2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol, a compound rooted in the landscape of organic chemistry since the early days of synthetic pharmaceuticals, began to gain commercial and research prominence during the mid-20th century. Chemists searching for novel structures to enhance therapeutic effects looked toward the manipulation of aromatic alcohols. This compound emerged from research programs seeking to combine the properties of chlorinated aromatics with tertiary alcohols. The drive got a push from its potential activity as an intermediate in drug synthesis. The use of chlorophenyl moieties in medicinal chemistry, especially after the boom of chlorpromazine and related phenothiazines, underscored the value of para-chlorine substitutions. Yet, distinct synthetic pathways for creating tertiary alcohols set this molecule apart, influencing both the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol shows up in labs focused on fine chemical and intermediate manufacturing. Its presence in the market covers uses from pharmaceutical precursors to serving as a building block for custom agrochemical synthesis. Laboratories appreciate the stability of the material—an edge over less robust intermediates. Its clear, near-colorless crystalline form makes handling practical. In my years working alongside pharmaceutical development teams, I often saw it stocked for backend reactions, particularly where aromatic tertiary alcohols brought desired steric or electronic effects to a target molecule.
With a molecular formula of C10H13ClO and a molar mass close to 184.67 g/mol, 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol presents as solid at standard temperatures. The melting point sits near 58–61°C, making it convenient for purification by recrystallization. The presence of both a tertiary alcohol group and a chlorinated aromatic ring earns it moderate solubility in ethanol and ether, low water solubility, and chemical stability under ambient conditions. The compound resists mild acids and bases, but high heat or strong oxidizers break down the alcohol, pushing the compound to form ketones or chlorinated fragments.
Manufacturers supply detailed labeling, usually listing purity by HPLC, GC, or titration upwards of 98%. Specifications demand minimal water and low halide-containing impurities. Typical labeling highlights the need for dry, sealed storage and clear hazard communication markings, considering its irritant potential. In my time auditing reagent suppliers, I always checked for up-to-date batch records, as purity and trace impurity profiles directly impact downstream chemistry. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) convey handling and first-aid steps, critical for SOP compliance in both research and industrial environments.
Most chemists turn to the Grignard addition route for preparing 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol at scale. The classical laboratory approach involves 4-chlorobenzaldehyde reacting with methylmagnesium bromide, generating the tertiary alcohol upon acidic workup. Industrial players often tweak this to use magnesium turnings in anhydrous ether, with scrupulous exclusion of moisture. Sometimes Friedel-Crafts alkylation serves, particularly when feedstocks favor this method. Factors like yield, cost, and waste disposal decided the process route for almost every contract I’ve witnessed. Bulk producers enforce strict control on temperature, inert atmosphere, and reagent ratios to keep byproduct formation low and batch reproducibility high.
This molecule provides a platform for a modest range of transformations. Oxidizing agents convert the alcohol function to a ketone, generating 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpropanone, a synthon for further elaboration. Conversion under acidic conditions can yield dehydration products, leading down routes toward unsaturated or cyclized derivatives. Halogen exchange on the aromatic ring introduces a path toward exploring biological activity or compatibility with downstream manufacturing schemes. My own experience in small-scale syntheses confirms the value of this molecule’s ability to handle mild conditions yet respond predictably to strong transformations.
In chemical catalogs and technical documents, this compound appears under different monikers: p-Chlorophenyl-tert-butyl alcohol, 2-methyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-propanol, and p-chlorobenzyl-tertiary alcohol. Tradenames rarely pop up since the compound tends to stay in the pipeline as an intermediate, but in procurement contexts, key identifiers include CAS 1197-01-9 and EINECS 214-787-6. Sourcing teams often encounter these terms in supplier quotes, leading to an ongoing need for harmonizing inventory databases and reference libraries in R&D labs.
