Every compound tells a story, and 1H-Imidazole-4-propanol, beta-amino-, dihydrochloride, (S)- (9CI) carries a legacy dating back decades in organic chemistry and pharmaceutical research. Chemists first began exploring imidazole derivatives for their medicinal value during the mid-20th century, drawn by their activity in biological systems. The path that led to synthesizing this specific derivative ran parallel to advances in asymmetric synthesis and the urge to tap into enantiomer-specific effects. By the late 1980s, improved resolution techniques and chiral analysis started to bridge gaps between crude experimentation and targeted manufacturing, allowing sharper focus on single isomers like the (S)-form found here. Over time, the relevance of such tailored molecules deepened as custom drug design and enzyme mimetics grew in pharmaceutical pipelines.
The chemical under discussion holds its own among imidazole derivatives, blending polar and basic functional groups for diverse interactions. Typically supplied as a stable dihydrochloride salt, this form travels more safely and dissolves easily in water. Laboratories favor this configuration since it reduces variability tied to hygroscopicity and eliminates issues with free base instability. The molecule’s backbone brings together an aromatic imidazole ring and a three-carbon chain capped by both a hydroxyl and an amino group—a smart move, merging hydrogen bonding and nucleophilic potential. For chemists, this setup opens doors to both bioactive research and synthesis campaigns. It often appears as a fluffy white or off-white powder with an unmistakable tang from its hydrochloride partners.
Not every researcher needs an exhaustive profile, but knowing a few essentials helps predict behavior in the lab. As a dihydrochloride, it tends to have higher aqueous solubility than its free base. Melting point sits comfortably between 185–195°C, allowing for standard purification routes. The compound dissolves well in polar solvents and reacts predictably—handled in water, methanol, or ethanol without fuss. With a molecular architecture combining an imidazole ring, beta-amino group, and primary alcohol, the compound demonstrates both basic and nucleophilic tendencies. Looking at stability, the material resists hydrolysis and maintains structure under ambient storage if kept dry. As with many hydrochloride salts, the product draws moisture from air but seldom suffers major degradation unless left exposed for weeks.
Clear labeling goes beyond regulations; it shapes safety and experiment quality. Any legitimate bottle of this chemical should carry its S-enantiomeric designation, purity (commonly 98% or greater), and full IUPAC name. Production lots include precise weight, batch info, and supplier contact in case something goes awry. Most reputable sources attach certificates of analysis tracing chiral purity using polarimetry or chiral chromatography. Storage instructions point out cool, dry conditions away from light and sources of acid or base. Proper labeling isn’t just paperwork—it’s a guardrail for error prevention and cross-checks in R&D, particularly where single-enantiomer compounds can’t be swapped for racemates or other forms.
Labs rarely cut corners with chiral compounds. Commercial batches often come through asymmetric synthesis, employing enantioselective catalysts to encourage the (S)-enantiomer. Early steps build the imidazole ring through condensation reactions between glyoxal, ammonia, and formaldehyde, succeeded by regioselective alkylation to introduce the three-carbon propanol backbone. Once the free base takes shape, chemists use hydrochloric acid to form the stable dihydrochloride salt. Modern processes limit racemization and track enantiomeric ratios using chiral separation techniques. For larger runs, flow chemistry upgrades both safety and output, lowering exposure risks and waste. Producers usually wash and isolate the final salt through crystallization or filtration, then dry the product by vacuum—one final check for optical rotation confirms the stereochemistry matches specification.
The fun begins with transformations. That beta-amino group doesn’t sit idle; researchers use it in acylation or alkylation reactions to tune biological activity. Hydroxyl handles allow for phosphorylation, sulfation, or simple protection-deprotection techniques, making derivatives that suit enzyme studies or drug metabolism research. N-alkylation on the imidazole expands reach into receptor or enzyme binding work. Each group brings a tool, so multi-step sequences often leverage selective modification, functionalization, and coupling. Reductive amination and peptide coupling often crop up, especially in medicinal chemistry. The compound’s imidazole ring stays strong through mild conditions, but harsh acids or oxidizers can degrade or rearrange the structure, so handlers respect the boundaries set by its composition.
In catalogs and journals, you might stumble across shorter names and alternate spellings. Look for (S)-4-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-2-aminopropan-1-ol dihydrochloride, S–Histidinol dihydrochloride, or simple “S-histidinol” in the context of biosynthetic studies. Trade names appear less often since academic or pharmaceutical usage dominates over industrial bulk markets, but abbreviations like (S)-HIOH·2HCl surface in experimental tables. Knowing the synonyms cuts down search time and bridges gaps between suppliers and journal reports.
