ETHYL (R)-3-NIPECOTATE L-TARTRATE belongs to the world of complex organic compounds where stereochemistry and purity often drive its value. This substance emerges as a derivative of nipecotic acid, paired with ethyl and L-tartrate groups, and it draws attention across fine chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech supply chains. With applications in chiral synthesis and as an intermediate building block, its role grows significant for researchers focused on neurologically active molecules or those needing reliable precursors for further synthesis.
Examining the molecular formula, C12H19NO8 offers a window into its design, combining carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen in a balanced structure that supports chirality and solubility. The molecular weight stands at approximately 305.28 g/mol, a middleweight figure for lab and industrial chemists. Its crystalline structure forms through the salt of an ester and an acid, imbuing it with notable stability and resilience to mild temperature shifts. This stability adds value in transportation and storage, reducing loss from decomposition. Under the microscope and by touch, the substance gives itself away as a fine, off-white to pale tan powder or crystalline solid. On occasion, it may show up as larger flakes or small pearls, depending on crystallization conditions—these physical distinctions help labs match their requirements for synthesis efficiency and measurement accuracy.
Looking at physical and chemical specifications, ETHYL (R)-3-NIPECOTATE L-TARTRATE usually posts a melting point in the 90-130°C range. Specific gravity typically falls around 1.35 to 1.42 g/cm³, and bulk density can be lower for powders and flakes, so careful handling avoids loss and provides exact dosing. Its solubility depends on solvent choice: Water brings slow dissolution, while common organics like ethanol, methanol, and acetone often accommodate this compound far better, producing clear solutions for catalysis, purification, or reaction. In liquid state, the compound typically dissolves rather than forming any true liquid form itself, so storage as a powder or crystal prevents contamination and degradation.
Tracing its global movement, the standard Harmonized System (HS) Code usually falls under 2924.29, reserved for other lactams and their derivatives. Many suppliers carry this number for customs identification, and anyone moving bulk shipments knows paperwork comes easier with the right code upfront. Regulatory filings highlight its status as a raw material: In most jurisdictions, there are no specific restrictions, but buyers should verify purity, batch numbers, and Certificate of Analysis (COA) to guarantee outcome reliability in synthesis or manufacturing workflows.
Practical experience shows that, like many nitrogen-containing organic solids, ETHYL (R)-3-NIPECOTATE L-TARTRATE stays best in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Open in a well-ventilated fume hood to protect against fine particulate inhalation. Inhalation of powders creates risk of respiratory irritation, so gloves, goggles, and dust masks become the standard. The compound counts as mildly hazardous but not acutely toxic under ordinary lab conditions, though spills may cause slight skin or eye irritation. No rumors circulate of chronic health effects, especially when handled according to routine chemical safety. Still, signals like “harmful if swallowed” or “may cause mild irritation” usually appear on lab data sheets. Clean up with careful sweeping and wipe-down, avoiding water if unsure of solubility and seeking disposal via regular chemical waste collection rather than untreated drains or bins.
This material performs a key role as a chiral auxiliary and intermediate, especially for pharmaceutical researchers designing stereoselective reactions. Several manufacturers trust ETHYL (R)-3-NIPECOTATE L-TARTRATE as feedstock for molecules targeting neurological disorders, or as a model compound to test reaction selectivity before scaling up. The purity threshold needed for such use often exceeds 99%, measured by HPLC or NMR, so batch-to-batch consistency counts for more than just paperwork—it shapes outcomes and ensures regulatory compliance.
I’ve seen labs run into headaches when small variations in crystal form or moisture content shift yields and final product purity. To tackle this, always insist on a detailed certificate, with full assay, moisture, and impurity profiles included. Recrystallization from ethanol or scaling vacuum drying often fixes batch-to-batch variation. For post-process waste, segregate all residues for managed chemical disposal. Minimizing exposure to open air helps reduce both product loss and waste generation. Looking at greener chemistry, process development may stretch into recovering tartrate and nipecotinate fractions for reuse, further reducing raw material bills and environmental load.
ETHYL (R)-3-NIPECOTATE L-TARTRATE continues carving out space across laboratory and industrial sectors, especially where reliable chiral building blocks mean the difference between project success and months of troubleshooting. Conscious handling, honest documentation, and precise storage methods steer clear of most safety issues, while steady attention to purity and waste management shapes both productivity and safety in the lab.