Sodium bitartrate monohydrate falls under the category of organic acid salts with wide-ranging applications across different industries. Known among chemists by its formula NaC4H5O6·H2O, this compound comes from tartaric acid. Produced through the reaction between tartaric acid and sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, it forms a crystalline solid that looks much like fine powder, flake, or even tiny pearls depending on the process and intended end use. The HS Code for sodium bitartrate monohydrate often appears as 2918.13, placing it within the family of carboxylic acid salts. Most people encounter sodium bitartrate in its white, odorless form, though its role extends far beyond the laboratory.
Sodium bitartrate monohydrate appears as a crystalline powder or, in some commercial settings, as slightly larger crystals resembling flakes. Its density lands near 1.8 g/cm3, giving it substance without becoming too tough to dissolve in water. Exposure to humid air causes these crystals to cake up over time. On a closer look, the molecular structure features a sodium ion locked to the bitartrate anion, which itself contains a single water molecule within each formula unit. This hydration explains many of its handling and storage requirements, especially in bulk raw material shipments. My own experience handling this compound shows how even small differences in particle size—powder versus flakes or pearls—can affect mixing and flow behavior in large-scale production.
Take sodium bitartrate monohydrate’s solubility as a starting point—about 22 grams dissolve in 100 milliliters of water at standard temperatures. That ease of dissolution makes direct use possible in a range of food, pharmaceutical, and chemical processes. Most of what I’ve seen is a pure white solid, usually free-flowing right after production but often clumping without proper storage. The melting point sits around 100 °C, yet the monohydrate form loses its water content well below this mark, so it transitions to an anhydrous state on gentle heating. For chemical purposes, a reliable assay sits above 99% purity, often tested by titration. Such high-purity grades find use in sensitive applications, including laboratory settings and specialized food products.
Manufacturers send out sodium bitartrate monohydrate in many forms. Powder forms mix quickly with liquids, stream easily into industrial hoppers, and blend well with other fine particles. Flake and pearl grades reduce dust for bulk operations, letting workers handle the raw materials with less respiratory risk and reducing mess in large mixers. Crystal chunks—less common, but useful in pilot batches or customized blending—hold up against moisture uptake. When dissolved, the compound creates a clear, slightly acidic solution, perfect for titration or adjusting pH in chemical reactions. From my own work prepping solutions, the speed at which it dissolves beats many other acid salts—saves time and cuts down on agitation energy.
Sodium bitartrate monohydrate carries a reputation for relative safety, but that does not mean it can be tossed around carelessly. Like many acidic salts, sustained contact with skin or eyes brings irritation, and dust inhalation becomes a concern in busy production lines. Old hands recommend simple eye protection, gloves, and dust masks during extended exposure. In the case of spills, a bit of water mops up the residue, and solid waste heads out with regular chemical byproducts. Still, improper storage—especially in a damp warehouse or near incompatible materials—raises the risk of caking or slow decomposition, especially near strong oxidizers. Anyone familiar with regulatory paperwork knows the compound does not fall into hazardous transport classes under most circumstances, yet good labeling practice prevents mix-ups in shared chemical stores.
In my professional circles, sodium bitartrate monohydrate shows up as both a finished product and a stepping stone in bigger chemical syntheses. The compound’s acidity brings use as a pH adjuster, leavening agent, and buffering component in food and pharmaceutical processing. Often it enters reactions where precise acidity control matters, including some dye production and organic synthesis routes, especially as a chiral auxiliary. The presence of tartaric acid in food applications allows it to function as a stabilizer or even a dietary component, although its primary reputation relies on functional performance rather than flavor. Producers sourcing raw materials for industrial or food-grade purposes depend on the steady quality of sodium bitartrate monohydrate, as even slight deviations change final product consistency.
In bulk production or logistics, density matters—not just the textbook number, but the way actual powder or crystals pour and pack. A solid at room temperature, sodium bitartrate monohydrate fills containers with decent efficiency, but the exact volume per kilogram shifts between loose powder, flakes, or compressed crystals. In transport paperwork, vendors refer to the density in g/cm3, yet anyone managing a warehouse prefers to think in kilograms per liter, as this instructs how many bags or drums the next shipment requires. Facility managers keen on reducing spoilage keep the raw material sealed from humid air, as moisture not only builds up weight but can set off chemical changes that reduce storage life or add hidden costs.
Those preparing solutions for laboratory use or manufacturing tackle stability questions nearly every day. Kept sealed and dry, sodium bitartrate monohydrate rides out months or even years with no visible change—a handy trait in a fast-paced facility. Dissolved in water, the compound forms a weakly acidic solution, quickly consumed in pH-sensitive manufacturing steps or quality control measured against standard buffers. From direct experience, freshly prepared solutions work best—stale or contaminated stock loses effectiveness, sometimes in a way not noticeable until test results go off target. For food uses, shelf life depends more on packaging and moisture exclusion than anything specific to the chemical, a fact often passed from floor manager to purchasing agent in quiet hallway conversations.
Sodium bitartrate monohydrate as a raw material ranks far down the chemical hazard scale, yet responsible operations treat all reagents with respect. Accidental ingestion usually causes minor discomfort, while skin or eye exposure brings temporary irritation, rarely anything more if rinsed quickly. The main risk comes from frequent or careless exposure to powder dust, especially for workers in large-scale packaging or blending rooms. I’ve learned to check for updated safety sheets before signing off on new supplier lots, as even minor changes in manufacturing run or regional regulations affect labeling and workplace safety requirements. Chemical incompatibility lies mainly in contact with strong bases or oxidizers, which either decompose the compound or produce unwanted side reactions.
Among all the organic acid salts, sodium bitartrate monohydrate stands apart because of its balance between mild reactivity and broad utility. Whether deployed in precision chemistry or as a stabilizer in food production, the compound continues to earn trust through performance and consistency. Experienced procurement specialists look beyond the basics, searching for suppliers who guarantee low moisture, dust control, and reliable particle form every shipment. As science and manufacturing develop tighter requirements, closer attention falls on the quality and origin of every drum and bag that enters the supply chain. The story of sodium bitartrate monohydrate shows that even the most unassuming chemical plays a significant role in modern industry—demanding a practical, safety-minded approach at every step.
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