DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous serves as a synthetic organic acid, produced through the neutralization and recrystallization of maleic acid, giving it specific physical and chemical properties that stand apart from its natural counterparts. Chemically, this material holds the formula C4H6O6, offering a mix of D and L enantiomers. Such a structure means it’s a racemic compound, providing a level of stability useful across different chemical applications, food production, and industrial sectors. As a solid, this acid appears as white crystalline flakes or as fine, dense powder, sometimes described as granules or pearls depending on how it is processed. Its high solubility in water and clear crystallinity often make it an option where ingredient purity and ease of handling matter, from lab reagents to process aids in manufacture. The HS Code for DL-Tartaric Acid Anhy often sits in the region of 2918.12, which helps customs officials and global shippers classify and transport it efficiently.
Different manufacturers supply DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous in solid, powder, and sometimes crystal forms, with purity levels commonly reaching 99% or above. These forms can come packed in bags of 25 kilograms or supplied in bulk for industrial use, always with precise labeling to meet international regulatory rules. In day-to-day business, I’ve seen the utility of this compound most notably in the food and beverage industry, acting as an acidulant in baking powder or offering tartness to confections and soft drinks. It also enters into pharmaceutical manufacturing, textile processing, metal cleaning, and as a chelating agent. No one likes a messy production line, so the material’s clean handling and high water solubility keeps dosing equipment and product contact points free from blockages.
The atomic structure of DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous shows two stereocenters, and for physical properties, the solid presents a melting point near 199-202°C. The density falls within 1.76–1.79 g/cm3. DL-Tartaric Acid dissolves easily in water, giving clear solutions which blend well into liquid and semi-solid food matrices or chemical mixtures. This feature allows for use either as a concentrated solution delivered in liters or as a finely divided solid for dry blending. Its molecular design also makes it stable when exposed to ambient air and light, although sealed packaging remains vital to prevent clumping or contamination.
The production of this acid typically draws on maleic anhydride as a raw material, which manufacturers transform via a controlled chemical process involving water and temperature regulation. The molecular formula C4H6O6 neatly sums up its structure, which contains two carboxylic acid groups and two hydroxyl groups. These functional groups give it the ability to participate in hydrogen bonding—impacting both its solubility and reactivity. This same structural stability contributes to the long shelf life and reliable performance, attributes that customers tend to expect.
Solid DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous comes in flake, powder, or pearled form. Each type offers specific benefits depending on the application: powder blends fast in doughs or drinks; flakes and pearls suit slower-dissolving formulas for controlled release. The density, clocked around 1.76–1.79 g/cm3, ensures easy transfer between weighing, mixing, and blending steps. In a busy plant setting, physical size and uniform density also cut down on clumping and caking—factors that matter for quality assurance and repeatability. For liquid solutions, the acid remains clear and colorless, letting manufacturers maintain bright product colors and stable formulations even with acidic ingredients.
Handling DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous must always come with respect for safety. While not as hazardous as stronger acids, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract if exposed in concentrated form or as dust. Chemical hazard communication, like GHS labels, spells out the risks: avoid inhalation and contact, work in well-ventilated spaces, and use gloves and eye protection. Over the years, training workers on these points proves essential, since even non-toxic compounds become dangerous if mishandled. On spills, neutralize with a mild base and sweep up the solid. Disposal follows local environmental rules, since adding large quantities to waste streams can impact wastewater pH. If ingested, tartaric acid in high doses causes stomach upset; this underlines the need for precise weighing and strict controls in food and pharmaceutical settings.
In regulatory terms, DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous does not usually carry major hazardous warnings, classified as relatively safe for use when handled responsibly and within recommended dosing ranges. Still, improper storage—exposure to moisture or mixing with incompatible chemicals like strong alkalis—could bring problems, from batch spoilage to unwanted reactions that churn out heat and byproducts. Safe storage means dry, sealed containers stored away from strong oxidizers and bases. Good manufacturing practice calls for regular audits, clear safety data sheets (SDS), and engineered controls, all steps I’ve seen help companies avoid costly incidents and keep their records clean during regulatory inspections.
DL-Tartaric Acid Anhydrous offers a consistent, high-purity product that brings strong acid properties to a broad spectrum of industrial and food uses. Its ease of handling, stable crystalline form, defined molecular structure, and water solubility all bring efficiency and dependability to both small-scale labs and large manufacturing plants. Its chemical stability, specific density, and variety of forms—flakes, powder, pearls, crystal, and solution—equip companies with flexibility for a shifting marketplace. Keeping eyes open for safe handling practices, tightly controlled raw materials, and clear labeling all help avoid risk and open the door for clean, safe product stewardship. For anyone considering this compound, the focus should land on product traceability, open safety communication, and routine quality checks to keep production both efficient and safe.
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