l-Arterenol Bitartrate: Comprehensive Overview of Structure, Properties, and Uses

What is l-Arterenol Bitartrate?

l-Arterenol bitartrate, known in scientific circles as norepinephrine bitartrate, has carved out its space as a significant raw material within pharmaceutical and research applications. This compound is an organic salt formed by the combination of norepinephrine (l-arterenol) and tartaric acid. Carrying a molecular formula of C8H11NO3·C4H6O6, its structure flashes a classic catecholamine backbone with distinctive functional groups that set it apart in the chemical landscape. l-Arterenol bitartrate appears as a solid under standard conditions, wandering somewhere between fine powdery and crystalline forms. Long before picking up a sample, anyone in the field gets used to seeing it listed alongside key identifiers: its HS Code, CAS number, and full chemical name dominating order forms and material safety sheets.

Physical Characteristics and Structure

Most suppliers present l-Arterenol bitartrate in tightly sealed containers, sheltering the colorless or slightly off-white solid from moisture and sunlight. Its density varies a bit depending on hydration state and particle size, but the bulk density tends to sit just over 1 g/cm3, giving some weight to its appearance on scales during measuring. The powder holds a tendency to cake or stick under humid conditions, calling for storage at cool and dry places—not just for shelf life, but for safety and reliability in formulation. Laboratories handling the pure solid see flakes, pearls, or irregular tiny crystals under the microscope. In solution, this compound dissolves readily in water, forming clear liquids that showcase its ionic nature and reveal more about its stability in different pH ranges. Chemists working with it keep an eye on its strong chemical activity and the fine balance it demands in handling.

Molecular Properties and Chemistry

Looking at l-Arterenol bitartrate’s molecular structure, the presence of a catechol ring connects it to adrenaline and other related neurotransmitters. Each molecule packs both basic and acidic groups, owing to the amine and the tartaric acid portions. This dual behavior opens the door to synthesis and reactivity, letting it serve as either a starting raw material or an intermediate for more complex compounds. The chemical formula not only signals its composition—C12H17NO9—but suggests potential for hydrogen bonding in the solid phase and high solubility in polar solvents. This matters when making stock solutions for medical or experimental protocols, as concentrated liquids keep well and offer more precise delivery in clinical or research settings.

Specifications and Quality Considerations

Manufacturers selling l-Arterenol bitartrate define it through tight product specifications, with purity levels often topping 98% to ensure robust performance wherever needed. Trace impurities—leftover reactants, side products, or absorbed moisture—come under scrutiny through crystallography and mass spectrometry. Some commercial lots present the product in a fine white powder, others as glistening crystals or larger aggregated flakes, all depending on processing and purification protocols. These physical properties—crystal size, granularity, and appearance—have downstream effects for formulation and dosing in pharmaceutical manufacture. Density, measured in grams per cubic centimeter, lines up with practical storage and shipping logistics, as well as dosing precision on the lab bench.

HS Code, Transport, and Global Trade

Regulatory and logistics teams recognize l-Arterenol bitartrate by its Harmonized System (HS) Code, which helps track global trade and ensures compliance with international shipping rules. Its designation under HS Code 2939 captures it in the broader group of organic base compounds, mainly those used for pharmaceuticals and research. This tagging helps customs and regulatory bodies distinguish it from other chemicals, allows tracking, and keeps buyers on the right side of the law when moving material across borders. Documentation for shipping and import often includes this code, a reminder that chemistry often meets bureaucracy in the supply chain.

Health, Safety, and Chemical Hazards

The medical relevance of l-Arterenol bitartrate is only half the story; this compound carries real risks if not treated with respect. Norepinephrine’s physiological potency translates into toxicity and hazardous effects at high exposures or accidental ingestion. Handling the solid, the solution, or airborne dust sets off strict safety measures: gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) label it as hazardous, flagging both acute and chronic risks. Besides being harmful if swallowed or inhaled, contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation or more serious reactions for sensitive users. Most labs and production lines respond by demanding secure storage—childproof locks, sealed containers, and clear labeling—alongside training staff in appropriate spill control and cleanup strategies. Emergency procedures for accidental release include neutralization, dilution, and proper disposal via licensed chemical waste channels. In my own lab experience, everyone keeps a sharp, almost instinctive awareness of this compound’s potency, learning from cautionary tales of spills and exposure that wound their way through safety briefings.

Applications and Down-to-Earth Importance

l-Arterenol bitartrate picks up significance as a raw material in the pharmaceutical industry; its use in synthesizing medications and for research into cardiovascular drugs remains well established. Hospitals rely on highly pure material to formulate injectable preparations, critical for treating low blood pressure and certain cardiac conditions. Researchers utilize the compound to study neurotransmitter pathways, simulate biological responses, and probe disease mechanisms. Quality and consistency hit the top of the priority list, as patients and clinicians depend on the reliability of every batch. Problems with impurities or incorrect physical form ripple downstream, affecting solubility, dosing, and ultimately treatment outcomes. My years shadowing pharmaceutical scientists taught me that sourcing trustworthy raw materials like l-Arterenol bitartrate builds the foundation for entire treatment pipelines—shortcuts or oversights on this phase breed costly failures later on, both financially and for patient well-being.

Improving Handling and Safety Through Informed Practice

Developing better training, stress-testing storage conditions, and using more robust containment technologies all help reduce the risk of accidents and chemical exposure. Regular audits, transparent supplier relationships, and onsite testing form the pillars of responsible chemical stewardship. Tech advances, such as smart packaging or automated dispensing, promise further improvements, tempering the risks that accompany both scientific progress and day-to-day operations in labs and factories. For many in the industry, talking openly about challenges in handling hazardous raw materials like l-Arterenol bitartrate supports a healthier workplace and encourages continuous improvement—making real impacts that ripple from the manufacturing floor to the bedside.