Ethyl tartrate stands out among organic compounds for its role as a chemical intermediate and a building block in fine chemical synthesis. This colorless to pale yellow liquid develops from tartaric acid through esterification with ethanol. Its smell hints at mild fruitiness, similar to that of its parent acid. Over the years, I have come to appreciate how ethyl tartrate’s structure, featuring two ethyl ester groups attached to a backbone of tartaric acid, influences both its solubility and versatility. It often comes as a liquid, and occasionally as a crystalline solid, depending on temperature and concentration. With a molecular formula of C6H10O6, its molecular weight registers at 178.14 g/mol.
Ethyl tartrate features a density close to 1.25 g/cm3 at 20°C, making it denser than water and many common solvents. Water can dissolve it to some extent; solubility improves in ethanol and ether, making it easier to work with in lab and industrial settings. The melting point often falls below room temperature, so it pours easily and can be measured precisely. Boiling starts around 262°C under atmospheric conditions, but care must be taken as it can decompose if heated too aggressively. Its appearance as viscous, nearly clear liquid makes identification straightforward, and this consistency supports metered dispensing in processes that call for accurate measures. Flakes, pearls, or powder forms rarely surface in commercial trade — users mostly encounter the liquid.
A look at ethyl tartrate’s structure shows two ethoxy groups (–OCH2CH3) on a tartaric acid backbone. This arrangement creates a chiral molecule, meaning it exists in both D- and L- forms, each impacting how the compound behaves in chemical reactions. In the hands-on experience of organic synthesis, chemists lean toward one isomer or a mixture, depending on the process. The presence of four oxygen atoms makes ethyl tartrate a strong hydrogen bond former, explaining its partial water solubility and its role as a chelating agent for certain metal ions.
Buyers typically inspect purity, moisture, and acid value when sourcing ethyl tartrate. Reputable suppliers offer material with purity above 98%, water content under 0.5%, and a faint acidic residue. I always caution new chemists to consider regulatory classification: ethyl tartrate falls under Harmonized System (HS) Code 2918.19 for esters of other carboxylic acids. From a safety angle, ethyl tartrate has a low acute toxicity profile. It rarely causes skin or respiratory irritation, but repeated or prolonged exposure, especially with the concentrated material, demands gloves and goggles. The Safety Data Sheet flags it as a hazardous chemical under standard handling and shipping jurisdiction. It ranks lower in flammability, but storage away from ignition sources stays prudent. Most incidents stem from poor ventilation or direct skin contact; quick washing quickly clears minor spills.
In practice, ethyl tartrate supports the creation of specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and certain flavors and fragrance compounds. It finds work in asymmetric synthesis, helping produce enantiomerically pure drugs and fine chemicals, a point I have seen play out in collaborations between academic and industrial labs. Some manufacturers use ethyl tartrate as a solvent modifier or as a platform for polymer additives, tapping into its two-point ester groups. Others find value in its clean burning properties, introducing it into specialty coatings or as an intermediate in green chemistry approaches. Raw material sourcing usually relies on synthetic routes from tartaric acid and ethanol, both derived from relatively renewable feedstocks.
With ethyl tartrate, the molecular formula C6H10O6 accounts for every atom’s role in both reactivity and safety. Packing the liquid in airtight, light-protected containers slows unwanted hydrolysis and oxidation. Shelf life extends well past a year under optimal storage at 10–25°C. Density, measured at over 1.2 g/cm3, helps in volumetric calculations and dosing in formulations. Laboratories prefer amber glass, while industry often leans on HDPE drums for bulk trade. Hazardous material regulations demand proper labeling throughout – mistaken identity or negligent mixing with strong bases can trigger violent reactions.
Chemical Formula: C6H10O6
Molecular Weight: 178.14 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid, sometimes crystalline
Density: ~1.25 g/cm3 at 20°C
Boiling Point: About 262°C
Melting Point: Tends to be below room temperature
HS Code: 2918.19
Hazard Classification: Moderately hazardous; avoid skin and eye contact
Uses: Pharmaceuticals, fine chemical synthesis, asymmetric synthesis, resin modification
Raw Material Origin: Tartaric acid and ethanol
People working with ethyl tartrate must strike a balance between ease of handling and minimizing resource waste. Unplanned exposure or improper storage degrades product quality. Over the years, I have seen improvements come from automated dosing and controlled storage environments. Upstream, the drive for green chemistry has encouraged producers to use recyclable solvents and minimize emissions during synthesis. On the user end, careful training ensures spills are rare and accidental mixing is avoided. Waste streams sometimes contain residues of ethyl tartrate, but active recycling and proper neutralization steps recover much of the value and keep releases well within legal limits. For anyone entering the field, the key is to respect the compound’s properties and work with suppliers whose documentation and quality checks meet current standards. This builds a culture of safety and high performance, whether in the lab, factory, or transport operation.
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