(2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid, also known as tartaric acid, plays a crucial role in various aspects of everyday life. This organic acid is commonly used as a food additive to add a tangy flavor to foods and beverages, including soft drinks, candies, and jams. Additionally, tartaric acid is a key ingredient in baking powder, helping to stabilize and leaven dough during the baking process. Its chiral nature also makes it a valuable component in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is utilized in the production of medications and supplements. Overall, (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid serves as a versatile compound with widespread applications that impact the daily lives of individuals.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
(2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid, also known as 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, has several commercial and industrial applications. One of its primary uses is in the production of biodegradable polymers. The acid can be polymerized to create materials that are environmentally friendly and can be used in various industries such as packaging, textiles, and automotive.
Furthermore, (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is utilized in the synthesis of specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It serves as a key intermediate in the production of certain compounds that have applications in the cosmetic, personal care, and food industries. Additionally, the acid is used as a chelating agent in metal ion removal processes, particularly in wastewater treatment and metal recovery operations.
In terms of drug and medication applications, (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid has shown promising therapeutic potential in treating certain metabolic disorders. Research has indicated that the acid may have neuroprotective effects and could be beneficial in conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, studies have suggested that (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid may play a role in regulating cellular processes related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress, making it a target for drug development in various medical fields.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
(2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is a colorless solid that typically appears as crystalline white powder. It is odorless and possesses a slightly sour taste.
The molar mass of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is approximately 146.10 g/mol, with a density of 1.54 g/cm³. This places it in the same range as common food items such as sugar (molar mass of 342.3 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/cm³) and salt (molar mass of 58.44 g/mol, density of 2.16 g/cm³).
The melting point of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is around 141-142°C, while its boiling point is approximately 432-434°C. In comparison, common food items like butter have a melting point of around 32-35°C, and water boils at 100°C.
(2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is highly soluble in water, forming a clear solution. It has a low viscosity, making it easy to dissolve in liquids. In contrast, common food items like flour have lower solubility in water, and honey has a higher viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
(2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid, also known as (S)-tartaric acid, is typically produced through the microbial fermentation of sugars such as glucose or sucrose. Various strains of fungi, bacteria, and yeast are capable of producing this compound through a series of enzymatic reactions. This production method is considered to be more environmentally friendly compared to chemical synthesis.
To procure (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid, one can source it from chemical suppliers that specialize in organic acids and food additives. The acid is typically available in both liquid and solid forms, with the solid form being more commonly used due to its stability during transport. It can be safely transported in sealed containers to prevent oxidation and contamination.
Transportation of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is typically done via road, rail, or sea depending on the quantity and destination. It is important to ensure that proper labeling and documentation are in place to comply with regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials. Care should be taken to prevent exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures during transportation to maintain the stability of the compound.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid, also known as (2S)-2-hydroxybutanedioic acid, must be taken into account due to its potential hazards. This compound is a chemical often found in skincare products due to its exfoliating and moisturizing properties. However, it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes upon contact. Additionally, inhalation or ingestion of this substance may result in respiratory issues or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Hazard statements for (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” These statements indicate that exposure to this compound can lead to irritation and discomfort for the skin, eyes, and potentially other parts of the body. It is important to handle (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid with caution and take appropriate safety measures to prevent adverse effects.
Precautionary statements for (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid include “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray,” “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection,” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.” These statements emphasize the importance of proper protective equipment, handling procedures, and emergency response actions when working with (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid to minimize the risk of exposure and associated hazards.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid is its role in biological pathways and physiological functions. Researchers may investigate how this compound interacts with enzymes and receptors in the body, and how it contributes to various biochemical processes. Understanding its biological role can pave the way for developing new therapeutic interventions or drugs targeting this compound.
Another research direction could focus on the synthesis and production of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid. Scientists may explore efficient methods for synthesizing this compound in the laboratory, as well as scalable production techniques for large-scale manufacturing. Improving the synthesis and production of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid can lead to its broader application in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, or cosmetics.
Furthermore, research on the potential health benefits or therapeutic properties of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid may be of interest. Studies could investigate its antimicrobial, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its potential role in disease prevention or treatment. Exploring the therapeutic potential of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid may uncover new applications in medicine and healthcare, warranting further investigation in preclinical and clinical studies.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid based on molecular structure is (2R)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid. This compound is the enantiomer of the original compound, meaning that it has the same molecular formula and structural connectivity but differs in spatial arrangement. Despite the mirror image relationship, these two compounds may exhibit different properties due to their stereochemistry.
Another similar compound is 2-ketopentanedioic acid, which is the keto form of (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid. In this compound, the hydroxyl group has been oxidized to a carbonyl group, changing the functional group while maintaining the pentanedioic acid backbone. This alteration can impact the compound’s reactivity and biological activity compared to the original compound.
Additionally, a related compound is (2S)-2-hydroxybutanedioic acid. This molecule shares similarities with (2S)-2-hydroxypentanedioic acid in terms of the hydroxyl group location and the presence of a pentanedioic acid backbone. However, the shorter carbon chain in this compound may lead to differences in solubility, stability, and interactions with other molecules. Understanding the structural similarities and differences between these compounds can provide insights into their properties and potential applications in various fields.
