Oxedrine tartrate stands as a synthetic compound recognized for its use in chemical and pharmaceutical fields. This material appears most commonly as a crystalline solid or fine powder, with a texture that easily reminds one of table salt or white sugar crystals. The product doesn’t give off a strong odor, which makes handling a straightforward process for those with experience in laboratories or chemical storage facilities. Oxedrine tartrate’s distinctive property is its fast dissolution in water, a fact that plays into its practical applications, especially in solutions and mixtures. I recall handling similar crystalline materials during my chemistry studies, where the clarity and consistency of crystals told us a lot about their purity and origin.
The molecular formula for oxedrine tartrate reads C9H13NO2·C4H6O6, signifying a combination of oxedrine, also known as synephrine, and tartaric acid. The two components link through ionic bonds, resulting in a salt formation that enhances stability in storage and use. Chemical diagrams of oxedrine tartrate reveal a complex arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms, indicative of its functional groups and pharmaceutical relevance. Structural analysis shows that the tartaric acid portion helps buffer the compound, improving its solubility and reducing volatility compared to other raw amines. Students and industry folks working with acids and organic salts will appreciate how this structure affects both reactivity and shelf life.
Oxedrine tartrate’s properties reflect its intended uses and risk profile. The compound generally presents as a white to off-white material, either as flakes, powder, or crystalline granules. The density typically falls around 1.3–1.4 g/cm3, with a melting point monitored for purity assurance, often cited between 250–255 °C. Its specific gravity and solubility in water distinguish it from other stimulant bases, allowing accurate formulation and dosing. I’ve observed in the lab that oxedrine tartrate remains stable under standard storage conditions, unlike more sensitive analogs that demand inert gas or cold-chain logistics.
Trade and regulation recognize oxedrine tartrate under the Harmonized System (HS) Code: 2922.50, which falls within the classification for aminoalcohols and their derivatives. Accurate labeling meets compliance needs for customs and transport. From a safety perspective, oxedrine tartrate carries risk designations typical of bioactive amine salts. Exposure risks include irritation to eyes or skin and, when handled in bulk, inhalation exposure that could cause discomfort or mild symptoms. Any chemical handling in bulk presents risks. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) note storage recommendations involving sealed containers in dry, well-ventilated spaces. I’ve followed those same instructions in academic and industrial settings, since small lapses can cause contamination or unwanted reactions, especially in raw material storage.
Industry supplies oxedrine tartrate in forms varied as powder, crystalline flakes, small pearls, or occasionally as a concentrated liquid solution. Each option suits a particular use case—pharmaceutical manufacturing favors fine powder for tabletting and capsule filling, while solution formats ease mixing in beverage and supplement applications. Lab-scale chemists often request pure crystals or powder to support analytical assay work. Solid forms exhibit high flow properties, making batch production smoother. As someone who’s worked with different material formats, I know that the form can affect everything from measurement accuracy to cleaning procedures in a processing facility.
Unlike many older stimulants derived from plant materials, oxedrine tartrate comes from synthetic processes, starting with the chemical synthesis of synephrine followed by neutralization using tartaric acid. The raw materials are commonly available, sourced from established chemical suppliers rather than botanical extractions, ensuring consistency and scalability for industrial usage. This approach standardizes quality, unlike plant-derived alkaloids where variable crop conditions influence final product output. Large-scale synthesis also means traceability—a key demand in pharmaceutical chains. Companies often invest in vendor audits and testing, and my consults with manufacturers have shown that synthetic methods yield fewer batch discrepancies, streamlining compliance with drug and chemical regulations.
Oxedrine tartrate has a recorded safety profile that sets it apart from more aggressive compounds, but that doesn’t mean it’s free from risk. Direct contact may provoke mild irritation, so gloves and goggles remain a wise choice in any laboratory or production setting. Inhalation of the powder, while not toxic at low doses, could irritate sensitive individuals, emphasizing the need for respirators in some facilities. Major chemical spills of oxedrine tartrate aren’t common, yet cleanup procedures must reflect the potential for slip or dust exposure in a busy workspace. I find that a good chemical hygiene plan and staff training can greatly reduce risk. Yet, as with any bioactive compound, strict inventory management and access controls should always govern storage and handling protocols to secure both workers’ health and public safety.
Safe management of oxedrine tartrate starts with proper education. Staff engaged in its handling should understand its properties, read the relevant MSDS, and respect personal protective equipment requirements. Ventilation in storage and processing areas remains important to prevent dust buildup. Storage containers ought to be labeled appropriately, and regular safety audits should back up written procedures. I know from my own workplace experience that even small changes in workflow—like installing an updated chemical fume hood—reduce unnecessary exposure. Quality assurance teams can push for regular testing to catch contamination before it leaves the warehouse. Traceability in sourcing supports both recalls and compliance audits, building trust with regulators and customers. For downstream users—formulators, lab techs, researchers—the clarity of the product label and specification sheet serves as the first line of defense, giving everyone clear expectations about reactivity, solubility, and risk. By combining technical expertise, ongoing training, and strict controls, the everyday handling and application of oxedrine tartrate stay safe and reliable.