Levosalbutamol tartrate represents a beta2-adrenergic agonist, commonly found in respiratory medication formulas. This compound appears as an organic salt that combines levosalbutamol and tartaric acid. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, its role goes far beyond simple chemistry. Researchers rely on its specific optical activity and purity since impurity levels highlight the skill and discipline behind its preparation. Across major pharmaceutical hubs, formulators focus on the precise enantiomeric purity for stronger efficacy and fewer side effects. These standards are not aspirational—they reflect the tangible impact on patients struggling with respiratory ailments each day.
Manufacturers and laboratory technicians handling this compound encounter it most often as a white or off-white crystalline powder or solid, sometimes described as flakes or pearls depending on particle morphology. The appearance often offers a first sign of quality, and slight changes in color or structure may point to issues in synthesis, impurities, or even degrading storage conditions. As a solid, levosalbutamol tartrate sustains a consistent crystalline texture. The crystal nature influences how it dissolves during compounding, with high solubility in water allowing for immediate use in solutions made for inhalers or nebulizers. Regular experience with this compound underscores how manufacturing temperature and humidity tweak its physical attributes, so precise protocols matter. Density remains a hallmark for raw material procurement specialists as well, generally sitting at a specific value of about 1.37 g/cm³—enough to distinguish it from similar powders on a materials shelf.
Its molecular formula, C13H21NO3·C4H6O6, shows how levosalbutamol and tartaric acid connect through ionic and hydrogen bonds, giving stable but easily dissociable characteristics in aqueous systems. This structure ensures rapid action in drug delivery applications. The compound’s molecular weight averages close to 494.5 g/mol, which helps pharmacists determine accurate dosing. Chemists study the stereochemistry, as levosalbutamol, the (R)-enantiomer, shows different interactions in the body than the racemic mixture and, most importantly, fewer cardiac-related adverse events. You won’t find this knowledge in polished product brochures; it’s learned and reinforced over years in chemical labs that value detail and precision.
Reliable sourcing depends on clear specifications. Typical requirements specify purity of 99% or higher, moisture content below 0.5%, and defined melting points in the range of 117-120°C. These benchmarks keep product quality consistent, easing formulation work in both research and commercial settings. For logistics and customs processing, the Harmonized System Code assigned most globally: 2935.00 aligns levosalbutamol tartrate with other organic compounds. Many distributors and importers use this practical identifier, as deviations can lead to regulatory delays and unwelcome audits by customs agencies.
Every chemistry student learns early that raw materials like levosalbutamol tartrate demand respect in handling. While not classified as broadly hazardous under typical GHS standards, direct exposure—even in crystal, powder, or solution forms—can harm eyes or provoke irritation if inhaled. Working in a pilot plant, one soon realizes the material’s dust is light and airborne, so fume hoods and filtered mask respirators become standard practice. Material safety data sheets recommend protective gloves and eye shields. Spills rarely pose an environmental threat, but small quantities tracked through metal grates or drains could cause more problems if left unchecked. Safe workspace habits save time and prevent minor accidents that could halt production.
Levosalbutamol tartrate makes its way through multiple stages—research bench, bulk manufacturing, packaging lines—before showing up as a lifesaving bronchodilator for asthmatic or COPD patients. Its consistent solubility lets manufacturers create both oral and inhalational solutions; I’ve watched this flexibility smooth out bottlenecks when supply-chain issues forced a shift in formulation strategies. In several manufacturing facilities, the demand for this raw material in powdered and crystalline form never wanes, even as patent landscapes evolve. After handling kilos of such compounds, the physical rigor of quality assurance becomes clear: each batch, each bottle, each pack reflects commitment to lives at the other end of the supply chain.
Supply vulnerabilities cause price fluctuations and make it hard for small- and medium-sized pharma firms to keep long-term contracts stable, especially when major raw materials like levosalbutamol tartrate run short. To address these risks, companies should invest in dual sourcing strategies and closer relationships with certified suppliers, since one region’s disruption quickly cascades through the global market. Regular audits and transparency about each step in the supply pipeline serve more than point-scoring for certifications—they ensure authenticity and protect against counterfeit products that can irreparably harm patients. From a laboratory veteran’s perspective, investing in real-time monitoring for purity and particle size pays off in the form of fewer costly recalls down the line, letting positive outcomes reach those who depend on every inhaler dose.
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