ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE: Chemical Profile and Practical Outlook

What is ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE?

ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE brings together two distinctive chemical frameworks: a six-membered piperidine ring bound through an ester linkage, and a tartrate moiety with both centers showing R configuration. In the field of chemistry, this compound stands out not just for its dual chirality but also for its reliability as a chiral intermediate or resolving agent in pharmaceutical development. The structure offers clear anchor points for researchers searching for enantiomeric purity, providing a backbone that can be extended or modified in multiple directions. Often found in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, this compound plays a real role in building blocks where stereochemistry makes or breaks effectiveness.

Physical Properties

The material typically appears as a solid, often seen in crystalline, powder, or flake form. Color ranges from pure white to off-white, depending on specific synthesis routes and purity. Its specific density sits close to what you expect from modest-weight ester salts, generally around 1.3–1.4 g/cm3. Melting points tend to be sharp, close to 80–90°C for high-purity grades, which comes in handy for both analytical and preparative purposes. If humidity creeps up in storage, some batches may clump, so storing in tightly sealed containers in dry, cool rooms remains essential for quality. Solubility reflects its dual nature: readily soluble in polar organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, and less so in water, making it accessible for both solution-based and solid-phase syntheses. Crystals can form with slow evaporation, offering researchers a straightforward route to high-purity samples without elaborate purification.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Formula

Molecularly, ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE holds a unique arrangement. Its formula, C12H19NO7, reveals a moderate molecular weight that fits well into both higher-volume production and research-scale settings. The backbone starts with a nipecotinate group: the ethyl ester of nipecotinic acid, derived from the piperidine ring, fused with (2R,3R)-tartaric acid, which contributes both stereochemistry and additional carboxylate function. Chemists value the robust connectivity between the two regions. An overlay of electron-withdrawing ester groups stabilizes the whole structure, offering a good balance between reactivity for further modification and stability for storage and transport.

HS Code and Regulatory Considerations

Materials like ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE usually fall under HS Code 292249 for organic compounds containing a nitrogen heterocycle with a side-chain or derivative. This internationally recognized code simplifies international shipping, customs, and import documentation. That makes life easier not only for manufacturers and distributors but also for laboratories working across borders. Regulatory attention for such chiral fine chemicals tends to focus on purity, batch consistency, and correct labeling; safety data sheets should follow local requirements, since even modest deviations in storage can affect quality.

Practical Applications and Raw Material Context

In my own experience in research and industry, the compound fills an important gap where both chirality and stability drive success for synthetic pathways. Its use in pharmaceuticals often revolves around enantiomeric enrichment or as a precursor to nipecotamine derivatives, which show up in treatments for central nervous system conditions and even certain antibiotics. Raw materials for this compound start from tartaric acid—sourced mainly from wine production—and nipecotinic acid, which can build from the partial hydrolysis of piperidine derivatives. Each source influences final cost, quality, and environmental footprint. With sustainability carrying more weight every year, labs and suppliers need to ask tough questions about sourcing and traceability before scale-up.

Material Properties and Safe Handling

Handling ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE does not present outsized risks compared to common fine chemicals, but that safety never comes on autopilot. Inhalation of fine powder, extended skin contact, and ingestion all warrant proper lab practices, including gloves and dust masks for routine handling. Material Safety Data Sheets describe mild irritation risks and recommend prompt washing in case of exposure. Spills don’t typically generate dangerous vapors, but keeping containers tightly closed reduces contamination and spoilage over time. Chemists know that pure chiral materials can take on unexpected reactivity if contaminated or exposed to high temperatures—labeling and clear segregation from oxidizers, acids, and common reducing agents matters.

Hazardous and Harmful Aspects

While not flagged as acutely toxic, the compound falls into categories requiring respect: prolonged inhalation or repeated exposure can trigger mild respiratory issues or skin irritation. In solution, especially at higher concentrations, its esters may become more volatile; good ventilation always trumps hope when working at the bench. Waste should flow through approved chemical disposal channels, considering minor hydrolysis products from breakdown. Because occasional labs skip safety steps, organizations must double down with staff training and habit-building for chemical hygiene. Risk increases when surfaces get dusty, so regular cleaning and clear documentation play key roles in keeping operations both productive and safe.

Outlook and Steps Forward

Too often, resources like ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE appear in catalogs as just another box to check for order fulfillment. Real progress comes in treating them as vital tools under constant review. Researchers can look at green chemistry routes to both nipecotinate and tartrate portions, redesigning waste streams—the big win is not just safer labs but also smarter chemistry. Companies should keep customers informed with technical bulletins whenever specifications shift or regulatory guidelines change, building trust across the lab bench and buying office alike. There’s strong demand for traceable, high-purity intermediates with complete specification sheets, and that trend keeps pushing the market toward digital records, batch-level analytics, and openness about supply chains. From university chemistry seminars to high-volume pharmaceutical factories, ETHYL (R)-NIPECOTATE (2R,3R)-TARTRATE earns its keep not only through its complexity but also through cradling innovation where it matters most.