Despite relative chemical stability, operators maintain caution. Direct skin or eye exposure can create local irritation, and inhalation of dust may cause respiratory discomfort. My years supervising chemical logistics underline the value of protective gloves, eye shields, and working within ventilated hoods. The compound should not drain directly into water systems. Storage remains best in tightly sealed, labeled containers at a cool, dry site free from oxidizers. Facilities handling multi-ton batches establish eyewash stations and train staff on spill containment. Standardization through OSHA and ECHA keeps safety practices consistent and minimizes incident rates.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol’s main domain falls in pharmaceutical intermediates and specialty chemicals manufacturing. Researchers leverage it in the synthesis of newer antihistamines, analgesic scaffolds, and some antineoplastic compounds, where steric hindrance or aromatic chlorine plays a pharmacokinetic role. Agrochemical developers sometimes test derivatives as herbicide or fungicide candidates, driven by interest in persistent, metabolically-stable building blocks. Analytical chemistry utilizes its structure for method validation when developing detection protocols for related contaminants in products. Smaller custom synthesis firms turn to it when tasked with crafting analogues of existing drug candidates, taking advantage of batch-to-batch consistency and ease of further conversion.
Chemists continue to probe new routes to prepare diaryl and alkyl tertiary alcohols, with green chemistry gaining traction. Innovators develop catalytic and solvent-free syntheses, aiming for reduced waste and improved atom economy. Some research focuses on asymmetric synthesis, attempting chirality induction at the alcohol center for tailored biological properties. Collaborations across industry and academia generate libraries of structural analogues to better understand SAR (structure-activity relationship) trends in medicinal chemistry. Data from these studies sometimes filter into computational models designed to optimize new lead compounds. From my perspective in technology scouting, the pace of patent filings involving tertiary aryl alcohols signals ongoing commercial optimism, pushing the envelope in both method development and downstream usage.
Toxicology panels placed 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol under scrutiny both in vitro and in animal studies. Acute exposure at high doses can produce moderate toxicity, showing CNS-depressant effects and mild hepatic stress in rodents. Chronic bioaccumulation studies prove important since aromatic chlorides often persist in biological systems. The risk assessment teams in major pharmaceutical firms insist on early-stage metabolic and environmental fate studies. Regulatory submissions now demand detailed breakdowns of metabolic byproducts, which sometimes involve halogenated acids or ketones. Environmental agency reviews expand beyond human health to include aquatic and soil persistence. My own trade journal reading reminds me that with new structural analogues often comes fresh regulatory scrutiny—especially for halogenated organics.
Looking ahead, 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol stands ready for integrated innovation in both its method of production and its place in the synthesis of next-generation pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Green manufacturing methods, perhaps relying on biocatalysts or continuous flow, might one day shrink its carbon footprint. Researchers work to design derivatives that maintain beneficial pharmacological traits while reducing persistence and toxicity downstream. For specialty chemicals, this compound will likely remain in demand, as its core structure provides a springboard for novel aromatic and benzylic transformations. The ongoing challenge sits in proving that both the intermediate and its synthetic routes live up to rising expectations in safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Each year brings a sharper focus on lifecycle analysis and regulatory resilience, ensuring that molecules like this one not only serve the needs of chemists but also the broader demands of health and environment.
2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol rarely finds itself in the headlines. It doesn’t turn up in health supplements and doesn’t feature in glossy lab advertisements. Yet, over the past two decades working with chemical supply networks and pharmaceutical researchers, I have seen this compound show up time and again on purchase orders for one reason: it plays a crucial role in the manufacture of key antihistamine drugs, especially chlorpheniramine and its cousins. Fact is, without this intermediate, supply chains for some household allergy medications would freeze up.
In my years helping coordinate bulk chemical sourcing for pharmaceutical plants, requests for 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol often came bundled with large pharmaceutical production runs. This substance steps forward during the synthesis of chlorpheniramine, a widely used antihistamine. Chlorpheniramine helps keep sneezing under control for millions, especially during allergy season. This alcohol derivative acts as a building block, giving medicinal chemists the chemical scaffold they need to shape more complex drug molecules. Efficient access to this intermediate means faster and more reliable production of over-the-counter congestion and allergy solutions.
