(-)-R-Norepinephrine bitartrate stands as a crystalline solid with a sharp and well-defined appearance, often taking on a fine powder or, in some cases, slightly granular flakes that slip easily through the fingers. This chemical, classified under raw materials and referenced by HS Code 29393000, finds steady use across research labs and pharmaceutical industries, thanks to its role in both experimental chemistry and as a building block for medical compounds. The material carries a unique molecular structure: C8H11NO3·C4H6O6, with a molar mass approaching 337.3 g/mol. The bitartrate salt enhances stability, lowering freebase volatility while preserving the integrity of norepinephrine’s pharmacological profile. You’re not dealing with an everyday over-the-counter substance—handling and storage demand a respect for its reactivity and biological properties.
Norepinephrine bitartrate’s physical presence reveals itself right away—visually white to off-white, and too fine to clump much under typical lab humidity. The crystalline form sparkles slightly in direct light, a hint at its purity when prepared correctly. Sometimes it settles into small pearls or a soft flake layer in its container, dusting gloves and weighing boats as techs produce stock solutions. With a measured density of 1.59 g/cm3, its bulk manages to pack tightly without bridging or compacting like some sticky powders. Solubility trends set the tone for formulation: in water, it dissolves fast, moving to a colorless, clear solution often used for injection or further dilution. The transition of solid to clear solution fits standard lab prep with no persistent residue.
On a molecular level, (-)-R-Norepinephrine bitartrate contains a catechol ring, an ethylamine side-chain, and tartaric acid as its counterion stabilizer. This structure means reactivity centers around both the amine and the catechol hydroxyl groups, which play roles in biological signaling pathways. In pharmaceutical contexts, this bitartrate salt serves a specific advantage: reduced oxidation compared to pure norepinephrine base and enhanced shelf life. The melting point typically falls between 263–267°C (decomposition), so usual lab or transport conditions stay far below this threshold. The chemical formula, C8H11NO3·C4H6O6, highlights the ratio of norepinephrine to tartaric acid in a stable pairing. Its pH in aqueous solutions gravitates between 3.0 and 5.0, staying comfortably acidic due to the bitartrate’s buffering edge.
Material specs place purity above 98% for research and manufacturing grade. Impurities stick out in spectral and chromatographic analysis, so reliable suppliers deliver certificates with every lot. Each batch matches a chemical fingerprint confirmed by FTIR and NMR, essential for medical applications where safety dominates the discussion. Density readings matter not just on paper—in practice, you see their effect during solution preparation and aliquoting for freeze-drying steps. The powder must remain dry, stored in airtight containers away from light and air, or else it may degrade and lose potency. Each gram delivers the full pharmacological punch, so accurate weighing and mixing support both consistency and compliance with manufacturing standards. In solution, it holds steady for days if refrigerated and protected from light.
Anyone working with (-)-R-Norepinephrine bitartrate stays aware of health and safety risks. Both the raw material and formulations pose hazards if inhaled, ingested, or exposed to skin; reports often highlight possible irritation and cardiovascular effects with improper handling. Safe material handling involves gloves, goggles, and fume hoods, not for show but because of the real risk that accidental spills or dust can pose. Personnel read and understand material safety data sheets before starting work. The compound does not burn easily but should not contact open flames or strong oxidizers. Waste gets segregated with other hazardous organics, and protocols keep it out of standard trash streams. In my experience, it’s easy to grow complacent around familiar materials, but with norepinephrine derivatives, reminders and retraining make a difference—close calls come less often when teams stay diligent.
Norepinephrine bitartrate’s reputation in the raw materials market rests on both its biological effectiveness and its compatibility with pharmaceutical processes. It acts as both a finished drug component and a precursor for synthesis of more complex ingredients. Its importance expands every year as research digs deeper into neurological and cardiovascular targets. Logistics teams know it as a scheduled compound, requiring tight chain-of-custody and record keeping. Regulatory documentation matches its specialized handling, showing the collective effort to keep both operators and end-users safe. Pharmacists and research chemists appreciate the predictability of the crystalline solid, with dosing accuracy down to the milligram when weighed on a calibrated scale.
The world of chemicals keeps moving, and challenges around norepinephrine bitartrate never disappear completely. Sourcing issues, purity concerns, and changing regulations around controlled substances disrupt workflows and production plans. Some labs struggle with access to authenticated, GMP-certified lots, raising costs or forcing delays in time-sensitive programs. The solution calls for tighter partnerships between suppliers and end-users, real-time inventory tracking, and better sharing of lot history. Automated storage and dispensing systems along with enhanced employee training push back against mishaps and waste. Research into stabilization and sustainable synthesis sets a forward-thinking tone, giving the industry hope for less volatility in supply and more trust in quality. From firsthand experience, the difference between a smooth release campaign and a scramble for backup stock often boils down to these practical investments in systems and people.
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