Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate stands out as a potassium salt of L-(+)-tartaric acid, recognizable under CAS number 921-53-9. This compound forms through the neutralization of L-(+)-tartaric acid with potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide. The product appears as white crystalline powder or colorless, transparent crystals, each form tied to specific uses across food, chemical, and industrial sectors. Chemists mark this material by the molecular formula C4H4O6K2 and a molar mass of 226.27 g/mol, setting a unique fingerprint for batch quality. The HS Code for most market shipments is 29181300, supporting customs, import, and regulatory compliance.
From experience working in both chemical and food labs, Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate typically shows up as a solid, either as a fine granular powder or in larger crystalline flakes, sometimes even small pearls. Its density measures around 1.984 g/cm3, giving it a solid feel in a weighing boat, without the flow of typical salts. In water, this material dissolves smoothly, with higher solubility at room temperature, forming clear solutions essential for precision in titration and as a buffer in analytical chemistry. The smellless, non-volatile nature prevents accidental inhalation and aligns with general safety in food production environments. Its melting point sits near 230–240°C (decomposition starts around this range), which directs how it can be safely handled in heated vessels during synthesis or production.
Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate carries two potassium ions, balanced with the tartrate’s four-carbon, four-oxygen backbone. This specific structure allows the compound to interact with calcium and magnesium ions, especially noticeable when used as a sequestering agent or a chelator. The compound holds its L-(+)-chiral configuration, directly affecting its ability to react in ways distinct from its D- counterpart or racemic forms. Zap it with mild acids and expect potassium ions to trade places, a trait leveraged in classic double displacement reactions. In routine lab tests, its high purity gives reliable, reproducible results, especially for applications where contaminants could foul up an analysis.
Food manufacturers know this compound best as a food additive and leavening agent, recognized as E336(ii). Because of its stabilizing and emulsifying properties, bakeries and processed food producers frequently depend on its consistency. Spot Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate in batches of cream of tartar substitutes, or in the chemical processing of other potassium-based compounds. Electronics and textile fields use it for precise cleaning and surface preparation, taking advantage of how this salt interacts with ions on a molecular level. Some laboratories rely on this compound for Fehling’s solution—a classic reagent for detecting reducing sugars—demonstrating its place in generations of analytic experiments.
Product specifications for Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate generally demand purity above 99%, minimal moisture content (below 1%), and a clear pass on heavy metals—tests that keep the product safe in both food and pharmaceutical settings. Sieve analysis reveals particle sizes targeted for each sector: powder forms offer quick dissolution, while flakes and pearls handle better in automated feed systems. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) give extra details for industrial safety, outlining its compatibility with acids, oxidizers, and listing the absence of major inhalation or dermal toxicity risks for standard exposure scenarios.
Lab safety drills cover hazards related to Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate, though the substance carries relatively low acute toxicity by ingestion and does not bioaccumulate. Overexposure can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, especially if ingested in unregulated amounts, yet normal industrial hygiene controls—such as wearing gloves and dust masks—mitigate these risks when weighing or mixing powders. Its fire hazard profile ranks low because it lacks volatility and ignition tendency. Chemical handlers should wash hands after contact, and lab managers make sure that spills are swept up with care to avoid slips and accidental tracking beyond work areas. Proper labeling, ventilation, and avoidance of mixing with incompatible oxidizers round out the best practices.
Suppliers usually derive the raw L-(+)-tartaric acid from natural sources such as grapes, supporting an ongoing trend toward sustainability in specialty chemical production. Potassium carbonate, sourced from mining or extraction, forms the second key input. Markets across North America, Europe, and Asia source this compound from regional production hubs focused on food and analytical chemistry, driven as much by quality certifications as by the reliability of raw material logistics.
Beyond its basic performance in recipes and industrial batches, Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate plays a technical role in separating chiral molecules and as a benchmark in analytical chemistry. Researchers tap into its consistent physical and molecular behavior to anchor experiments, calibrate instruments, and test new methods. In my own experience working with titration, the clarity and predictability of its solutions helped verify measurements for sugar analysis, and flattened the learning curve for students breaking into practical chemistry. Because this salt’s ionic ratio stays steady, critical tests—such as those for heavy metals or contaminants—work smoothly, providing a foundation of trust in lab and factory routines.
With regulatory authorities tracking chemical additives increasingly closely, manufacturers appreciate Dipotassium L-(+)-Tartrate’s established record of safety and efficacy. Product managers invest in tracking supply chain integrity, confirming purity at multiple checkpoints, and continuing employee education to avoid complacency. The ideal storage keeps the compound in well-sealed, dry containers away from incompatible materials, maintaining stability year after year. As demand for plant-based and specialty food ingredients continues to rise, the value of reproducible, reliable chemical properties only grows. Through practical protocols, clear labeling, up-to-date SDS, and a commitment to training, industry protects workers and consumers alike, always respecting both product potential and its safe limits.
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