Tartaric acid dihydrazide stands out as a specialized chemical compound, recognized by its systematic name and the distinct makeup that sets it apart from other tartaric acid derivatives. This compound takes on the formula C4H10N4O4, with a molecular weight of 178.15 g/mol. Its appearance can shift depending on how it's prepared and stored. Most often, you will find it as a white to off-white crystalline solid. Sometimes, processing shapes it into flakes or a fine powder, providing flexibility in different industrial applications.
Structure-wise, tartaric acid dihydrazide contains two hydrazide moieties attached to a tartaric acid backbone. The molecule’s structure favors strong hydrogen bonding, which impacts both melting point and solubility. Instead of dissolving easily in every solvent, it responds best to polar solvents, such as water or alcohol, often forming a workable solution for further processing. Depending on purity and synthesis, density ranges between 1.35 and 1.45 g/cm3. Among laboratory workers, the crystalline nature—sometimes appearing as small, pearly solids or coarse powder—is easy to recognize.
Chemical plants and research labs dealing with tartaric acid dihydrazide treat it as a specialized raw material. The product classes often adhere to specification benchmarks such as purity above 98%, moisture not exceeding 0.5%, and consistent particle sizing for easier handling. Monitoring these parameters directly ties into application reliability, and manufacturers will lean on batch-specific certificates of analysis for confirmation. Its international trade identification falls under HS Code 2928009090, classifying it as an organic nitrogen compound, which influences documentation at customs and affects shipping and regulatory paperwork.
The compound usually comes packed in tightly sealed HDPE drums or moisture-proof bags. A packaging standard of 25 kg per drum shows up across several suppliers, though customers can request other amounts according to their processing requirements. Avoiding exposure to excess air and humidity stands as a key factor, as both compromise stability. Chemical industries, especially those concerned with pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemical synthesis, appreciate its solid and stable form, as this property supports safer storage and accurate dosing in production environments.
Chemically, tartaric acid dihydrazide acts as a mild reducing agent. It doesn't display flammability below standard lab temperatures and resists fast degradation in ambient conditions. The molecule offers two hydrazide groups, which take part in forming coordination complexes with transition metals or serving as intermediates in organic synthesis. This flexibility in reactivity means it plays a role in specialized colorimetric assays and acts as a linkage point in some pharmaceutical syntheses.
Most commercial shipments contain the solid form: crystalline powder, flakes, or a granulated product. Liquids and prepared solutions appear less frequently, mainly because the solid holds up better over time and costs less to transport. In certain lab setups, a prepared solution in water can offer more exact dosing during application but demands care to avoid decomposition.
Safety around tartaric acid dihydrazide starts at storage. Avoid letting the compound contact open flames or strong oxidizing agents. Don’t keep containers in areas with high humidity, as long-term water contact can lead to partial breakdown and compromise the entire batch. Workers handling the material need gloves, goggles, and basic lab coats to prevent skin or eye irritation. Accidental spills call for careful cleanup using inert adsorbent materials—no need for harsh solvents or strong bases, as the compound is only weakly acidic.
Though not classified among the most hazardous chemicals, tartaric acid dihydrazide does carry warnings about possible inhalation or ingestion effects. Inhalation of dust particles may irritate respiratory passages, and accidental swallowing could prompt mild gastrointestinal discomfort. To keep exposures down, good exhaust ventilation and masks work well, especially when blending or sifting large batches. In case of skin contact, washing with simple soap and water handles almost all scenarios.
While its market presence remains limited to select chemical and pharmaceutical domains, tartaric acid dihydrazide offers something unique: clean hydrazide functional groups that react only in controlled settings. In synthetic chemistry, the reagent finds use in constructing heterocyclic compounds or stabilizing colorimetric reactions for analytic assays. Some research groups employ it for crystal engineering projects, taking advantage of the molecule’s precise hydrogen-bonding tendencies. My own experience with lab use confirms that its reactivity profile keeps things manageable without surprises—a steady performer compared to less stable hydrazide derivatives.
Outside the laboratory, tartaric acid dihydrazide rarely appears in consumer-facing materials, mostly sticking to processes where fine chemical intermediates matter. In all these tasks, the uniformity of the crystalline form makes weighing and mixing more predictable, and the density ensures manageable handling for both small and large-scale setups.
It pays to treat all hydrazide-based raw materials with respect, even those with a reliable safety record like tartaric acid dihydrazide. Repeated exposure—whether through careless storage, improper labeling, or cross-contamination—can still cause harm or alter product characteristics. Using closed systems, training staff on chemical hygiene, and following up with clear inventory tracking build trust in supply chains. Waste disposal, too, follows routine hazardous chemical guidelines—neutralize spills, segregate hydrazide residues, and never pour remnants down standard drains.
Industry standards grow stricter every year. Regulatory authorities now demand sharper focus on traceability and transparent handling practices, with updated safety data sheets and environmental risk assessments as part of every shipment. Small, consistent steps—like checking drum seals, reviewing product IDs, and logging batch numbers—help prevent mistakes that could otherwise grow into bigger challenges.
New research on tartaric acid derivatives, alongside fresh safety benchmarks, keeps pushing suppliers and users to rethink storage and reactivity concerns. For companies turning out chemical intermediates, steady sourcing and careful transport arrangements ensure batches arrive in peak condition. On a personal note, days spent preparing assay solutions in the lab taught me the value of precise labels, fresh gloves, and a clean workspace—as much as the chemical’s fine crystal shape or distinct density, these habits define both product quality and safety, not just for tartaric acid dihydrazide, but for every chemical raw material on the shelf.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