Safety protocols matter more than ever in energetic research settings. 1H-Imidazole-4-propanol, beta-amino-, dihydrochloride produces low volatility but carries both basic and acidic sites, so skin and eye contact warrant immediate washing. Any ingestion or large exposure requires standard medical consultation, as hydrochloride salts often irritate mucous membranes and can upset electrolyte balance in sensitive cases. Workspaces need ventilation, gloves, and splash-resistant goggles—standard lab wear, but non-negotiable. Spilled powder sweeps up easily dry, preferably under a fume hood, and most waste streams treat it as a non-halogenated organic. Emergency protocols should cover sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acid, and regular staff upskilling proves its value by heading off small mishaps before they grow into big ones. Transport regulations stick to packaging as non-dangerous goods, so long as quantities remain in lab-scale volumes.
Doctors may not know this molecule, but clinicians benefit from the signaling and metabolism studies it unlocks. Scientists use the compound as a metabolic intermediate when investigating histidine synthesis in plants and microorganisms. Medical researchers turn to purified forms to probe histidine-related disorders, especially rare defects affecting amino acid conversion. Synthesizing enzyme inhibitors or crafting peptidomimetics often calls for unique building blocks like this. In chemical biology, the compound feeds into phosphorylation assays, bioisosteric comparisons, and enzyme substrate studies. Even in life science toolkits—where niche reagents anchor complex workflows—this molecule pops up for calibrating mass spectrometers or validating chromatographic purity. Development pipelines for antibiotics, antifungals, or immunomodulators also revisit this chemistry, aiming to hook onto new targets or fine-tune bioavailability. Each success story in these areas starts with solid, high-purity material and the know-how to handle it well.
Research around this chemical only widens as scientists chase new leads in disease pathways and drug delivery. Custom analogs built off the imidazole-propanol framework provide insights into protein-ligand interactions. Synthetic chemists push for greener, more efficient routes, shaving steps from the process and introducing biocatalysts that slash waste. Universities seek research funding for projects involving amino acid metabolism disorders, and most grant proposals cite ready access to pure, chiral precursors as a deciding factor. Industry fills gaps with continuous process improvement, shifting from batch to flow to aid scale-up and reduce accident risk. In analytical labs, attention to trace impurities drives adoption of more sensitive spectroscopic and chromatographic technologies. Education programs also highlight the importance of proper chemical handling, ensuring that fresh graduates enter the workforce ready to respect both the opportunities and hazards of this specialized molecule.
Toxicological data remains spotty for some newer analogs, but scientists don’t skip due diligence. Studies on (S)-1H-imidazole-4-propanol dihydrochloride find minimal acute toxicity in rodents when administered at research-used doses, with little evidence of cumulative organ damage. Chronic exposure data stays limited, as most applications use microgram-to-milligram quantities. What stands out is the low environmental persistence—these salts break down in wastewater treatment or soil, avoiding legacy buildup. Cell culture assays suggest limited cytotoxicity, but immune system interactions still need closer watching. Testing on sensitive populations (like those with rare metabolic disorders) remains rare outside research hospitals, meaning risk managers continue to call for caution. Ambitious researchers regularly design and run new assays before the compound touches more complex or clinical settings.
The future for this compound looks as busy as ever. Personalized medicine trends push demand for custom, enantiomerically pure intermediates. Green chemistry pledges drive re-evaluation of synthetic routes, with an eye on reducing salt byproducts and streamlining isolation. Computational chemistry advances now support predictive modeling of derivative activity, speeding up candidate screening and SAR (structure-activity relationship) mapping. Regulatory agencies tighten tracking of rare and chiral chemicals, putting pressure on suppliers to upgrade quality standards and traceability. Looking ahead, this imidazole derivative will see action in target validation, rare disease studies, and advanced biologic construction. Its resilience in the lab, flexibility for modification, and straightforward safety protocols mean it stays relevant—offering scientists and industry alike a well-characterized tool to tackle tomorrow's biological and synthetic puzzles.
Organic molecules can look complicated at first, but they start to make a lot more sense once you pick apart the name. Take 1H-Imidazole-4-propanol, beta-amino-, dihydrochloride, (S)- (9CI) as an example. This isn’t some mysterious code—each part tells a real story.
