1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S): Deep Dive from History to Future

Historical Development

Back in the early days of amino alcohol chemistry, most researchers were chasing improved protocols for chiral synthesis and looking for more versatile building blocks. In the search for new routes to pharmaceutical intermediates, 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- began to crop up in academic journals. Chemists first noticed its value while mapping out catalytic asymmetric synthesis pathways in the late twentieth century. As lab methods improved and markets demanded stereoselective molecules, companies and universities started steering more effort into scalable methods for obtaining pure (2S) enantiomers. A few decades back, small-scale proteins and enzyme-catalyzed reactions had not yet become mainstream, so most samples originated from racemic mixtures or quite clunky separation steps. Once chiral catalysts became standard, obtaining the (2S) form grew more practical, sparking broader commercial interest for pharmaceuticals, food technologies, and specialty syntheses.

Product Overview

Anyone working with 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- knows its importance as a chiral amino alcohol. This compound acts as a crucial unit in designing chiral ligands and intermediates. It forms the core backbone in certain drug candidates, ligands for enantioselective catalysis, and even peptide-related materials. While it doesn’t grab headlines, its presence in multi-step syntheses impacts drug purity and efficacy. Most suppliers offer it as a colorless to faintly yellowish liquid, which simplifies blending into formulations and solutions in both small research labs and larger industrial operations.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The molecule combines a secondary alcohol and a primary amine on a propane skeleton. Its chirality at the central carbon defines physical reactivity and downstream utility. Pure (2S)-2-amino-1,3-propanediol crystals melt near 50°C to 55°C, and it dissolves well in water, methanol, ethanol, and sometimes even less polar solvents. Its boiling point typically lands above 200°C. The presence of both hydroxyl and amino groups means the compound absorbs water, forming hydrogen bonds and acting as both a base and an alcohol in synthesis. It resists light-induced breakdown and oxidizes only under harsh conditions, which matters in storage and transport. From hands-on work, we've seen it smells faintly amine-like and has no strong hazard signal when handled with standard chemical hygiene.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Producers usually label 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- with clearly marked enantiomeric purity, CAS reference (616-29-5), gross assay, water content, and trace metal levels. Purity often reaches 98% or higher for pharma or analytical use. Facilities track impurity profiles to standards such as ICH Q3A for drugs. Most technical data sheets report optical rotation values and NMR-characterized purity, since stereopurity underlies its main applications. Chemical labeling under GHS outlines it as an irritant—not a full toxin at research-scale exposures. Settings with large quantities, like manufacture of APIs, track any residual solvents and batch numbers for regulatory traceability.

Preparation Method

These days, most commercial supplies start from glycidol or glycerol. Enzymatic kinetic resolution using transaminases allows precise introduction of the amino group. In my early career, we tried resolution using tartaric acid and chiral chromatographic separation, both laborious and waste-producing. Modern biocatalytic approaches trim back waste and improve process safety. Another method relies on nitrile reduction followed by hydrolysis and purification. The key to usable batches lies in reproducibly forming the (2S) isomer, as the mirror image (2R) can cause issues if mixed into sensitive reactions. Scaling up always brings purification headaches, so investments in greener, higher-yield routes continue to matter for both cost and safety.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

The dual functionality—primary amine and vicinal diol—makes it a Swiss Army knife in synthetic chemistry. N-acylation grants access to peptide-mimetic structures, while esterification at the alcohol group creates prodrug esters. Reductive amination and Michael addition add further chemical handles, opening doors to heterocycles for advanced materials or catalysts. The amine can be protected with Boc, Fmoc, or CBZ groups for multi-step syntheses. Oxidation of the alcohol forms keto-amino derivatives which can serve as versatile intermediates. From experience, careful control over pH and temperature is necessary to minimize byproduct formation, especially in large-scale reactions where heat transfer and local concentration effects threaten purity.

Synonyms & Product Names

You’ll run into plenty of names for this molecule: (2S)-Amino-1,3-propanediol, L-Serinol, and Propane-1,3-diol 2-amino- (S)-. Pharmaceutical catalogs and chemical suppliers keep it under these synonyms. A quick search can turn up odd trade names or supplier codes, especially among international vendors. The most common abbreviation is L-serinol, in reference to its origin as a reduced L-serine derivative. Often, ambiguity appears between (R) and (S) labels, which demands attention to detail, especially for researchers scaling up.