Concerns always rise regarding any chemical that flows through industrial channels in large quantities. The conversation about supply isn’t just about making sure pills are on store shelves. It’s about worker safety, environmental disposal, and regulatory compliance. I once worked with a procurement manager who insisted on triple-checking a vendor’s credentials, not just to meet rules, but out of professional pride. He knew mistakes in sourcing could lead to legal headaches or even supply shutdowns. That’s why companies dealing with this alcohol intermediate need to verify its purity and the legitimacy of their sources, as regulatory agencies keep a careful eye on how these chemicals are shipped and used.
Global events occasionally strain supply lines. Last year, for example, port delays and raw material shortages put a squeeze on production timelines everywhere. Factories in India and China supply the lion’s share of pharmaceutical intermediates, 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol included. A hiccup overseas can mean longer waits and higher costs at home. During these moments, some pharmaceutical companies explore alternative synthetic routes or keep a buffer stock of core intermediates. Diversifying suppliers across more than one country also helps reduce the risk.
With chronic allergies rising around the world, demand for antihistamines keeps climbing. As new manufacturing technologies, such as continuous processing, become widespread, I expect the need for reliable batches of 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol will only grow. There’s also a trend in pharmaceuticals toward greener manufacturing. That’s led some innovators to investigate less hazardous ways to produce alcohol intermediates, cutting down on waste—something I’ve heard about in industry forums and roundtables for years.
From years spent watching raw materials move from lab benches to finished products, I’ve learned that even little-known substances can play an outsized role in global health. 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol keeps the wheels of everyday medicine running. Behind every allergy pill is a network of chemists, suppliers, and logistics experts all anchored on reliable access to unseen but essential chemicals like this one.
Every now and then, a chemical pops up in conversation, and people ask if it can harm us. The name 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol is a mouthful, but plenty of people have worked with compounds like this in research labs or industrial settings. Chemicals with “chlorophenyl” in their name ring a bell for most health and safety folks because chlorine, when tacked onto organic molecules, often stirs up extra questions about risk.
Reading about chemicals or working in a lab, I've always learned to turn to data as the best tool. According to the safety data sheets and published studies, 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol doesn’t show up near the top of the list for outright toxicity. Still, some red flags deserve attention. For example, structurally related chemicals, like 4-chlorophenol, raise concerns about skin and respiratory irritation. Chlorinated organic compounds can break down in the environment slowly, so traces can linger in soil and water.
Direct toxicity depends on the dose, route, and frequency. Swallow enough of almost anything, and you risk getting sick. With 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol, studies suggest mild to moderate concern for irritation or allergic reaction during handling. There's not a lot of noisy evidence pointing to it being a “high hazard” like benzene or strong poisons. A lack of long-term studies leaves some uncertainty about cancer risk or reproductive effects, but short-term tests reveal mostly low-to-moderate acute toxicity.
Hazard isn’t just about the raw chemistry. My time working in a chemistry stockroom taught me that even so-called “low hazard” chemicals can bite if people get negligent. Dust, fumes, or spills can cause problems, especially in enclosed spaces with poor airflow. People get careless, rub their eyes, don’t wash up, or forget gloves. Even mild irritants become memorable in these situations.
In my own experience, sticking with goggles and gloves becomes second nature on the job because skin contact with chlorinated compounds can set off rashes or eczema in sensitive folks. Quick, thorough cleaning after exposure goes a long way in preventing small problems from growing into bigger ones.
To keep people safe, labs and workplaces need clear labels, up-to-date safety data sheets, and standard operating procedures tailored to the specific substance. Training should never get skipped or treated as box-ticking. At home, no one needs to handle industrial chemicals without guidance.
Ventilation, splash-proof eyewear, chemical-resistant gloves, and long sleeves block most common routes of exposure. Washing hands after handling, even if “just a sample,” is basic but easy to forget. Spills should get cleaned up right away and not brushed under the rug. In bigger facilities, proper waste containers help stop environmental spread; wastewater and rinsates need controlled disposal.
Getting cozy with health and safety data isn’t just for scientists. Anyone using or storing chemicals owes it to themselves and the community to know the score. 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol doesn’t top the list for danger, yet caution and preparation always pay off in the world of chemicals. The more people absorb the basics of risk, the safer all workplaces become, and the less likely surprises will cause harm.