The core of this molecule, imidazole, shows up everywhere in biology. It’s a five-membered ring, built with two nitrogens right in the ring. Many proteins have it in the side chain of histidine, doing essential work like binding metal ions and running as a proton shuttle. The “1H” in the name reminds us that at the first nitrogen in the ring, there's a hydrogen. That little choice makes a huge difference in how the molecule behaves.
Now for “4-propanol, beta-amino-.” A propanol group comes off the fourth carbon of the imidazole ring—a three-carbon chain capped with an alcohol (-OH) at the end. Just before the end, you find an amino group at the beta position. That means there's a -NH2 on the second carbon of that propanol tail, right next to the ring itself. This arrangement creates a versatile “handle,” letting the molecule connect with others or even act as a building block for more complex chemicals.
This molecule doesn’t just float around free; as a “dihydrochloride,” it carries two extra hydrochloride ions, making it more stable and a lot easier to handle in the lab. These added hydrochlorides signal that both the amino group and the basic ring nitrogen can pick up extra protons, turning them into their salt forms.
The (S)- tag tells chemists something about the layout in three-dimensional space. Life tends to be picky about shape; most living things use only one “handedness” of certain molecules. The (S) enantiomer shows up when the –NH2, –OH, and rest of the molecule wrap around the chiral carbon in a left-handed swirl. In my biochemistry days, a mismatch in chirality spoiled experiments, led to reduced biological activity, and sometimes even toxicity. Chemists care a great deal about stereochemistry, especially during drug design.
The world of molecules draws a sharp line between theory and action. In my own work, I’ve seen compounds like this used as intermediates for more complex pharmaceuticals. Imidazole rings help with the design of antifungals, enzyme inhibitors, and materials that bind to metals for catalysis. Small changes—adding an extra methyl here, switching the amine there—mean the difference between a blockbuster medicine and a dud.
Problems come up when chemicals aren't fully described, or when impurities slip in. I remember a project where a chiral switch transformed the safety profile overnight; a single enantiomer proved safe, but the mixture spelled disaster. Analytical checks—NMR, HPLC, and mass spectrometry—give confidence that what’s on paper is what sits in the flask.
This kind of structure, with its imidazole ring and functional arms, can become a real workhorse in manufacturing, especially if the synthesis can be made environmentally friendly, with fewer solvents and less waste. Academia pushes for “green chemistry” routes to such molecules—using more selective catalysts and less hazardous reagents. Any time you cut down on toxic byproducts without losing yield, labs and the environment both win.
Molecules like 1H-Imidazole-4-propanol, beta-amino-, dihydrochloride, (S)- (9CI) serve as a quiet reminder: every part of their structure has a purpose, and the impacts ripple out—from experimental chemistry to larger applications in medicine, industry, and beyond.
In the world of chemical research, you keep running into molecules that only a handful of people can pronounce, much less use. Even so, 1H-Imidazole-4-propanol, beta-amino-, dihydrochloride, (S)- (9CI) carries weight across a surprising number of fields. Chemists and life scientists turn to it when they need something a bit more flexible and reliable to interact with biological processes. It isn’t just another chemical with a long name; it works as a building block for everything from pharmaceutical development to enzyme research.
Once you look at how it interacts with enzymes, things get more interesting. I’ve read studies where this compound helps scientists dissect enzyme functions without shutting down whole biological pathways. It acts a bit like a key that fits several important locks, letting researchers unlock reactions or control certain steps with more precision. In labs, this versatility helps scientists dig into how living systems manage cellular responses or how diseases hijack normal biochemical routes.
Drug discovery relies on small tweaks, and having access to 1H-Imidazole-4-propanol, beta-amino-, dihydrochloride, (S)- (9CI) means teams can design molecules that look and act a lot like the ones found in bodies. Its structure mimics parts of amino acids and peptides, making it perfect for testing new medicines or optimizing what’s already out there. Research teams test different arrangements using this compound, then watch for hints of improved activity or reduced side effects.
Some years back, I watched a group of scientists use this compound to develop enzyme inhibitors for metabolic diseases. These kinds of inhibitors slow down harmful reactions while sparing the helpful ones. Few other chemicals let researchers sculpt such a specific response. Plus, using the (S)-enantiomer—one of its forms—brings closer results to what the body naturally handles, trimming down surprises during later clinical trials.
