Disodium tartrate, a white crystalline compound, often appears in the form of flakes, fine powder, pearls, or solid crystals. Recognized by its molecular formula Na2C4H4O6·2H2O and bearing the HS Code 2918.16.00, this material serves various industries as both a chemical raw material and a product with specific, reliable physical properties. Traditionally, the substance arises from tartaric acid by neutralization with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, resulting in a stable and highly soluble compound. Whether it's used in laboratories, food processing, or industrial production, knowledge of its structure, performance, and safe handling matters to workers and end-users alike.
Disodium tartrate consists of two sodium ions bonded to the tartrate anion. The hydrated form—most common in commercial settings—holds two water molecules per unit. This structure grants disodium tartrate a high solubility in water and a density ranging from about 1.79 to 1.96 g/cm3 in its solid form. Its ability to dissolve completely in water at room temperature makes it practical for use as a component in buffer solutions, food additives, and analytical reagents. Pure crystals appear transparent; impure product sometimes appears off-white but retains its underlying crystalline structure. I’ve seen it in crystal form for laboratory calibration, offering a very consistent reference standard due to its reliable composition and hydration state.
Commercial packaging often delivers disodium tartrate as a solid block, crystalline powder, or flakes, with purity levels typically exceeding 99% for laboratory or high-end industrial use. Granular and powder grades allow for quick solution preparation and accurate dosing in food or chemical processes. The substance's density, crystalline habit, and granular size can shift based on drying and processing methods, impacting how a batch will dissolve or mix with other ingredients. Some manufacturers also offer solutions for processes needing fast-diluting material or reduced dust during handling. As a professional in the lab, precise batch characteristics like density and particle size often impact workflow, especially for analytical methods or ingredients preparation.
Material safety for disodium tartrate receives regular review. The compound generally ranks low on toxicity scales when handled according to good practices. In solid or crystalline form, dust can cause mild irritation to eyes or respiratory tissue, so wearing a mask or goggles in bulk handling scenarios keeps things safe. Ingested in typical food additive quantities, it does not produce harmful effects, but excessive intake could upset digestive processes. Major safety data sheets list it as non-flammable and stable under normal conditions; reaction with strong acids may liberate carbon dioxide. Spills don’t warrant panic, but cleanup should avoid creating airborne dust, and solutions need care since the material can cause mild skin irritation after prolonged exposure.
With its formula Na2C4H4O6·2H2O, disodium tartrate presents as an adaptable, water-friendly molecule. The crystal’s hydration state—those two water molecules—provides stability and prevents unwanted reactions during storage. In manufacturing, understanding exact chemical structure assists engineers and chemists with predicting how it will behave in mixes or solutions. Even slight shifts in hydration or solids content affect accuracy in recipes or analytical work, so reputable suppliers provide detailed specification sheets showing crystallinity, density, and purity data. I’ve found that even routine checks of incoming disodium tartrate—using density or refractive index—help maintain quality control, especially in food or pharmaceutical labs.
Global trade for disodium tartrate falls within the HS Code 2918.16.00, making it traceable through import/export documents for customs and compliance monitoring. Sourcing from trusted suppliers matters for businesses concerned with quality and regulatory compliance. Most industrial-scale material originates from regions with significant wine or fruit processing sectors, as tartaric acid—its parent compound—arises as a byproduct of winemaking. This sustainable cycle supports raw material availability while recycling what would otherwise be waste. Buyers look for certifications like ISO or HACCP, as well as batch-specific analyses to confirm the absence of heavy metals or other contaminants. I’ve worked with procurement teams prioritizing traceability, especially because product quality and consistency impact both safety and end-use application.
Disodium tartrate finds daily use as both a food additive and an essential calibration standard in chemical labs. In the food sector, it acts as an acidity regulator and emulsifier, frequently appearing in bakery powders or processed products. Analytical chemists rely on it as a primary standard for titration of strong acids due to consistent purity and predictable molar mass. Industrial uses include fabrication of electroplating baths, buffers for textile dyeing, and additives in detergents. Its high water solubility and relatively low hazard make it attractive for processes demanding both effectiveness and an uncomplicated safety profile. Experience shows that switching to a different grade or supplier can alter texture, dissolution rate, or batch homogeneity—details that affect finished goods or test outcomes.
Though disodium tartrate scores low for acute toxicity and flammability, attention to safe storage and use limits unnecessary exposure. Bulk bins must remain dry to prevent caking or clumping, and workers need protection from fine dust. Disposal through regular wastewater is acceptable where permitted, as environmental breakdown is rapid. Environmental groups recommend keeping large spills away from surface water to prevent localized pH shifts, but risks to organisms remain minimal due to natural degradation pathways. Facilities interested in greener production request life cycle analyses to ensure sustainability claims, especially as food industries shift toward transparent ingredient disclosures and lower-carbon supply chains. From firsthand observation, keeping safety measures straightforward and accessible makes all the difference, especially on fast-paced production lines.
Disodium tartrate, with its solid physical form and adaptable properties, stands as a staple in both food and industrial chemistry. Its chemical stability, ease of dissolution, and straightforward safety handling secure its place in everyday uses, while attention to quality and sourcing upholds the values of reliability, safety, and responsible production. Effective communication between buyers, users, and suppliers remains crucial as both technological demands and regulatory frameworks evolve.
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