Dimethyl Tartrate comes from tartaric acid, created during an esterification process. This organic compound carries the molecular formula C6H10O6, and belongs in the family of tartrate esters. Chemists and manufacturers mostly recognize Dimethyl Tartrate for its use as a raw material in fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Its structure includes two methyl ester groups connected to the tartrate backbone, which brings about the characteristics valued in specific synthesis reactions. With a CAS number of 13138-45-9, its chemical identity connects directly to both laboratory and industrial pipelines.
Dimethyl Tartrate appears as a solid in its purest form. It breaks down into its granular particles, sometimes showing as flakes, powder, or pearl-like crystals, though specific grain size depends on the production method. Sitting at room temperature, this compound keeps a moderate density, around 1.4 g/cm³, which gives a clear sense of its mass for those weighing and preparing reaction mixtures in the lab. Melting occurs between 46 and 49 degrees Celsius. People working with the material often note it forms a clear, colorless to white solid, soluble in water, methanol, ethanol and other polar solvents.
The IUPAC name, Dimethyl 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate, reflects the core layout of this molecule. With a central tartaric acid skeleton, two methyl groups sit where the carboxylic acid hydrogens once resided. This gives Dimethyl Tartrate its distinct reactivity compared to other tartaric acid derivatives. The chemical structure, complete with four oxygen atoms set on the tartaric framework, means this ester bridges both biochemical and synthetic roles in various domains.
Industrial suppliers reference Dimethyl Tartrate under multiple specifications. Purity levels commonly reach 98% or higher, and moisture content remains strictly controlled to guarantee performance. The compound falls under Harmonized System (HS) Code 2918.16. This number places it alongside other carboxylic acid esters, making it useful for trade and customs classifications. Packaging comes based on customer demands, typically in sealed drums or high-density bags, protecting the material from excess air and moisture.
Water solubility sits high for Dimethyl Tartrate, with the compound easily dissolving in moderate temperatures for use in both liquid and solid applications. In the lab, it enters as a building block where mild acidity and two free hydroxyl groups open the door to further reactions. Chemical engineers rely on it to create chiral ligands, intermediates for drug synthesis, and in the world of flavors or fragrances. In the cosmetics field, its presence stabilizes sensitive mixtures. Folks developing bio-based polymers also look to Dimethyl Tartrate for creating biodegradable options, since its origin links back to renewable feedstocks.
Lab workers and plant managers treat Dimethyl Tartrate as a chemical to store and use with respect. It holds a low order of acute toxicity, though direct contact with eyes or ingestion causes irritation. The compound lacks explosive properties, bringing a layer of safety compared to some other esters. Standard protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, stands as the line of defense during handling. Storage calls for dry, cool, and well-ventilated spaces, away from sources of strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents, to keep the product stable and safe. Workers rely on safety data sheets for guidelines, noting that in case of a spill, prompt clean-up avoids unnecessary hazards.
Dimethyl Tartrate plays a foundational role as a raw material in custom synthesis and specialty chemistry. For those facing ever-tightening quality requirements, ease of purification and distinctive reactivity make this compound especially attractive. The worldwide push to develop sustainable chemicals gives further focus to materials such as Dimethyl Tartrate, since it’s derived from tartaric acid—a substance with roots in grape production and winemaking byproducts. Laboratories and manufacturers alike appreciate how simple modifications of its structure lead to a spectrum of advanced building blocks, all while handling waste streams correctly and watching for exposure limits.
Looking at the chemical marketplace, Dimethyl Tartrate’s price and availability tie into harvest and production conditions for tartaric acid. A bad grape season in major producing regions can send ripples through chemical supply chains. To keep up with demands for quality and sustainability, companies invest in secondary sourcing, process optimization, and recycling. There’s also movement to recover and reuse solvents from Dimethyl Tartrate production, further shrinking its environmental footprint. With rising regulatory demands around purity, traceability, and labeling—especially in pharmaceuticals and food-contact applications—suppliers provide documentation all the way from raw material to point of use.
For chemists and engineers who work with Dimethyl Tartrate, small changes in storage conditions or material sourcing can have outsized effects on final product quality. Developing a process with this material calls for understanding its minor impurities and how they might shape subsequent reactions. In research, students and professionals often compare ester derivatives side by side, watching how Dimethyl Tartrate holds up under real-world handling. It’s not just a question of producing more, but of ensuring each batch meets the needs of increasingly complex and demanding sectors. Above all, regular users find the compound’s versatility and relative safety set it apart from many competitors on the shelf.
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