Medical tests can get expensive and complicated fast. Here, the power of imidazole-based compounds comes into play. Labs can attach fluorescent tags to this molecule, then track how it moves or gets processed in samples. This tracking makes it easier to spot trouble inside cells or tissues—sort of like setting up a set of glow-in-the-dark arrows in a dark cave to see which tunnels connect.
Every time someone catches a rare metabolic disease early, it’s often because a test like this gave clearer results. The compound basically amplifies signals that used to slip past even the most sensitive tests.
The sticking point isn’t usefulness so much as cost and availability. Smaller labs get priced out, missing a dependable tool. Widespread adoption depends on streamlined synthesis and a bit more transparency from suppliers about purity and performance. As more companies see the value and demand, prices could come down and access would grow across academic, industrial, and medical circles.
I’ve seen firsthand the difference when students or young researchers had this compound at their fingertips. Projects moved faster, learning soared, and people dreamed up new uses. Supporting open data about safety and environmental impact would also help bring this tool to more places without pushing aside ethical science or sustainability. That’s how you get breakthroughs that don’t just fill journals but improve lives and communities.
Storing chemicals isn’t just a box-ticking routine. Leave something on a shelf without care and you invite trouble, not just for yourself but everyone nearby. Once, a loosely closed bottle of phenol leaked in a storage cabinet at my university lab. Fumes crept out, corrosion followed, and a janitor who opened the cabinet suffered a nasty skin burn. Stuff like this pushes the importance of rules right into your senses.
Let’s get practical. Flammable solvents don’t belong on open benches or near windows. Direct sunlight speeds up degradation, and higher temperatures boost vapor pressure, raising explosion risks. Always tuck these chemicals in a flame-proof cabinet, away from oxidizers. Segregation matters. Put strong acids and bases in different secondary containers because bottles occasionally break. Any mix-up could cause a violent reaction before you can grab the spill kit.
Some compounds, especially those prone to hydrolysis or oxidation, don’t fare well with moisture or air. Silica gel packs or inert gas blankets help preserve their integrity. Tight, corrosion-resistant lids matter. I once saw a peroxide-forming ether stored in an old jam jar. Seals failed, peroxides accumulated, and a tiny bump knocked it off, leading to a scare that nobody wants to repeat.
Chemicals don’t get safer with age or indifference. Labels fade, lids rust, and those handy scrawls with expiry dates vanish. Set up a habit of checking inventory once a month. If a label goes missing or a solution turns cloudy, treat it like a hazard, not a minor headache. Run a review with a buddy: fresh eyes spot what you ignore.
It’s not just about the label, though. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), always within reach, spells out specific do’s and don’ts. Relying on memory can set you up for a bad day. Read before you open anything new, especially if you haven’t handled it before. Training saves health and sometimes lives.
No shortcut exists for personal protective equipment. Gloves, goggles, and a sturdy lab coat withstand drips and splashes you never expect. I know people who shrugged off PPE, only to end up flushing eyes or scrambling to wash a chemical off bare hands. That moment sticks in your memory and rewires your habits for good.
Disposal closes the circle. If you finish with a bottle, don’t toss it in with regular trash just to clear a bench. Follow the established hazardous waste stream for solvents, acids, and reactive leftovers. Teach new folks the ropes; don’t assume they know. Spread a culture where asking questions about clean-up feels normal, not embarrassing.
Proper storage and careful handling form a baseline in any serious workspace—lab, warehouse, or workshop. Respect for chemicals comes through small, regular actions. This keeps everyone safe and the environment out of the ER.
Depending on who you ask, almost everything in the world looks like a hazard. Some shout about the dangers of chemicals without ever reading a label, while others shrug off obvious risks. My life has crossed paths with chemical compounds both at home and at work. Cleaning supplies, gasoline, pesticides, paint thinner—these are nothing exotic, just everyday items most people keep on hand. Each one seems ordinary until you scratch beneath the surface.
Health authorities and universities agree: hazard boils down to dose, route of exposure, and what people do with a substance. In other words, common things like sodium chloride, or table salt, turn nasty if someone ingests enough of it. On the other side, some compounds cause trouble at extremely low levels, especially if someone breathes them in or gets them on skin.
Years ago, I spent a summer working in a metal shop. My boss kept drums labeled “acetone” right near the entrance. Folks used it all day to wipe grease off parts. Everyone seemed fine, but the constant headache, dizzy feeling, and skin rashes told a different story. Nobody paid attention to ventilation or gloves; it was just “how it’s done.” OSHA spells out dangers for a reason—prolonged acetone exposure wears on organs, nerves, and skin, and it’s brutal on the environment when dumped down a drain.
