L-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid stands out among specialty organic acids. The compound features a distinctive structure, composed of two para-methyloxyphenyl groups bound to a tartaric acid backbone, with a molecular formula of C18H18O10 and a molecular weight of around 394.33 g/mol. Chemists encounter this substance in solid, flake, or crystalline forms. Its unique arrangement within the crystalline lattice brings out the optical activity prized in many fine chemical syntheses. The HS Code commonly used in international shipments for this substance falls under 2918.19 for tartaric acids derivatives, making import-export classification easier for manufacturers and suppliers. These facts offer a foundation for industries evaluating its suitability.
In the lab, this acid reveals itself as fine white flakes or powder, although occasionally, small crystalline pearls can form in conditions of low water activity. A faint aromatic odor hints at the phenyl rings. Under standard temperature and humidity, the melting point registers near 163–166°C, confirming the robust lattice bonds. It dissolves readily in ethanol and shows moderate solubility in water (roughly 10 g/L at room temperature), making it approachable for solution-based synthesis. The density of the crystalline solid typically ranges between 1.52-1.55 g/cm³, a range that aligns with larger aromatic molecules balanced with the carboxyl framework of tartaric acid. In liquid state, which only occurs under extreme heat or solution, density drops, and practical manipulation demands careful heat management. These numbers prove vital when scaling batches for synthesis, ensuring the yield matches the expectations on paper.
L-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid exhibits remarkable stability under ambient conditions, resisting oxidation in sealed containers, thanks in part to the shielding effect of the aromatic methoxy groups. The acid functions as both a chiral resolving agent and an intermediate in agrochemical as well as pharmaceutical sectors, often showing up as a raw material for advanced organic synthesis. Chemists appreciate its ability to maintain stereochemistry under a range of pH, as the tartaric backbone stays robust except in strong base. It does react actively with standard dehydrating and acylating agents. Handling the solid or solution form does not typically demand more than basic chemical safety measures: gloves, goggles, and dust control prevent accidental ingestion or irritation.
Through years of experience in shared spaces, chemical safety still stays front-of-mind, since exposure to organic acids brings risks. L-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid does not exhibit acute toxicity at low concentrations, but ingestion or prolonged skin contact does cause irritation. Flakes and powders create inhalation hazards, which means always keeping the working area well-ventilated and using a certified dust mask during weighing or transfer. There is no evidence in major chemical safety databases of inherent carcinogenicity, but due diligence means treating all new organics with respect. Waste collection, neutralization with weak base, and dilution in water before disposal heads off environmental contamination. The emergency eyewash station proves its worth during lab mishaps even when the substance seems benign.
The demand for highly purified L-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid shows up in pharmaceutical quality control. Purity usually tracks above 99% for research-grade or synthetic applications, with tight moisture control (water content below 0.5% by Karl Fischer titration). Bulk packaging happens in antistatic liter containers or sealed drums to prevent moisture pickup, keeping the acid powder in a stable, free-flowing condition suitable for both small-batch and industrial production. Laboratories working with asymmetric synthesis often keep a few kilograms of material ready in crystal or powder form, prepared to weigh out by the gram or scale to bigger solution volumes. Tracking every batch number and keeping an eye on COA (certificate of analysis) paperwork becomes part of the daily routine for inventory managers and bench scientists alike.
In structural terms, the two para-methyloxyphenyl groups offer both electronic and steric effects, enhancing its function as a chiral agent in a way that plain tartaric acid does not achieve. Chemically informed readers will recognize that chiral resolution depends on the geometric bulk and electronic modulation of these substituents, making the acid a strong contender in the toolkit for enantiomeric separation. Spectroscopists usually find telltale peaks by NMR and IR spectroscopy—methoxy stretches near 1250 cm-1 and aromatic protons on proton NMR—offering quick identification. These structure-related clues cut down time during quality checks or product authentication.
As with many specialty chemicals, sustainability questions rarely get center stage until scarcity or environmental risk arises. The precursor chemicals for L-Di-p-methyloxyphenyl-tartaric acid often trace back to petrochemical aromatics and fermentation-based tartaric acid, which means every batch indirectly benefits from diversified sourcing. Documentation of source material purity, especially the methyloxyphenyl group, matters for downstream synthetic reliability. Improvements in green chemistry—solvent recycling, solvent-free syntheses, and renewable starting materials—offer hope for a lighter ecological footprint. As both consumer and industrial demand for high-purity acids grows, every stakeholder from procurement to research bench faces tough choices about supplier verification and best practices for sustainable sourcing.
Looking for safer and more environmentally friendly options, labs and manufacturers can explore closed-system handling, which minimizes worker exposure and reduces emissions. Developing micro-scale continuous flow synthesis technology helps cut down on waste and offers greater control over product purity. Routine staff training in chemical safety and transparent reporting of near-misses build a culture where safety becomes just another part of getting the job done. Encouraging open dialogue between raw material suppliers and research teams allows for faster troubleshooting whenever supply chain hiccups or changes in regulatory standards appear. Choosing packaging materials that can be recycled or easily neutralized supports responsible chemical use from order placement to final disposal.
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