L-Nipecotic Acid Ethyl Ester L-Tartrate: Description, Structure, Properties, and Applications

What is L-Nipecotic Acid Ethyl Ester L-Tartrate?

L-Nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate belongs to the class of organic compounds known as amino acid derivatives. As a molecule, it merges the features of L-nipecotic acid, an effective GABA uptake inhibitor, with tartrate, making it interesting for research and industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, chemical synthesis, and neuroscience. Researchers value this compound for the way it modifies biological activity, and many see new possibilities for neurological studies based on its unique functional groups and properties.

Products and Their Uses

Many suppliers classify L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate as a raw material. Lab technicians use it when working with the inhibition of GABA transport in brain studies, exploring ways to balance neural transmissions. Its solid form settles efficiently as a starting point for developing more complex molecules used in therapeutic research. A lot of times, this compound finds itself in processes where small changes to the basic molecule create an entirely new tool for scientific problem-solving. Its adaptability to various solvents helps chemists avoid bottlenecks linked to purity, reaction rate, and yield.

Molecular Structure and Formula

The structure reflects a blend of the piperidine skeleton characteristic of nipecotic acid and the chirality contributed by tartrate. Chemically, its formula usually reports as C14H22N2O8, showing the integration of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon in a balance that bestows this ester with interesting solubility and reactivity. Some people overlook how critical the stereochemistry becomes, but in any stereoselective synthesis, ignoring it leads to inefficiencies. Clarity in configuration, particularly with tartrate, ensures consistent batch-to-batch performance—a real concern for anyone trying to scale up for clinical or industrial use.

Physical Characteristics

L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate most often appears as a white or off-white powder or fine flakes, but on rare occasions, it may crystallize out into small pearls. The solid lacks any strong odor and feels lightweight when handled in the lab. Density, hovering around 1.3 g/cm3, creates little challenge for measurement but matters during storage and transport. The melting point provides a robust marker, as temperatures above 110°C signal breakdown. There is enough stability under standard room conditions, allowing storage without refrigeration for moderate periods. When dissolved in water or common organic solvents, clarity and lack of particulate matter show good purity, something researchers track closely against supplier specifications.

HS Code and Regulatory Information

Customs agencies require the HS Code, and for L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate, this often falls under 2922499590, covering organic derivatives of amino compounds. Importers operating aboveboard look for precise documentation to avoid costly holdups at borders, especially given the regulatory scrutiny around scientific chemicals. The coordination between suppliers and customs is essential for compliance, affecting researchers’ timelines and budgets.

Specifications and Quality Standards

Reputable suppliers publish specifications and test L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate for appearance, purity level (generally above 98% by HPLC), water content, and residual solvents. Material that fails these checks doesn’t reach customers who rely on reliability for research or manufacturing. Poor quality samples cause a cascade of failures, from incomplete syntheses to misleading analytical results. Consistent powder size, low moisture content, and minimal impurities all contribute directly to successful scientific projects.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

Even though L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate doesn’t rank as a highly dangerous chemical, its handling requires attention to safety. The dust can cause mild irritation on contact with skin, eyes, or respiratory tract, so chemists favor using gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses. Ingestion or inhalation at higher concentrations has not been studied extensively, so prudence means minimizing direct exposure. Spills clear easily, as the powder sweeps up well and dissolves in water, but waste should head straight to chemical disposal streams because residues break down slowly. No one wants to read about improper disposal in the news, especially as environmental awareness gains traction in all lab and production settings.

Material Forms: Powder, Flakes, Pearls, Liquid, Crystal

Material format influences how chemists and engineers use this compound. As a solid powder, weighing and transferring become easy, saving time in busy labs. Larger flakes or pearls can help reduce dust, cutting down on accidental inhalation, especially when automated dispensers or scales feature prominently. Crystal forms offer higher purity and typically lower moisture, which helps during sensitive syntheses needing precise stoichiometry. Though liquid solutions of L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate aren’t the norm, researchers sometimes dissolve it themselves in ethanol or buffer. Each form comes with nuances—finding the ideal match for a project means understanding both the equipment and the intended chemical pathway.

Application as a Chemical Raw Material

Supply chains depend heavily on reliable delivery of chemical raw materials. L-nipecotic acid ethyl ester L-tartrate stands out for supporting synthesis of central nervous system agents and for custom modifications needed by pharmaceutical firms. This demand puts pressure on quality assurance throughout the sourcing process. Downtime caused by stock-outs or mislabeling causes real missed opportunities, especially in competitive medical research. To meet evolving needs, chemical manufacturers work closely with labs, collecting feedback to adjust downstream purification, packaging, and logistics.

Potential Risks and Solutions

Chemical safety regulations keep tightening. Accidents and improper labeling in the past prompted industry-wide reviews. Real-world improvements, like RFID tags on shipments and batch-level QR code tracking, now help reduce mix-ups. Research labs support creating safety protocols with clear signage, color-coded containers, and better training for staff. Working directly with suppliers produces more transparent batch records. If labs run into repeated issues with inconsistent quality, switching vendors or demanding more thorough Certificates of Analysis helps protect long-term research goals. In my own lab experience, collaboration between suppliers and researchers led to shorter supply lead times and fewer problems with residue or contamination. This approach provides peace of mind for those running critical experiments or developing next-generation medicines.