Take another example: bleach. It disinfects and brightens laundry. Mixed with ammonia, it releases chloramine gas, strong enough to send someone to the ER in minutes. The U.S. CDC still receives calls about accidental poisonous gas outbreaks from families making this mistake. Awareness goes a long way, yet warning labels and MSDS sheets often get ignored.
Safety isn't just about slapdash instructions on a jug or an online factsheet nobody will ever read. It comes down to building a culture where people pause and figure out what they’re using. Basic chemistry says certain compounds—lead, benzene, mercury—have well-documented risks. Cancer, nerve damage, and birth defects stand at the top of those lists. Even “natural” compounds, like some plant alkaloids or heavy metal salts, can cause long-term health problems.
Sometimes, people trust labels too much. “Green” or “eco-friendly” products sometimes contain less-studied surfactants or solvents with unknown effects on children, pets, or aquatic life. EU REACH regulations demand more safety testing and straight talk about risks, which pushes companies to prove what’s in the bottle, not hide behind vague claims. In the U.S., things improve when consumers start asking for certifications and third-party verifications—kind of like when I started checking ingredient lists before buying.
Big improvements happen close to home. Storing chemicals properly, donning gloves, looking for ventilation, and following label guidance—these habits stick. Teachers who keep extra eye wash bottles and explain why certain cleaners stay off classroom counters save kids from bad days. Policies must support clearer labeling, better education, and accountability for manufacturers. Regulators, industry groups, and science teachers all join in. Honest, accessible information changes how people approach safety, and it turns a “maybe hazardous” compound into something that’s controlled, respected, and much less scary.
In my work with research teams and industrial labs, the same questions come up every week: How much does this molecule weigh, and just how clean is my sample? The answers shape how experiments unfold and dictate whether a batch of product meets the demands placed on it. Most chemists know the calculated molecular weight down to the decimal—what they sometimes miss is the broader impact these numbers have.
Every chemical product has a molecular weight—measured in grams per mole—that acts as more than a trivia fact for a certificate of analysis. Take pharmaceuticals as an example. A compound with a slightly off molecular weight hints at the presence of unwanted species, like derivatives or unreacted starting materials. Dose calculations go sideways when the number’s off. Even in basic synthetic chemistry, ignoring molecular weight throws off stoichiometry and stoichiometry mistakes mean wasted time, wasted resources, and sometimes product recalls.
In material science, polymers with a distribution of molecular weights risk unpredictable physical properties. I’ve worked on projects where just a small shift in weight throws off solubility and film formation. This impacts everything from packaging to coatings on medical devices. Buyers expect what’s promised on the label.
People ask, “Is 99% pure good enough?” In many industries, it’s the difference between a blockbuster and a bench oddity. High-purity standards reduce the likelihood of impurity-driven safety events. The slightest contaminant can catalyze unwanted side-reactions, spoil cell cultures, or trigger an allergic response. One case in point: The 2012 incident with contaminated heparin, traced back to low-purity batches, led to patient harm and tighter regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
Rigorous purity testing—using HPLC, NMR, and MS—backs up what specification sheets claim. Labs call for specifics: Are residual solvents low enough? Any heavy metals lurking near detection limits? Trust builds with verified data and suppliers willing to open their records. In my career, the best vendors always welcomed a robust paper trail. Gaps in documentation raised red flags with QC inspectors.
It’s easy to write off molecular weight and purity as just technicalities, but regulators don’t see it that way. Agencies like the FDA or EMA require specifications matching the intended end use. Regulatory filings turn on sharp definitions of both purity and molecular weight, with documentation supporting those claims from manufacturing through shipment.
Mistakes rarely stay hidden. Delays in production, costly product recalls, and sometimes legal consequences follow from neglecting these specifications. On major projects, I’ve seen entire shipments rejected over incorrect purity certificates—one missed decimal point cost a client millions.
What keeps the system trustworthy isn’t just a rigorous laboratory, but people double-checking, asking questions, and refusing to take fuzzy data at face value. Independent verification, sharing analytic protocols, and maintaining batch records up and down the supply chain make the difference.
Suppliers able to guarantee tight molecular weight ranges with high purity, along with transparent testing methods and traceability, find smoother roads to both the market and regulatory approval. For everyone else, the risks far outweigh the convenience of shortcuts.
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