(R)-3-(Methylthio)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester D-tartarate stands out as a chemical compound with a well-defined structure and wide application potential in chemical research and synthesis. This molecule contains a pyrrolidine ring with a methylthio group attached at the third carbon, an esterified carboxylic acid, all paired with D-tartaric acid to form the tartrate salt. Researchers often look for compounds like this for use in asymmetric synthesis, chiral catalysts, or in pharmaceutical intermediates, where purity, enantiomeric excess, and reactivity truly matter. The presence of D-tartarate improves solubility and stability across batches, which researchers find useful during scale-up and analytical verification.
The molecular formula for (R)-3-(Methylthio)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester D-tartarate is C7H13NO2S·C4H6O6. The structure combines a five-membered pyrrolidine ring with a methylthio group at position three and a methyl ester group. Attachment to D-tartaric acid shifts properties compared to the free base or hydrochloride salt. A proton NMR analysis reveals distinct peaks for the protons on the pyrrolidine and the tartarate moiety. Analytical chemists check specific rotation and melting point to confirm enantiomeric purity and proper formation of the acid salt.
Researchers working with this chemical observe it as a white to off-white crystalline solid under standard lab conditions. It often appears as fine flakes, irregular powders, or occasionally as small pearls, depending on the crystallization process and particle-size control after synthesis. A sharp melting point usually spans 120–135°C, which serves as a quality check for purity. Density values hover moderate, typical for pyrrolidine derivatives combined with tartaric acid, offering manageable handling in both manual and automated dispensing. Some batches display sensitivity to humidity or moisture, which leads chemists to store the substance in desiccators to avoid clumping or partial liquefaction. The compound dissolves moderately well in polar aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile or methanol, and yields clear colorless solutions at concentrations up to 100 mg/mL. In water, solubility shifts higher due to the tartarate counterion, though shelf-stability sometimes drops if pH drifts from neutral.
Safety and handling take priority with chiral intermediates like this. The compound requires use of nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and local ventilation to keep inhalation exposure low. Skin contact with the solid or solutions may cause mild irritation, so flushing with water after accidental contact lessens risk. Inhalation of dusts can irritate airways, but respiratory symptoms rarely persist with quick removal from exposure and fresh air. On larger scales, care must be taken to avoid static or friction that might generate dust. The solid is not considered highly flammable or explosive, but bulk storage away from strong oxidants, bases, and acids protects material quality and safety. Currently, no acute toxicity reports exist at common laboratory concentrations, though prudent researchers avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near active use. For waste, most labs use organic solvent containers for solutions and dry non-reactive solid collection for powders—regular review of MSDS and local regulatory guidelines keeps disposal in line with health requirements.
Chemists want reliable specs for their starting materials. For this compound, the usual purity standard runs greater than 98% (HPLC), with chiral purity exceeding 97% enantiomeric excess. Moisture content checked by Karl-Fischer titration should stay below 1% to prevent hydrolysis or degradation in long-term storage. Bulk density runs between 0.40 – 0.60 g/cm³ depending on grinding and preparation method. Particle size distribution comes into play in formulations, especially for pharmaceutical research, where uniform dispersion into solutions or solid matrices determines batch success. Labs often request COA documentation for each lot, including analytical results for assay, enantiomeric ratio, melting point, and appearance.
For customs and import tracking, (R)-3-(Methylthio)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester D-tartarate falls under the Harmonized System (HS) code 2933.99, which covers other heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatom(s) only. Researchers ordering from international suppliers check local jurisdiction for import controls or restrictions, since some pyrrolidine derivatives have controlled substance status in certain regions. So far, this specific tartrate salt does not feature on major lists of banned or regulated chemicals for research purposes in the United States or Europe. Keeping up-to-date documentation and batch traceability avoids regulatory stumbles during audits or shipments.
Chemists pursue this tartrate salt as a reliable intermediate, especially in the enantioselective synthesis of pharmaceutical candidates and fine chemicals. The raw materials include enantiopure (R)-3-(methylthio)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester and D-tartaric acid—both must meet high stereo-chemical and chemical purity levels to ensure the final product meets specification. Industries value this molecule as a scaffold for further derivatization, enabling synthesis of compounds targeting central nervous system or anti-infective research—the presence of pyrrolidine and methylthio groups offers a reactive platform with tunable solubility and biological compatibility.
Detailed molecular data drives research utility. Molecular weight for this salt sits around 299.31 g/mol, though batch calculation with hydrate or solvent inclusion adds 18–36 grams per mole depending on storage conditions and co-crystallization. The compound remains solid at room temperature, with minimal vapor pressure to worry about in fume hood environments. Crystallinity and polymorphism rarely cause problems, but lots with larger, needle-like crystals sometimes require extra grinding before weighing. Laboratories managing bulk inventories store in tightly sealed HDPE bottles, under nitrogen or argon if extended shelf-life or minimal oxidation matters for sensitive synthetic sequences.
From an occupational health perspective, hazardous properties stay moderate—main risks include eye, skin, and airway irritation. Large accidental spills require damp cloth or HEPA vacuum cleanup to minimize airborne dust, with prompt containerization for waste disposal. This compound degrades slowly in aqueous environments; environmental managers avoid discharge into sinks or unfiltered drains. If handled according to modern chemical hygiene plans, environmental release remains unlikely and health risks for handlers stay low. Researchers evaluating alternatives sometimes opt for this salt because lower toxicity and milder reactivity simplify compliance with lab safety and environmental codes.
Hands-on lab work with (R)-3-(Methylthio)pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester D-tartarate runs smoothly with good preparation. New users benefit from reviewing safety data sheets and attending refresher training before scaling up operations. Routine quality checks on raw materials and final product assure each batch meets analytical requirements—shortcuts on purity, moisture, or handling can lead to project setbacks or failed syntheses. Facilities committed to safety maintain chemical inventories, proper labeling, and spill-response kits at their workstations. Laboratories communicate hazards clearly, keep gloves and goggles stocked, and schedule regular audits of container integrity to minimize risks. By pairing technical insight with strong housekeeping, research teams get the most from this molecule while keeping health and environmental risks in check.
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