solid flakes or crystalline forms also circulate, particularly where precise measurements are required. Laboratory suppliers sell it by the liter, gram, or kilogram, depending on the scale. Each batch ships with a safety data sheet, clarifying storage and handling rules. Raw material grades meet requirements for both chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical uses, with clear traceability and batch control. Buyers keep an eye on global supply trends, as interruptions in raw material supply can shift pricing fast. The HS Code—2918199090—governs international shipping and customs, so accurate documentation and labeling matter at every step. In daily use, Diisopropyl-L-tartrate provides a building block for asymmetric synthesis, especially for chiral catalysts or intermediates.
Those who rely on Diisopropyl-L-tartrate know its low water solubility means once a reaction's done, cleanup can require more than a basic rinse. Under most storage conditions, it resists hydrolysis, maintaining stability for months, though warmth and acids break it down more quickly. It's not actively hazardous, but it carries moderate risk if swallowed or absorbed through skin. Handling any esterified tartrate means staying alert for signs of irritation or allergic reaction. In production environments, safe chemical practice dominates: clear labeling, limited access, and containment keep risks manageable. As a chemical raw material, Diisopropyl-L-tartrate doesn't evolve toxic byproducts under standard use, yet strong oxidizers or high heat transform its profile rapidly—so fire control plans stay close at hand.
Diisopropyl-L-tartrate delivers measurable value in asymmetric chemical processes, most famously as a chiral ligand or an intermediate in the Sharpless epoxidation. Those seeking high optical purity or selectivity turn to it for reliable, reproducible results. In pharmaceutical research, enantiopure products shift the difference between success and costly setbacks, so every material poured or weighed bears a record and traceable origin. Its crystal forms help when stability or transport conditions matter—less risk of spills or evaporation compared to pure liquid. In teaching labs, its manageable hazard profile makes it a common example for illustrating stereochemistry, chiral resolution, and basic ester properties.
Supply chain snags or quality fluctuations challenge even seasoned buyers. Some producers recommend dual sourcing to blunt the risk of shortage or price spikes. Labs and production managers invest in secondary containment and monitoring systems, keeping material loss or exposure to a minimum. Product managers suggest tighter locking caps and small-quantity vials to help prevent both waste and inadvertent spills during repeated use. Where regulatory agencies require full transparency, digital batch tracking and rapid sharing of analytical data offer quick responses to audits or recall inquiries. From a chemical safety perspective, including clear hazard symbols and offering regular staff training stays necessary—even for widely used intermediates like Diisopropyl-L-tartrate. As environmental questions grow in importance, recovery processes for spent esters help reduce impact, and solvent recycling remains common in facilities with high throughput.
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