L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid: Substance Profile and Practical Considerations

What is L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid?

L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid, known in chemical circles for its unique role in organic synthesis, consistently draws attention in specialty chemical markets. With a molecular formula of C19H14O7 and a molecular weight near 354.31 g/mol, this compound appears in scientific literature as a chiral resolving agent, underscoring the growing demand for materials supporting asymmetric synthesis. In terms of HS Code classification, L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid aligns with 2918.19, as a derivative of tartaric acid with specific functionalizations, making it significant for researchers and import/export professionals focusing on compliance and precise customs declaration.

Physical Properties and Chemical Structure

Practical observation of L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid tells a clear story. Most batches arrive as an off-white to pale yellow crystalline solid, though occasional manufacturing variation can lead to a slightly powdery texture. Under magnification, individual flakes and even pearl-like granules become visible, especially when conditions favor slow recrystallization. The material rarely forms a liquid at room temperature, resisting melting until temperatures rise above 140°C. Density measurements cluster tightly near 1.39 g/cm³ at 20°C, a fact I learned first-hand while comparing batches for a small pilot program in our lab, where even minor inconsistencies made a difference for weighing and dosing precision.

Structurally, L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid contains two phenyl groups and a formyl substituent attached to the basic tartaric acid skeleton. This arrangement yields strong optical activity, essential in producing enantiomerically pure target molecules. Handling the crystalline form calls for a gentle touch, as excessive grinding converts the solid into a fine dust, which isn't ideal for every process. Laboratories often receive the material in tightly sealed, opaque containers to block out light and moisture, minimizing degradation risk.

Product Specifications and Raw Material Insights

Material purity stands as a centerpiece for any effective application. High-purity L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid often exceeds 99%, with melting point analysis serving as a quick bench-top verification method. In a previous project reformulating separation protocols, tracing back the origin of the tartaric acid showed that grapes and other dietary sources still set the standard for raw material input, while advanced synthesis extends value through phenyl group addition and formylation. Most shipments specify available volumes by the kilogram or liter, declaring both net weight and concentration if supplied as a solution.

Researchers using L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid value batch-to-batch consistency in terms of crystallinity, density, and solubility. The material dissolves readily in common organic solvents like acetone or ethanol, but remains only sparingly soluble in water. I've wrestled with solubility limitations in preparative work, underscoring the need for careful pre-dissolution and precise solvent selection to avoid sticky residues or incomplete mixing.

Safety, Hazards, and Responsible Handling

No matter how beneficial a chemical turns out, safety due diligence never takes a back seat. L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid, while not classified as acutely toxic, still deserves proper respect. Dust from the solid can irritate eyes and upper respiratory tract, so protective eyewear and N95-style masks make sense for routine handling, just as we followed in our teaching labs. If the compound ends up in contact with skin, washing thoroughly with soap and water remains the best course.

Potential hazards include mild skin and mucous membrane irritation, based on animal testing and analogous organic acids. Hazard labels often cite "harmful if swallowed." Facilities storing or transporting this acid comply with hazardous chemical prerequisites by maintaining dry, cool environments, using secondary containment, and including well-marked signage. Larger-scale users typically install emergency eyewash stations and showers in close proximity. Spills prompt sweep-up using non-sparking tools and immediate containment, with disposal routed through licensed hazardous waste processors to protect workers, soil, and waterways.

Solution Pathways for Better Use

Efficiency in L-Diphenyl Formyl Tartaric Acid application grows with informed decision-making at every level. Suppliers working alongside customers deliver greater value by providing detailed certificates of analysis, rapid shipment in insulated packages, and technical support for new synthetic routes. Process engineers benefit from routine training on updated handling guidelines. Expanded research on less hazardous analogues or green chemistry alternatives may eventually reduce dependence on tartaric acid derivatives for some processes.

Communities relying on chemical manufacturing also depend on proactive communication between producers and regulators. As supply chains tighten and compliance responsibilities grow, precise documentation—right down to the HS Code and raw material traceability—safeguards public health and environmental integrity. The best outcomes follow ongoing risk assessment and prompt adaptation to safer, more sustainable practices as new information emerges.