Chemistry never fails to bring a mouthful of names, but behind the label (+)-Tartrate of methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate, you find a unique salt that comes up in the chiral separation business and advanced pharmaceutical research. This compound, with the molecular formula C10H13ClNO2·C4H6O6, combines the methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate molecule with a naturally derived tartrate, creating a chiral salt. Chemists make use of this material mostly for its ability to separate enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other, because chirality matters a lot when it comes to how drugs work in the body. One wrong enantiomer can be ineffective or even dangerous; the right one can heal.
(+)-Tartrate of methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate can present as a crystalline solid, typically off-white to very pale yellow, depending on the purity and storage conditions. The compound forms as plates, pearls, or flakes when crystallized, which matters because that texture affects how you handle or transport it in bulk. You’ll find its density sitting between 1.3 and 1.4 g/cm³ under standard lab conditions, which tells you something about how much space materials and solvents need to be stored alongside it. The melting point often hovers in the 160–175°C range, a useful detail when heating, processing, or recrystallizing. Solutions of this compound in water or ethanol show it remains stable, but exposure to high humidity has been known to clump or degrade the material, a real headache when precise measurements are critical.
Anyone buying raw materials for research or manufacture keeps a close eye on specifications, because a small difference in purity levels (even a percent) will twist results in difficult-to-detect ways. Most reputable suppliers sell this compound at purities of 98% or higher, often documented by HPLC. Any reputable lab demands full certificates of analysis, listing elemental composition and residual solvents, since tartrate salts soak up water and trace chemicals like hungry sponges. Shelf life runs about two years when sealed tight and kept out of light, although few stocks last that long in an active lab. Packages range in size, from 25 grams for a startup to several kilos for a pharma-grade synthesis plant.
Trade relies on global classification. The Harmonized System code (HS Code) for this type of amino acid pharmaceutical intermediate typically falls under 2922.50.9000, which covers amino acids and their derivatives, not elsewhere specified. Shipments cross borders with this number, so customs, insurance, and environmental checks all go back to these digits. The right code helps keep shipments legal and transparent, dodging delays that kill tight research deadlines. Bulk containers need tamper-proof seals and chemical-resistant liners. Firms moving barrels of powder work with logistics outfits who know how to handle hazardous goods but don’t see this salt as especially hazardous compared to some fluoroalkyl acids or nitroaromatics.
Any chemist reading the safety data understands the importance of gloves, goggles, and ventilation, but users of (+)-Tartrate of methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate need to recognize specific risks. Though the tartrate part comes from tartaric acid—something you find in wine and baking powder—the overall molecule includes chlorinated aromatic rings and primary amine groups, which can irritate skin and eyes. Inhalation of powder may cause throat irritation or even short-term dizziness for people without protection. Spills in the lab get swept up with damp cloths, not vacuumed, to avoid raising dust. Standard practice keeps this compound in amber jars or heavy-duty plastic because light and moisture both eat away at quality. On the reactive scale, it doesn’t ignite as easily as some pure amines or acyl chlorides, but the presence of chlorine creates mild environmental toxicity concerns; so wastewater leaving a facility needs pretreatment before discharge.
The market for chiral separation and specialty pharmaceutical intermediates keeps expanding, driven by demand for purer drug molecules that cut down on unwanted side effects. (+)-Tartrate of methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate plays a crucial role in the development pipeline for experimental therapies, notable in CNS-active compounds and certain painkillers. That chiral tartrate group can separate left-handed from right-handed molecules, making synthesis more efficient and greener, with less waste. My own experience in research chemistry showed how frustrating things get when a supplier drops the ball on a chiral salt order — entire months of effort can unravel if the material doesn’t hit spec, or arrives as wet lumps rather than free-flowing powder.
Production of this compound starts with basic building blocks: methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate, sourced from chlorinated phenylacetic acid and simple amino acid syntheses, then combined with purified tartaric acid (L-(+)-type) to make the final salt. Quality depends on the upstream purity of those feedstocks—impurities carry through, complicating purification on the back end. Any fluctuation in raw material markets, whether from plant closures in major exporting countries or regulatory changes, quickly ripples downstream as shortages or price bumps. Those sourcing for larger production runs keep an eye on geopolitical and environmental factors in the supply chain, not just cost or purity, to avoid shutdowns that can devastate a quarter of business.
Tough times call for smart use of resources. For anyone handling (+)-Tartrate of methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate at scale, investing in local storage conditions makes a big difference—climate-controlled rooms, low-humidity packaging, and clear standard operating procedures cut down on spoilage and workplace exposure. Training staff to recognize symptoms of chemical irritation, track spill events, and maintain accurate logs puts safety into daily routines. For buyer confidence, working closely with trusted suppliers, demanding transparent documentation at every step, and running periodic in-house tests can catch problems before expensive batches are wasted. To reduce chemical hazards beyond the lab, facilities should explore on-site treatment for chlorinated waste and develop partnerships with certified disposal providers that follow local environmental laws.
(+)-Tartrate of methylα-amino(2-chlorophenyl)acetate may sound technical, but it links right to people’s lives through its role in safer and more effective drug development. A lab or plant using this compound takes on the challenge of marrying scientific precision with real-world logistics and strict safety standards. Paying attention to quality, purity, and safe handling pays off not just in smoother production or higher yields, but in more consistent outcomes for patients and researchers alike. Science advances with the right blend of reliable materials and responsible management, turning even the toughest chemical names into solutions for tomorrow’s problems.
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