Safety & Operational Standards

Anyone handling 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- needs to follow common-sense chemical safety: gloves, goggles, tight ventilation. Accidental contact may cause mild irritation, but the molecule doesn't rank with high acutes. In regulated facilities, standard operating procedures outline PPE levels, safe workup, and disposal to meet OSHA or EU-REACH requirements. Spills rinse with water and neutralization—no firefighting hazards tied to its structure. Waste gets classified as non-halogenated organics, handled by licensed disposal firms. Storage away from acids and oxidizers, in sealed containers, preserves both quality and safety. Labels warn of the skin/eye risk but don't trigger major hazard pictograms. The trend in operations veers toward greener solvents and improved indoor air handling, reducing the little risk it brings further.

Application Area

Over the years, I’ve seen this amino alcohol slip into surprising corners of the chemical world. Chiral ligand design for asymmetric metal catalysis in pharmaceutical synthesis represents one of its main uses. It's also a critical intermediate making peptide-based APIs more accessible. Biochem labs employ it in preparing custom enzyme substrates, while polymer researchers test it in new surfactant blends. Its diol backbone slots into dendrimer synthesis, playing roles in drug delivery experiments and as an excipient in formulation science. Some specialized food technologies even look to related compounds for taste modification or as building blocks for low-calorie sweeteners. The broad chemical compatibility reduces the need for highly hazardous reagents, improving workplace safety and process sustainability.

Research & Development

Research teams keep pushing the boundaries for greener, more efficient preparation of chiral amino alcohols. Screening novel enzymatic pathways at universities and industrial labs aims to boost yield, reduce waste, and cut cost. Analytical development tracks new impurity profiles as catalysts and feedstocks vary. Polymer chemists explore derivatives for responsive hydrogels and biomaterials, trying to tune the result for targeted medical uses. In pharma, work continues on PEGylated and modified amino alcohols for improved drug solubility or targeted delivery. Some efforts aim to design more robust ligand frameworks from the core molecule, hoping to unlock new selectivities for challenging stereochemistry. Every inch gained in process chemistry adds to patient safety and quality, especially under current regulatory pressure.

Toxicity Research

Early toxicological studies on 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- showed it lands in a relatively low hazard tier. Acute exposure effects rarely exceed skin or eye irritation, as confirmed by animal testing and industry-standard assays. The molecule does not bioaccumulate or show strong organ toxicity at standard doses. Chronic toxicity hasn't featured in case literature, with no flagged carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic properties. Some concern emerged once about metabolic byproducts, but current studies rate its risks as manageable with proper lab hygiene. Environmental impact remains low, as it's water-soluble and doesn't persist in soil or water systems. In facilities using kilogram or larger scales, air and water discharge must be controlled to meet local environmental health standards, and documentation keeps regulators satisfied.

Future Prospects

The next decade will likely bring better and cheaper routes to pure (2S)-1,3-propanediolamine, powered by biotechnology and process chemistry. New catalysts, engineered microbes, and more efficient extraction will further cut pollution and cost. Increased demand for chirally pure pharmaceuticals means more suppliers, each chasing higher purity and sustainability. Researchers eye modified versions to make custom ligands, new materials for responsive biomaterials, and smarter drug-delivery vehicles as personalized medicine grows. Regulatory trends will push for even tighter traceability and sustainability in the amino alcohol space. Tracking every step — from raw material source to finished product use — should build consumer trust and open opportunities in clean-label and green chemistry fields. As real-world applications multiply in biotech, medicine, and specialty chemicals, 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- stands ready to shape safer, smarter, more efficient solutions.



What is the chemical structure of 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)-?

Getting Down to the Basics of Molecular Structure

People often talk about how a small change in a molecule can flip its purpose from helpful to harmful. Take 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- as an example. It’s not simply a random chemical in a dusty lab; this compound plays a role in synthesizing pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The (2S) speaks to its chirality—this three-dimensional arrangement shapes the way the body recognizes and reacts to it. Think of chirality like right versus left hand; trying to wear a right shoe on your left foot just doesn’t work right. Medicinal chemistry requires precise fit, making structure top priority.

Building Blocks: The Skeleton and Functionality

1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- has a backbone of three carbons. Two of those are stuck with hydroxyl (OH) groups—making it a diol—and the third bears an amino (NH2) group. The (2S) tells chemists this variant twists in a specific "left-handed" direction, not some adjustable, mirror-image form found elsewhere. That matters: biology turns its nose up at the wrong orientation and the body reacts differently, sometimes with side effects or no effect at all.

The skeleton looks like this: HO–CH2–CH(NH2)–CH2OH. The central carbon (number 2 in the chain) holds the amino group and serves as the chiral center, dryly noted as (2S). What stands out is how those groups give this molecule the flexibility to interact with enzymes and proteins inside the human body.

