(+)-Nicotine (+)-di-P-toluoyltartrate stands as a distinct salt formed by the chemical pairing of natural (+)-nicotine with (+)-di-p-toluoyltartaric acid, producing a compound valued in specialty synthesis and research. In commercial settings, pure (+)-nicotine shows up in tobacco and nicotine replacement products, but the tartaric counterpart, especially this di-p-toluoyl form, gets attention for its capacity to serve as a resolving agent, separating different enantiomers in chiral syntheses. The salt brings to the table a stable, non-volatile form with solubility and handling advantages over free nicotine, which is notorious for its volatility, toxicity, and hazardous vapor.
This compound is built at the molecular level through an ionic bond between the basic nitrogen of the nicotine molecule and the acidic protons of di-p-toluoyltartaric acid. The product’s formula binds two unique chiral centers, inheriting both the physiological activity of nicotine and the chirality of tartaric acid. Chemically, it lands in the class of organic salts, yielding a solid white or off-white crystalline appearance, often found as powder or flakes. The formula is C18H26N2O8 (empirical formula may vary if hydrated or anhydrous), reflective of nicotine’s C10H14N2 backbone modified by ester groups from the tartaric acid.
In the laboratory, this salt shows up as a solid. The substance usually forms in fine, crystalline powder or sporadically as small flakes or granular pearls. The density commonly ranges from 1.2 to 1.6 g/cm³ depending on hydration level and packing, which affects storage and transport safety. For solubility, it dissolves in polar solvents like water and ethanol, forming a clear, sometimes opalescent, solution, which is easier to handle and measure than pure nicotine. The melting point tends to be higher than free nicotine, generally above 110°C, granting the compound greater thermal stability, which is especially important in chemical manufacturing lines, analytical laboratories, and for those seeking alternatives to more hazardous nicotine preparations.
The harmonized system (HS) code for this compound typically falls under the umbrella of organic chemicals and their derivatives; most customs registries place it around 2939.39, covering alkaloid and derivative salts, which matches its composition and use profile. Raw material sourcing starts with high-purity (+)-nicotine, generally extracted from tobacco or produced synthetically, and di-p-toluoyltartaric acid, itself a product of tartaric acid modifications. Manufacturing quality depends on consistent feedstock, secure purification steps, and robust control over residual solvents and impurities. Factories process it with dedicated equipment to limit contamination since both main ingredients rank as controlled substances or hazardous materials across various regions.
From a safety viewpoint, the salt inherits nicotine’s acute toxicity and stimulant properties, which makes proper PPE and handling procedures not suggestions but requirements. Even stabilized in salt form, accidental ingestion or skin contact leads quickly to systemic toxicity—symptoms range from nausea and vomiting to, in severe cases, seizures or cardiorespiratory distress. Regulatory guidelines treat this compound as a hazardous and potentially harmful chemical; packaging usually comes with clear hazard pictograms, GHS labeling, and transport under strict ADR, DOT, or IATA conditions. Laboratory and industrial teams remain vigilant, employing fume hoods, gloves, and spill-containment methods. The salt form, while decreasing the volatility and improving safety compared to isolated nicotine liquid, does not erase its risk profile. Safe storage includes cool, dry environments, secured from incompatible chemicals, particularly oxidizing agents or acids.
Use cases center around fine chemical synthesis, chiral separation workflows, and pharmaceutical intermediate production, though legal and consumer restrictions often dictate which industries gain access. The compound’s sharply defined crystal structure allows precise measurement, crucial in analytical contexts, but also places the onus on suppliers and chemists to verify batch consistency, monitor purity levels, and respect storage stability data. An eye on hazardous waste disposal rounds out responsible usage—spent or contaminated product calls for incineration in approved facilities, never municipal landfills or drains. For those who see chemistry as a force for good, this material offers a way to work with nicotine in a less volatile, more manageable state, yet reminds all who touch it of the need for respect, training, and accountability.
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