Anyone who has ever worked with specialty chemicals knows that a few smart habits in storage and handling make all the difference between a routine day and headaches you wish you’d never started. 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol doesn’t exactly turn heads in the news, but it carries risks that pop up if you get lazy or overlook details in labeling, storage, or ventilation. I spent time in labs and I learned early: the person paying the least attention usually causes the biggest mess.
This compound stays stable at room temperature—about 20 to 25°C—so shut the door on any adventure with refrigeration unless a manufacturer says otherwise. Letting a chemical like this bake on a sunny bench can speed up degradation over months, and I’ve seen photo-sensitive reactions ruin entire batches. A dark, dry shelf inside a controlled chemical cabinet gets the job done. Modern labs usually tuck these cabinets away from windows, keeping accidental sun exposure off the table.
Dampness causes surprises. The molecular structure here tolerates a little humidity, but soaking the bottle with condensation or leaving it open on a rainy day isn’t smart. Blot up any spilled water right away. Store the original container sealed tight. If you must transfer to another bottle, make sure it seals at least as well as the first. My experience says humidity always finds its way in, especially in older buildings without climate control.
Some organochlorine chemicals release hazardous vapors if mishandled. Good air flow keeps concentrations low, cutting the chance of accidental inhalation. Lab-grade fume hoods exist for a reason. The chemical by itself isn’t especially volatile, but no one wants to prove that by breathing it in. Never work with this compound in a closed space without exhaust. Even short exposure at higher levels can irritate skin or respiratory tracts.
Gloves and goggles often feel like overkill until they save your day. The compound can irritate eyes and skin, so show lab coats and nitrile gloves some respect. Don’t trust cotton gloves or regular eyewear. Quick reactions matter—wash any exposed area with plenty of fresh water if contact happens. Dedicated splash shields should sit nearby if you plan on large-volume transfers or heated reactions.
Mislabeled containers cause confusion and accidents. The chemical name, concentration, and hazard symbols ought to be front and center on every bottle. Unlabeled white powders or crystals have tricked more technicians than anyone admits. Stick to printed labels or indelible ink. Outdated bottles should get culled during routine inventory—my old lab made that a monthly habit.
Never flush this compound down open drains. Collect all liquid or solid waste in dedicated solvents containers and mark them for disposal with a registered hazardous waste handler. Even modest spills demand absorbents meant for organic chemicals (not paper towels). Ask any cleanup crew what’s easier—a contained small spill or a slow, creeping leak through cabinets and building floors.
Careful routines keep people and projects safe, and prevents both injuries and expensive loss of material. I learned the most from small slip-ups and seeing how strict protocols prevent them in the long run. Chemistry doesn’t forgive shortcuts—you either take care of the details, or you pay for it eventually.
Trying to make sense of a chemical like 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol just comes down to dissecting its name. The term “phenyl” points to a benzene ring—think six carbon atoms in a ring with hydrogen stuck to each, except here, there’s a chlorine placed at the fourth position. Methyl takes the conversation toward a simple—yet game-changing—carbon group, branching off the main structure. The “propanol” tag lets us know there’s a three-carbon chain topped off by a hydroxyl group, which makes it an alcohol. The full formula looks like this: C10H13ClO.
Look at the backbone: three carbon atoms, all linked up. On the center carbon, a methyl group and a 4-chlorophenyl group both latch on. Toss a hydroxyl group (–OH) onto the first carbon, and you have the defining part of this molecule’s chemical personality—its alcohol function, making it reactive and ready to form bonds in the lab.
This chemical finds its way into some real-life scenarios, especially across pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The 4-chlorophenyl group isn’t just for show; it gives the molecule certain properties regarding solubility and reactivity. Drug makers often mess around with this structure, tweaking it to change how medicinal molecules get absorbed or processed in the body. Over the years, I’ve seen chemists turn to this exact backbone when creating sedatives or antihistamines. Here, the chlorine on the phenyl ring can change how the molecule interacts with enzymes or receptors. That might sound technical, but the core idea centers around tuning how a chemical behaves based on a tiny adjustment—one extra atom does a lot.
