L-Tartaric Dihydrazide stands as an organic compound rooted in the chemistry of tartaric acid, carrying the hydrazide functional groups on either end of its molecular structure. As a white to off-white crystalline solid, its consistency spans from flaky to powdery, often available in pearls or fine granules. Its molecular formula reads C4H10N4O4, reflecting its dual role as both an acid derivative and a source of hydrazine within research chemistry and specialized manufacturing. The compound appears odorless and stable at ambient conditions, dissolves moderately in water, and offers a practical, manageable density close to 1.7 g/cm3.
As a solid, L-Tartaric Dihydrazide shows a density and texture that offers straightforward manipulation in the lab. Many people who work with it for synthesis or reaction control value its persistence; it resists quick decomposition at room temperature, staying stable under typical shelf storage when kept dry. The crystalline form reflects its purity and ease of measurement, and it does not shift quickly from solid to liquid, only melting at temperatures well above most lab ambient ranges. In terms of solubility, it blends into aqueous solutions with some encouragement, while resisting most non-polar organic solvents, so its selective compatibility shapes where it gets used.
On the molecular level, L-Tartaric Dihydrazide takes the backbone of the L-tartaric acid molecule and replaces each carboxyl terminal group with a hydrazide, giving rise to the N2H3 functional groups. This configuration sets it apart from simple tartaric acid and other common derivatives, as the hydrazide moieties impart both enhanced reactivity and specific binding profiles, useful for certain synthesis processes and as an intermediate for more complex organic materials. It boasts a clear stoichiometry: two hydrazide groups, reflecting a clear and deliberate substitution, give the molecule potential as a chelating agent and a nitrogen donor in reaction pathways.
L-Tartaric Dihydrazide typically comes as a fine, granular solid or crystalline powder, packed in bags or jars built to ward off moisture and airborne contamination. The density helps during transport since it keeps bulk shipments compact and spill-resistant. The solid form also guards against unwanted reaction before use, promoting safe handling during weighing or mixing processes. Form really matters in this type of chemical work; powder and crystal versions pour reliably and dissolve predictably, which reduces waste and guesswork on the user’s end.
Trade and documentation for L-Tartaric Dihydrazide rely on the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) 2928009090 in many jurisdictions, slotting it into the category for organic derivatives of hydrazine or hydroxylamine. This categorization streamlines import and export, and helps regulatory agencies assess shipping hazards, appropriate labeling, and documentation. The chemical’s safety paperwork flags it for informed handling but does not place it among high-risk hazardous materials, so while protective equipment makes sense, it fits neatly into workflows familiar to chemistry and materials professionals.
Though L-Tartaric Dihydrazide is not flagged as acutely toxic or corrosive, it would be a stretch to call it completely harmless. Hydrazide groups—while not as aggressive as the parent hydrazine—do raise the possibility of irritation or unwanted reaction, especially with oxidizers or acids. In my own lab work, gloves, goggles, solid ventilation, and close attention to dust all helped reduce exposure risk. The Safety Data Sheet recommends not ingesting or inhaling powders, even when working at lab scale, since hydrazide compounds may carry long-term risks if care slips. Flush accidental contact with plenty of water and prevent environmental discharge, as current research points to persistence in water systems if not well-contained.
From the raw materials bench, purity drives the utility of L-Tartaric Dihydrazide. Impurities cloud its practical use—especially given its role as a chemical intermediate—and degrade over time if exposed to moisture or light. Locked tight in amber glass or original polyethylene, and stored at consistent low temperatures, it holds up for months, if not years, without significant loss. Degradation primarily affects color and crystalline integrity, so periodic inspection of stockpiles keeps processes on track. Major bulk suppliers can ensure traceability and batch consistency, supporting strict quality audits in sensitive manufacturing lines, particularly pharmaceuticals and analytical reagent production.
In specialty materials circles, L-Tartaric Dihydrazide pulls its weight as a carefully controlled chemical building block, especially valued for its unique twin hydrazide groups. It serves as a starting point for synthesizing more elaborate nitrogen-containing organic molecules, which might, for example, anchor dyes or facilitate complexation in higher-order material synthesis. It steps in where milder reactivity than raw hydrazine makes a big difference, particularly where selective reaction is the goal. Quality assurance on the raw material front plays an ongoing role, since the smallest batch-to-batch fluctuation matters in scaling up. The material fits best in hands-on laboratory culture, where routine characterization—melting point, NMR, FTIR, and titration—bolsters confidence in quality before moving to the next process step.
Chemistry researchers and materials scientists face rising responsibility to keep byproducts and exposures in check, especially for hydrazine-family chemicals. L-Tartaric Dihydrazide’s moderate reactivity demands careful tracking, comprehensive labeling, and a focus on containment at every step. Responsible sourcing involves checking for sustainable tartaric acid feedstock and transparent production methods, which helps push chemistry toward greener benchmarks. Waste disposal, too, now means more than landfill or drain; full neutralization and incineration protect against environmental persistence.
Chemical Name: L-Tartaric Dihydrazide
Chemical Formula: C4H10N4O4
Molecular Mass: 178.15 g/mol
Physical State: Solid or crystalline powder, pearls, flakes
Color: White to off-white
Melting Point: >170°C
Density: ~1.7 g/cm3
Solubility: Moderate in water, low in organics
HS Code: 2928009090
Hazards: Avoid ingestion, inhalation, protect from skin/eye contact
Handling: Use gloves, goggles, local exhaust
Storage: Store dry, sealed, low temp, avoid sunlight
Raw Material Source: Derived from L-tartaric acid via hydrazinolysis or controlled hydrazide synthesis
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