Noradrenaline, tartrate (1:1), often called norepinephrine tartrate, comes from blending the neurotransmitter noradrenaline with tartaric acid. This chemical serves important functions in medicine, research, and sometimes manufacturing. Noradrenaline itself acts as a stress hormone and neurotransmitter, crucial for managing blood pressure and alertness. Combining it with tartaric acid results in improved stability and solubility, making it feasible to store, transport, and use under precise conditions. Folks who handle this material see it as a lifeline in emergencies; in hospitals, doctors reach for it to raise dangerously low blood pressure. The utility doesn't stop there, with its role stretching into the lab, helping researchers unravel mysteries tied to stress and nervous system responses.
The tangible look and feel of noradrenaline tartrate (1:1) matter a lot for storage, dosing, and safety. Most suppliers deliver it as a white to off-white powder, sometimes forming small flakes or pearls. A fine powder usually means easy dissolution—critical when doctors have only seconds to prepare a life-saving injection. This material weighs in with a specific molecular formula: C8H11NO3.C4H6O6, combining noradrenaline and tartaric acid in equal measure. The molecular weight stands at 339.30 g/mol. In physical handling, density hovers around 1.5 g/cm³, though slight variations pop up depending on batch and storage conditions. Noradrenaline tartrate seldom comes as a liquid, since stability fares better in solid form. Water solubility makes it adaptable for solutions, letting hospitals and labs prepare exact concentrations on demand. In my experience, labs appreciate how easily it dissolves at room temperature—no need for excessive stirring or heating.
Looking deeper, the chemical skeleton of noradrenaline tartrate defines both its value and its hazards. Noradrenaline itself carries both a catecholamine backbone and a secondary amine. The tartaric acid partner stabilizes the molecule, reducing sensitivity to light and air, which would quickly degrade pure noradrenaline. The structure includes multiple hydroxyl groups, so the powder attracts moisture and clumps if left open. Anyone preparing this material needs a dry, airtight container and a cool, dark shelf. It acts as a base in reactions, giving it a mild alkalinity. While the chemical is stable under recommended conditions, it starts to degrade above 40°C or with exposure to strong acids or oxidizers. Folks in chemical supply know to keep incompatible materials apart to prevent accidental decomposition or release of hazardous byproducts.
Each batch going out the door must follow rigid specifications. Purity typically exceeds 98%, with impurities controlled to pharmaceutical standards. Moisture content should not creep above 1%. Comprehensive specs extend to appearance, melting point (ranging from 150°C to 158°C), solubility, and safe handling advice. Solution clarity is critical—hospitals require crystal-clear injectable preparations, so any sign of haze or sediment sends the batch back for inspection. The exacting standard protects patients from unintended effects, which matters when seconds can separate survival from tragedy in emergency care.
Globally, noradrenaline tartrate fits under HS Code 2922.49, grouping it among other organic compounds and pharmaceutical intermediates. Customs agents rely on this code for tracking and regulating shipments. Raw materials start with synthetic noradrenaline, produced in strictly controlled chemical environments, then neutralized with tartaric acid derived from natural sources, like grapes. Distributors and pharmacists often find sourcing reliable raw materials both expensive and challenging, as regulations demand full traceability. There's a real public health interest here; intermediates or contaminated inputs can lead to compromised batches, affecting whole supplies in regional hospitals or research facilities.
Noradrenaline tartrate brings a mix of benefits and hazards. Direct skin or inhalation exposure can cause irritation, especially to eyes and mucous membranes. Accidental ingestion or injection by the untrained could raise blood pressure, cause arrhythmias, or trigger headaches and anxiety. Every package comes with Material Safety Data Sheets, looping in hazard symbols and warnings. In storage, staff keep it away from heat, direct sunlight, acids, and oxidizers. Gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses serve as first-line defense. I recall a frantic nurse seeking the right dosage during a code blue—undiluted, mishandled powder would be downright dangerous in that moment. Proper training stalls catastrophe and ensures noradrenaline works for patients, not against them.
Addressing risks and bottlenecks around noradrenaline tartrate starts at the supply chain. Producers should maintain tight controls on both noradrenaline and tartaric acid sourcing, adopting full batch traceability and quick reporting for cross-border shipments. Pharmacies can shrink risks by sticking to trusted suppliers whose records and quality systems hold up under inspection. In the hospital or lab, safety training has a big return—annual drills, up-to-date instructions, and easy-access safety gear protect everyone. Innovations in packaging—like single-use, premeasured vials—drive down human error. Digital solutions using barcodes save pharmacists from time-consuming manual checks. Pulling these threads together lifts both safety and reliability, so doctors and researchers can focus on results, not on paperwork or last-minute risks.