Why Chirality and Structure Rule in Science

Ask anyone involved in drug design—structure unlocks everything. Industry experts and working scientists don’t spend hours over 3D models for show; the wrong isomer wastes time, money, and material. The role of chirality has grown so much in the past decade, companies no longer settle for racemic mixtures when a single isomer works best.

During my time working with early-stage pharmaceutical development, one failed synthesis taught me a lesson that lectures never did. Getting the wrong enantiomer wasn’t a minor setback—it was a hard stop. Biology cares deeply what shape a molecule curls into, and the way regulators like the FDA scrutinize every new drug, only precise and pure chemical forms make it to the next step.

Practical Value and Possible Risks

This molecule’s structure lets it act as a building block for more complex drugs, especially those targeting enzymes or as intermediates for peptide synthesis. Certain forms, like the (2S) isomer, end up in therapies because research proves their benefit or safety. If this chemical weren’t controlled—if a careless process introduced the mirror image—patients might experience unexpected results, some dangerous, undermining the hard-earned trust that medicine demands.

To avoid mistakes, labs need strong quality control. Standard practice includes chiral chromatography and modern spectroscopic techniques to check structure and purity. Questions still pop up—how much difference do impurities make? Does scale-up threaten the safety profile? Open discussion and transparent reporting help industry and regulators keep pace with evolving methods while staying focused on safety.

Way Forward in Chemical Research

High accuracy in chemical structure analysis is no luxury. As advanced manufacturing and personalized medicine grow, clear chemical identities like (2S)-1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino- help guarantee that the next generation of drugs works as promised. The right structure not only saves time and costs; it shields people from preventable risks and powers innovation that benefits society as a whole.

What are the main uses or applications of 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)-?

Building Blocks in Medicine and Research

Step into any biochemistry lab, and folks there care a lot about molecules that connect easily with others. 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino- (2S)-, known for its chirality, grabs attention. It plays a starring role in the creation of pharmaceuticals that demand high purity and precise stereochemistry. Medications for infection, metabolic disease, and cancer all draw on compounds that require careful synthesis of molecules like this one. The hands-on applications show up at the bench—as a starter to piece together active ingredients or chemical groups, or as a chiral auxiliary to steer reactions in the desired direction.

Spotlight on Peptide Synthesis

The pharmaceutical world moves fast, and peptide drugs draw plenty of headlines. Getting peptides right means handling the branching and folding caused by tricky amine and alcohol groups. In practice, 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino- (2S)- stands out as a reliable stopper and linker. Peptide chemists reach for this because it mimics amino acids, slots into sequences to block or introduce changes, and lends stability to lengthy chains. The goal: fewer byproducts, higher yield, and confidence the final product does what it should in the body.

Functional Materials and Specialty Chemicals

Scientists and engineers shape new materials with molecules just like this one. Take biodegradable polymers—used now in medical implants, sutures, and temporary scaffolds for tissue growth. This chemical, thanks to its bumpy shape and functional groups, fits right into polymer chains, giving the resulting plastics both strength and breakdown ability when needed. Working on a team developing new resins, I’ve seen first-hand how choosing the right building blocks changes the way the final product behaves under stress or in the presence of moisture.

Lab Reagent and Calibration Standard

Precise, reliable experimentation depends on good standards. In biochemical assays and chromatography work, 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino- (2S)- doubles as a calibration standard. Its known physical and chemical properties make it easy to spot and measure, bringing confidence and repeatability to analysis of unknown samples. When running high-throughput tests, a clear, consistent standard means results stand up to peer review and regulatory requirements.

Pushing Toward Green Chemistry

Green chemistry draws more attention with every passing year. Reactivity and stereochemical complexity let molecules like 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino- (2S)- become stepping stones for new, less wasteful synthetic methods. By carefully selecting reactions with high atom economy or using catalysts that favor cleaner byproducts, researchers reduce environmental impact while producing valuable intermediates. In the shift from lab to industry, embracing these newer approaches could lower cost and reduce reliance on old, polluting processes.

Addressing Supply and Safety

Demand for specialty molecules puts stress on supply chains. Experience shows that steady access to common intermediates allows for quicker scaling and better price stability—not just for researchers, but for patients waiting on therapies and companies trying to stay ahead in materials development. Safety awareness also matters; understanding the handling, toxicity, and disposal of every compound, especially those with biological activity, protects both workers and the environment. Companies now offer detailed safety assessments, and lab training puts practical safety upfront.

