Meso-tartaric acid dimethyl ester lands itself in a space often discussed in both academic labs and commercial production facilities. This compound carries the formula C6H10O6, and acts as a specific organic molecule derived through esterification of meso-tartaric acid. Recognizable as a white to slightly off-white solid under standard conditions, it settles into everyday use as flakes, crystals, powder, or, depending on moisture and storage, even as compacted pearls. You can expect it to show crystalline structure under a microscope, not to mention its unique solubility profile that often favors moderate polar solvents, drawing on its diester layout.
One look at the molecular skeleton of meso-tartaric acid dimethyl ester, it frames two methyl ester groups replacing the carboxylic acid moieties of tartaric acid. Both centers of chirality fall into the meso category, so there’s no net optical activity in solution—something notable when you’re comparing enantiomers for specific syntheses. Every chemist appreciates details on the specifications: molar mass stacking up around 178.14 g/mol, density drifting near 1.37 g/cm³ at 20°C, melting point falling between 58°C to 62°C depending on the batch and drying conditions. From bulk raw materials to smaller synthesis scales, these points matter for both storage and downstream processing.
As for the form, solid state dominates norms, typically arriving as dry crystals or flakes—sometimes as a fine powder depending on handling and milling. In liquid or dissolved form, it sports appreciable clarity, a sign of proper synthesis and purification. Scent remains faint, not pungent or harsh as you find with some higher esters. Handling a jar of meso-tartaric acid dimethyl ester pulls you into the familiar feel of well-dried organics, not sticky or tacky—moisture wreaks havoc on purity here. Packing density lines up with the crystalline nature, which lets you measure larger quantities without excessive clumping, a genuine advantage for weighing in both research and production settings.
Interest in this ester comes from its reliable behavior in organic synthesis, especially as an intermediate. Key applications focus on building chiral molecules or as a protecting group for selective reactions. For some, it means a dependable intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, where meso analogues matter for stereospecific outcomes. Others spot its value in academic synthesis as a clear example for studying esterification and stereochemistry. Acquiring the right quality makes the difference: impure material can introduce racemization or lower reaction yields, something every practicing chemist finds out quickly.
HS Code for trade tracks to 2918.19, covering carboxylic acids and their esters, and fits customs and shipping schedules with no ambiguity. Safety data marks it as a low-moderate hazard chemical for daily handling. Meso-tartaric acid dimethyl ester warrants gloves, goggles, solid ventilation—those standard chemical hygiene habits formed in any decent lab. Breathing dust, eating, or skin contact won’t seem prudent. Harm comes from general ester irritation if inhaled or exposed to skin for prolonged periods, so storing in tightly sealed containers goes hand in hand with best practices—keep it dry and away from acids or bases, which could break up or hydrolyze the ester bond and reduce shelf life. Spills get dealt with through solid clean-up—no heating or flames nearby, since just about any organic powder poses a fine combustible risk.
Sourcing draws mainly from standard chemical suppliers who run high-purity tartaric acid streams and methylation processes scaled for quality. The raw materials—meso-tartaric acid and methanol—set the table for both cost and purity, and you spot the difference in reaction performance immediately. A background in chemical sourcing tells you that vendor quality shows through, not just in price but in how consistently the material delivers on batch reproducibility, color, and melt profile. Place the right call early in the procurement cycle, and it saves hours of troubleshooting and rework down the line.
Chemicals like meso-tartaric acid dimethyl ester deserve careful end-of-life attention. Unused or spent material needs collection as chemical waste, routed toward proper incineration or registered disposal, so none of it leaks into municipal water or soil. It doesn’t persist in the environment like heavy metals or halogenated organics, but scaling up to any significant quantity always adds up. Every lab and plant manager I’ve worked with stresses tight inventory control, secure storage, and waste records as a matter of routine discipline. This approach not only keeps people safe, it also stands as the line between responsible industry and poor neighbor.
Working with meso-tartaric acid dimethyl ester links the textbook to the bench top, bringing academic ideas into industrial reality. Proper respect in sourcing, handling, and disposal sets the difference between high-functioning operations and Murphy’s Law incarnate. With a solid understanding of its specs, behavior, and safety, this compound stays a reliable tool in the organic chemist’s repertoire, tying together safe working conditions with reproducible scientific outcomes and mindful stewardship of the environment.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
