Lorcaserin-L-tartrate: Substance Description, Characteristics and Material Insights

What is Lorcaserin-L-tartrate?

Lorcaserin-L-tartrate stands out in the chemical landscape as a distinctive crystalline solid. Recognized in pharmaceutical circles, this compound acts as a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist, which means its structure fits neatly into a niche role supporting therapeutic developments for weight management. Its identity as the tartrate salt of Lorcaserin influences both its stability and solubility, adding nuances for those who handle, store, or synthesize it. Many labs seek out detailed information about its constitution before considering any application or further formulation.

Products and Applications Rooted in Raw Material Properties

Raw Lorcaserin-L-tartrate typically presents as a white to off-white crystalline powder. Researchers working in pharmaceutical development notice its fine, cohesive flakes or, less commonly, small pearls or granules depending on processing methods. Each phenotype—whether powder, flakes, or crystals—comes from subtle tweaks during synthesis or purification, yet delivers the same trusted foundation for downstream processes. As raw material, purity must exceed 99%, because byproducts can disrupt both efficacy and safety in finished drugs. Advanced chromatographic tests validate this purity to reassure teams overseeing quality control.

Structure and Molecular Pathways

Looking under the hood, its molecular formula reads C11H15Cl2N·C4H6O6. The structure fuses a Lorcaserin base with an L-tartaric acid counterion, arranged to maximize stability and bioavailability. Molecular weight sits around 386.2 g/mol, a fact that matters in scaling up production batches or calculating reagent ratios during synthesis. The geometry—incorporating both aromatic rings and tartrate moieties—plays a role in solubility characteristics, especially in aqueous or mildly acidic solutions. While hands-on researchers think about structure-function relationships for design, analysts check that the batch behavior matches the theoretical predictions.

Physical Properties That Shape Handling and Storage

Solid at room temperature, Lorcaserin-L-tartrate boasts a density typically falling near 1.37 g/cm3. The crystal habit shows good resistance to ambient humidity, yet in high-moisture environments, the powder may clump or lose flow. Its solubility in water registers as moderate, which means direct uses in aqueous formulations sometimes require pH adjustments or solvent blending. The melting point usually lines up between 198ºC and 202ºC—helpful data for those needing to separate, dry, or prepare the material before compounding. Handling teams use this thermal info to select appropriate containers and avoid unintended degradation during transport.

Material Specifications and International Classification

Specification sheets consistently highlight a clear set of boundaries for Lorcaserin-L-tartrate: particle size under 100 microns, moisture content below 1%, and minimal heavy metal traces. Spectral signatures stamp its authenticity, and supply chains use the HS Code 2934999099 to guide international shipment and customs. This code tells regulatory and industry partners exactly what crosses borders, reducing hassle for importers and streamlining compliance checks. Reliable material data builds confidence among purchasing teams who invest in shipment after shipment of bulk chemical intermediates.

Chemical Safety, Hazards, and Toxicity Considerations

Any time teams work with active pharmaceutical materials, safety draws special scrutiny. Lorcaserin-L-tartrate requires basic chemical precautions—protective gloves, dust masks, and eyewash stations for those measuring or transferring powder. Direct contact with eyes or skin can cause irritation, an issue particularly in large-scale manufacturing sites where exposure risk grows. Safety data indicates a low flammability risk under normal conditions, but inhalation or unintended ingestion must be avoided. Local environmental managers keep the workspace well-ventilated and maintain spill kits in immediate reach because chemical dust, if released, could be harmful before cleanup.

Potential for Harm and Handling Protocols

Researchers and facility managers exchange extensive notes about toxicological profiles. Animal studies point to the dangers linked to unregulated exposure, even at moderate doses. Regular monitoring and workplace training rank as effective measures for reducing accidental contact or environmental release. Waste management remains a key concern, with disposal guided by both regional regulatory frameworks and standard hazardous waste guidelines, especially due to the possible accumulation in biological systems. Protective policies safeguard both the workforce and the broader ecosystem beyond the lab.

Improving Safety and Future Approaches

Modern labs continually hunt for better engineering controls, such as contained handling units or inert-atmosphere hoods, to limit dust and airborne risks. Automated dispensing and remote monitoring reduce manual exposure. Personal experience in small pilot plants suggests robust SOPs and peer-to-peer review spot the gaps that expensive equipment sometimes misses. Communication and clear labeling ensure new staff integrate safely, with minimal missteps or near-misses. Over time, shifts toward greener chemistry and reduced-hazard intermediates may ease pressure, but vigilance remains essential so the benefits of Lorcaserin-L-tartrate reach patients and manufacturers without compromising safety or integrity along the way.