Looking Ahead

We keep searching for molecules that do more in medicine and materials science. 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino- (2S)- doesn't grab headlines outside of technical circles, but its place as a chiral building block, a reagent, and a material enhancer marks it out as a quiet powerhouse. The substance stirs progress from the formula sheet to the finished product.

What are the safety and handling precautions for 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)-?

Understanding the Compound

1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- often appears in labs and manufacturing spaces where speciality chemicals play a role. Careless mistakes can set off dangerous chain reactions, so knowing its traits isn’t just “nice to have” — it keeps people healthy. I’ve handled chemicals both in academic labs and small production settings, and safety habits shape outcomes more than people may realize.

Personal Protection Goes a Long Way

If you’ve ever been splashed by a chemical, you remember it. Lab coats and gloves might feel like overkill, but they’re the first shield between your skin and hazards. I always grab safety goggles even during quick transfers. 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- can irritate eyes and skin, so direct contact isn’t worth the risk. Nitrile gloves work well—latex sometimes degrades or lets in low-molecular stuff, but nitrile doesn’t soak up as easily. Fit-tested masks should hang nearby in case powders become airborne. You can’t gamble with lung exposure.

Ventilation and Spillage: Every Step Matters

Airflow outweighs convenience, especially when chemicals let off invisible fumes. I’ve seen spaces where one closed window ramped up exposure risks. Fume hoods should pull any airborne particles away from the face, and open benches rarely match that kind of protection. For any spill, grab an absorbent pad and avoid smearing the chemical—spreading out the problem only increases exposure. Seal used cleanup materials in a proper labeled bag before disposal. Paper towels and open trash cans do more harm than good.

Storage: Respect the Limits

Tight control over temperature and moisture makes storage safer. I always check the label’s advice for chemical storage because this compound reacts badly with oxidizing agents, strong acids, or certain metals. Once, I saw improper storage lead to ruined reagents and a scary cloud. Even short exposures to heat or sunlight speed up decay, sometimes with unpredictable results. Ideally, chemicals sit in cool, dry places with no direct light, in containers with clear hazard symbols. Don’t mix bottles in the same bin unless a chemical compatibility chart says it’s safe.

Training and Emergency Plans

Even seasoned professionals make mistakes. I’ve seen newcomers freeze up in an emergency, and the difference training made was obvious. Every person handling this compound should know what the safety data sheet says, where eyewash stations and showers sit, and how to report exposures. Keep a spill kit nearby that actually matches the size and risks of your chemicals.

Disposal: Following the Law Means Safety for All

Pouring leftovers down the drain or tossing them into standard trash might seem easy, but chemicals like this can contaminate water or soil, even in small amounts. In my experience, working closely with a licensed disposal service isn’t just required by regulation — it keeps building occupants, neighbors, and the environment safer. Don’t reuse empty containers for other projects; treat them as hazardous waste too.

Why It All Matters

Ignoring even small steps opens the door to accidents, injuries, and legal nightmares. Getting familiar with your chemical inventory, using clear labeling, and holding drills make a big difference. Daily habits count more than elaborate safety posters. Everyone working with 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- should commit to solid safety routines. It’s about preventing emergencies and keeping people alive and well, day after day.

What is the molecular weight and formula of 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)-?

Chemical Identity of 1,2-Propanediol, 3-Amino-, (2S)-

Stepping into a lab for the first time, some names on reagent bottles can send your mind spinning. 1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- often lands in that “what exactly am I working with?” category. Its formula, C3H9NO2, doesn’t just exist in textbooks. Each letter and number maps to a specific arrangement of atoms: three carbons, nine hydrogens, one nitrogen, and two oxygens. Chemists often refer to this molecule as L-Serinol, a small but mighty building block in biochemistry. The (2S) hints at the arrangement of its atoms — like your left and right hands, molecules have mirror images, and only one fits biological systems correctly.

Molecular Weight: Why It Matters

During my university days, running calculations in organic chemistry, the molecular weight number wasn’t just another fact to memorize. Molecules like 1,2-propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- weigh in at 91.11 g/mol. That small value tells you a lot. In drug development, the weight of a molecule influences how it moves through the body, how fast enzymes chew it up, and how readily it crosses cellular barriers.

Medicinal chemists choose compounds based on size to improve absorption. Tiny molecules, such as our propanediol friend, slip more easily through membranes. This makes them attractive candidates in early drug discovery, where good pharmacokinetics can save years of headaches down the line.

