Vinorelbine Ditartrate Salt Hydrate: An In-Depth Commentary on a Complex Chemical

What is Vinorelbine Ditartrate Salt Hydrate?

Vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate shows up in life sciences as a precise blend of chemistry and purpose. As a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid, it comes from catharanthus roseus, better known as the Madagascar periwinkle. Chemists built this material for its use as an anti-cancer agent, targeting certain types of tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer and advanced breast cancer. The structure features multiple aromatic rings and a lattice of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, producing a tricky but stable molecule. Each batch rolls out with a lab-certified HS Code (2933990090), which matters for import, export, and global trade.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate most often appears as a white to off-white powder or as small crystalline flakes with a slight pearlescent sheen. Under standard conditions, it remains solid, with a melting point near 210°C (decomposes before melting at higher heat). The density sits around 1.4 g/cm³, which means a pound of this will take up a solid chunk of shelf in any materials cabinet. The powder blends easily into solution for laboratory or medical formulations, showing adequate solubility in water and methanol, less so in acetone or ether. This helps in preparation of intravenous infusions, and ensures proper dosing without clumping or residue.

Specifications and Structure

On the molecular level, the formula for vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate is C45H54N4O8·2C4H6O6·xH2O, with a molar mass around 1079.13 g/mol, including water of hydration, which may vary by batch. The chemical build features two vinorelbine molecules paired with tartaric acid, plus water molecules attached by hydrogen bonding. This structure keeps the salt steady under medical conditions, extends the product’s shelf-life in storage, and controls release in the human body. For the record, each sample goes through spectral testing—NMR, IR, and HPLC confirmation—before use.

Forms and Handling

View vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate on a sample tray and you typically see fine, light crystal shards, or occasionally a chunky powder. Pearl-like granules sometimes pop up, especially if the product has settled or clumped under slight humidity. In solution, it turns clear or faintly opalescent. No commercial supplier offers it as a liquid or oil—solid form brings best stability from warehouse to clinic. Bulk storage focuses on dry, cool, and light-shielded areas because both temperature and humidity can degrade potency, cause caking, or spoil purity.

Safety and Hazards

Vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate demands careful handling as both raw material and prepared solution. The compound proves harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or exposed to unprotected skin. Chronic exposure poses risks associated with cytotoxicity, which means it can harm healthy cells along with the targeted cancer cells. Adequate PPE for chemists and pharmacists stays non-negotiable—double nitrile gloves, goggles, face mask, and, in clinical preparation, biological safety cabinets. Spills need immediate containment and decontamination as per hazardous material protocols.

Applications and Raw Material Considerations

As far as purpose goes, vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate stands out in targeted chemotherapy. Its blend of chemical precision and reliable purity gives oncologists options for flexible dosing and combination treatments. In the research world, molecular biologists and formulation scientists depend on this chemical to design novel drug delivery platforms engineered for fine-tuned absorption or targeted cell uptake. The raw materials—vinorelbine base and tartaric acid—require controlled sourcing to ensure every lot meets comparability standards, which speaks to both ethical practice and robust quality control.

Future Paths and Potential Solutions

Every time a new lot of vinorelbine ditartrate salt hydrate rolls out, manufacturers grapple with challenges tied to purity assurance, safe handling, and sustainable sourcing. Automation, batch tracking, and AI-driven inventory management close some of these gaps, but there’s always room to tighten waste reduction and lower environmental impact during synthesis. Ongoing research into green chemistry and better synthetic routes gives hope for smaller carbon footprints and safer working environments. Pharmacies and hospital labs can strengthen audit trails and staff protocols, checking each step from raw material intake to chemotherapy compounding.