(-)-Nicotine di-(+)-hydrogen tartrate forms when (-)-nicotine, an alkaloid found mainly in tobacco, reacts with tartaric acid to yield a crystalline salt. This substance showcases a unique set of features, shaped by the combination of natural nicotine's chiral structure with tartaric acid's acidic properties. In commercial laboratories and academia, this compound often stands out for its role in chemical synthesis, analytical research, and sometimes as a reference material. Familiarity with the fine details of this compound opens doors for further study on nicotine and its by-products, feeding curiosity about alkaloid chemistry, molecular behavior, and controlled use.
The physical form typically includes small, colorless to slightly off-white crystals, though one may encounter a powder or flaky solid depending on the synthesis and storage conditions. The structure organizes as a salt, with molecular formula C10H14N2·C4H6O6. This tight ion-pair assembly gives it solid characteristics, driven by ionic interactions between protonated nicotine molecules and the negatively charged tartrate. The density sits close to 1.3 g/cm3, supporting handling as a regular solid; still, its solubility in water marks it as highly amenable to making solutions, a practical trait for analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical research. Unlike many harsh industrial chemicals, this salt's physical state often comes in flakes or crystalline powder, making it easier to weigh and distribute without the risks tied to fine dust or volatile oils.
This compound features a robust molecular backbone, combining nicotine in its levorotatory (-) form—mirroring the natural version found in plants—with the dihydrogen tartrate anion, itself derived from (+)-tartaric acid. The chiral pairing in both natural ingredients grants the resulting salt reliable consistency in laboratory experiments. The pairing is not random; the tartrate anion forms hydrogen bonds with the nicotine cation, showcasing clear, predictable behavior under various conditions of heat, light, and humidity. In most scenarios, the salt retains stability, giving it reliability for storage and transportation, something that supports longer experimental timelines.
Product purity stays high, frequently exceeding 98%, as any contamination impacts both chemical reactivity and physical appearance. The melting point usually falls within 105–114°C, lower than individual nicotine’s boiling point, due partly to the ionic character and hydrated nature of this salt. The salt dissolves readily in water and in certain alcohols, making it suitable for aqueous chemistry where nicotine in its free base form could prove troublesome or volatile. Handling of the product does not usually result in strong odors, as the tartrate somewhat suppresses the aroma characteristic of pure nicotine, an aspect any lab technician or industrial worker can appreciate during routine work.
Classification by customs authorities relies on the harmonized system, placing (-)-Nicotine di-(+)-hydrogen tartrate within HS Code 2939.39.00 for alkaloid salts. This code eases international movement, allows reliable tracking, and requires documentation for proper import and export. Given nicotine’s status as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions, any shipper engages with careful paperwork, security protocols, and designated routes for legal compliance. Each step from warehouse shelf to delivery receives scrutiny, shaped by regulatory frameworks designed to stem unsafe diversion to unauthorized uses.
Nicotine salts, with all their scientific intrigue, do not leave room for careless handling. The substance is toxic—absorbed quickly through skin, inhaled as dust, or ingested—producing classic symptoms of nicotine poisoning at surprisingly small doses. Symptoms extend from nausea, dizziness, and rapid pulse, to serious respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological stress. Laboratories and production sites put heavy emphasis on gloves, masks, and eye protection, supplemented by effective ventilation. Smaller amounts get stored in tightly sealed containers to limit accidental exposure, evaporation, or waste contamination. Chemical compatibility charts advise keeping the salt apart from strong oxidizers and incompatible acids to prevent unwanted reactions. Disposal involves designated chemical waste streams, minimizing any trace release into waterways or the environment. Each step reflects a shared interest in safety: no one advances research or quality manufacturing by risking their own health or harming the community.
Production uses high-purity (-)-nicotine, typically extracted from tobacco leaves or synthesized via special methods, then combined with pharmaceutical-grade tartaric acid. Every supplier in the chain, from raw tobacco grower to final crystallizer, comes under review for consistency, quality, and compliance with safety and trade rules. Sourcing presents constant challenges—crop yields, environmental regulation, and market shifts all play their part. Questions about the sustainability and ethics of nicotine production run in parallel with technical assessments, as synthetic biology offers new routes for future supply divorced from tobacco agriculture. Responsible sourcing reduces risk in the supply chain and signals an industry-wide shift toward ethical stewardship.
Laboratories turn to (-)-Nicotine di-(+)-hydrogen tartrate for calibration, solution preparation, and reference analysis. Its well-defined structure and predictable dissolution streamline research, especially for those probing neurotransmitter pathways, toxicology, or addiction science. Pharmaceutical researchers find uses in analytical reference, where repeatability matters for regulatory filings. Though broader manufacturing uses remain rare—owing to safety and legal limits—expectations for growth in analytical and pharmacological studies keep interest alive. The challenge comes in balancing the substance’s value with the need to shield workers, end-users, and the environment from nicotine’s established hazards. Strong, actionable lab protocols, global trade compliance, waste reduction efforts, and ethical raw material sourcing, all act as building blocks for progress in science and industry. As research demands sharper standards and public oversight years for transparency, every facet of handling—storage, disposal, labeling—receives fresh scrutiny. This push for safety and stewardship, as much as technical prowess, marks the true legacy of any chemical business or academic lab tackling the complexities of (-)-Nicotine di-(+)-hydrogen tartrate.
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