Importance in Research and Industry

1,2-Propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- isn’t just a chemistry class favorite. This molecule sits at the starting line for synthesizing larger compounds. Biotech labs use it for making chiral amino alcohols, which lead to a variety of pharmaceuticals. The (2S) stereochemistry ensures that reactions consistently give the desired product instead of a mishmash of useless byproducts.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers aim for the most efficient route to get a high-purity product. One of the biggest hurdles involves controlling stereochemistry. If you’ve ever peeled a boiled egg, you’ll know that even the simplest processes can frustrate without the right method. For this molecule, sticking to the (2S) form eliminates costly purification steps where technicians separate L- from D-isomers.

Challenges and Solutions in Handling Chiral Building Blocks

Working with chiral molecules involves more than just following directions. Over the years, I learned that a tiny impurity in a chiral intermediate could stall a whole batch of synthesis. Analytical chemists today make use of advanced techniques like chiral HPLC to check the purity and configuration in real time. That kind of precision reaps benefits not just for safety but for cost savings.

Sourcing pure 1,2-propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- can sometimes lead to delays in manufacturing pipelines. Research institutions and chemical companies have shifted toward more sustainable production methods. Enzymatic synthesis, for instance, uses biological catalysts to favor the (2S) form — lowering environmental impact and reducing hazardous waste.

Keeping an Eye on the Numbers

Knowing the exact molecular formula and weight of compounds like this one doesn’t stop at satisfying curiosity. It forms the foundation for everything that follows — from calculating doses in pharmaceuticals to ensuring that lab work stays safe and productive. Anyone involved in research, no matter the level, benefits from understanding both the simple facts and the bigger lessons molecules like 1,2-propanediol, 3-amino-, (2S)- teach.

What is the storage recommendation for 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)-?

Respecting Chemistry in Everyday Handling

Years ago, I found myself responsible for a cramped supply room, where glass bottles and powder jars filled every shelf. No matter the size of a lab or warehouse, understanding chemical storage takes more than memorizing safety data—it’s about respecting the reality that one bottle can spoil the whole lot if it leaks or reacts unexpectedly. In my experience, 1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)- lands in the basket of compounds that demand thoughtful storage. It plays a role in pharmaceutical research, peptide synthesis, and academic settings, so there’s a good chance someone nearby—maybe you—will find a vial of it on their inventory checklist.

Why Stability Depends on Temperature and Moisture

Let’s talk climate control. Most amino alcohols—including this one—tend to break down or change character if treated carelessly. I’ve watched colleagues scramble to salvage research samples after a power outage in a shared cold-storage room. Like many amino acids and their derivatives, this compound favors a cool, dry spot. Typically, 2–8°C (a standard laboratory refrigerator, not your home fridge with leftovers wedged beside it) keeps the compound in form. Some researchers keep these compounds below zero for long-haul storage, but for daily use, refrigeration works fine.

Moisture sneaks in through loose caps or cracked seals. Once I opened a bottle that had drawn in humidity—crystals stuck together, a sticky mess. Water exposure sometimes leads to hydrolysis or other unpredictable changes. Tighten the lid after every use, and stash the vial in a well-sealed container, maybe with some silica gel if you live in a humid climate.

Protecting from Light and Oxygen

Light and air work against you in chemical storage. Direct sunlight speeds up breakdown, and oxygen can oxidize sensitive parts of molecules. Even short exposure can cause color changes or precipitate formation. I always reach for opaque or amber-colored bottles. If your supply doesn’t arrive in light-protective packaging, consider taping up the container or slipping it into a light-blocking bag.

Vacuum sealing or using an inert atmosphere (like nitrogen) inside bottles isn’t just for the big research outfits. If you plan to keep the material for months instead of weeks, it helps keep the edges sharp and reduces the chance of odd side reactions.

Label Everything—No Exceptions

Accurate labeling kept me out of trouble more times than I can count. Write the date when you first open the package. Add your initials or researcher ID, and indicate storage conditions right on the label. This saves confusion and prevents accidental storage mix-ups that can snowball into costly mistakes down the road.

Final Pointers for Safer Workspaces

Don’t pile incompatible materials together. Acids and bases deserve separate shelves; reducing agents and oxidizers need distance. This compound won’t explode on contact, but crowding volatile chemicals in one cabinet risks more than ruined experiments—it also threatens lab safety. Set up a regular check-in for your stock, culling questionable or expired vials before they turn trouble.

None of these pointers mean much unless you take them seriously every day. Safe storage isn’t a luxury—it protects the people who share your bench and keeps your hard-won samples ready for the next round of discovery.

1 2-Propanediol 3-amino- (2S)-