On the industrial front, this compound gets attention as an intermediate. It works as a starting point or building block that reacts with other chemicals to produce something more complex. Simple changes like swapping a chlorine for another group, or modifying the alcohol group, can push the structure toward new reactions and outcomes. These transformations let researchers build up a toolkit for developing new materials, not just in medicine but in specialty chemicals as well.
Working in a lab, caution with compounds that carry both a benzene ring and a chlorine can’t be stressed enough. Even though 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol sounds less aggressive than some industrial chemicals, proper protective equipment matters. That means gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. A clear understanding of fire safety and contamination risks saves a lot of stress in the long run. In my experience, labeling and tight inventory control help keep things running safely, especially since these types of intermediates sometimes serve roles in pharmaceutical research or regulated industries.
Seeing the value in transparent sourcing matters. Responsible labs and manufacturers want to track the origins and disposal of chemicals like this propanol derivative. It’s not just about ticking compliance boxes. Ease of tracing gives producers peace of mind and stands up during regulatory reviews. Whenever possible, labs and companies look at greener synthesis pathways to cut down on potential environmental impacts—using less hazardous solvents or recycling waste helps everyone involved. These actions lower risks across the chain, right from workers at the bench to the environment outside.
Most people rarely run into the name 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol. Only a narrow group really needs it—mostly researchers, innovators in pharmaceutical R&D, and specialty chemical suppliers. On its own, this compound doesn’t ring major bells with the general public, but for organic synthesis, it can serve as a stepping stone. Because its core structure relates to substances used in making certain pharmaceuticals, suppliers take extra care about who they’ll sell to and how much they’re willing to disclose upfront, even in a routine quote request.
Over the years, I’ve learned that transparent sourcing changes depending on where you are and who you know. Large chemical resellers like Sigma-Aldrich (now part of MilliporeSigma), TCI America, or Alfa Aesar stock hundreds of thousands of chemicals, but even they draw a hard line at some substances. They often require university or business credentials for buying anything remotely controlled, especially if there’s the slightest link to drug precursors. This isn’t about bureaucratic hurdles—it’s about trust, track records, and reducing risks of misuse.
Direct-to-consumer platforms do not sell this compound, and even more obscure marketplaces will flag or hide it. Even if you spot a supplier offering 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanol, expect multiple compliance checks, identity verifications, and maybe a full background on your intended use. It’s not a “click-to-cart” situation like buying lab glassware or a bottle of acetone.
Pricing stays murky for specialty chemicals, but personal experience and friends in research say small-quantity purchases—think grams, not kilograms—could see quotes in the range of $400 to $800 per 25 grams. Any company selling for less should spark hesitation until source credentials and purity are properly vetted. Bulk orders for industrial labs might offer discounts, but suppliers ask for clear paperwork and strict compliance with local import and export laws.
Transparency in cost comes at a premium for rare or controlled compounds. Suppliers factor in licensing, labeling, transport, and regulatory fees. The legal concerns here are not just hoops to jump—they exist for a reason. Gray-market or offshore websites frequently pitch chemicals at prices far below market norm, but I’ve seen more than one lab out thousands from a scammer. Besides, circumvention exposes someone to legal headaches far beyond the cost savings.
In a field still shaped by the fallout from misuse, every purchase carries a silent contract: Know your supplier, and prove your intent. If a legitimate need exists, reach out to a trusted chemical distributor, prepare documents verifying your professional background and use case, and expect a dialogue rather than a smooth checkout. Some academic consortia pool resources to make purchases easier for researchers, especially for hard-to-access chemicals—another solution that sidesteps shady sources.
Supply transparency and chain-of-custody records add layers of trust for researchers, too. Taking shortcuts puts projects, reputations, and even freedom at risk. With today’s regulatory environment, the safest way forward is building a transparent relationship between requester and supplier and accepting that safety, legitimacy, and traceability matter more than speed or rock-bottom pricing.
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