Chemists have always dug deep into the chemistry of simple molecules, and (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol didn’t start as a star. Synthesis routes and awareness picked up pace through the late 20th century as organic chlorides became a focus, especially those with chiral centers. Industrial labs started to value stereochemistry more during this time. Later, regulations around chlorinated products drove research toward better handling and greener approaches. The scientific community’s knowledge built up, year after year, as better analytical tools made it easier to distinguish between the (R) and (S) isomers, adding value to what used to be a small article in obscure journals. Not only did this change how labs made the product, but it pushed forward enantioselective synthesis and new purification methods that still get used today.
(2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol carries a chiral center that sets it apart from lots of simple chlorinated alcohols. With a clear liquid appearance and a modestly sweet odor, it sits somewhere between more common solvents and more strictly regulated specialty reagents. Synthesized for research, pharmaceutical development, and certain polymer processes, this compound’s reactivity pattern is well known among chemists. Purity grades have to fit tightly controlled specs, as a slight mix of isomers can tilt downstream reactions. Labs handle bulk supplies as well as small custom batches, all depending on the needs of industry and academic teams. Names like (R)-1-chloro-2-propanol, (R)-α-chloropropanol, and even some trade-specific codes have floated around product catalogs and SDS sheets—each tied to the chiral emphasis of the (R) configuration.
This colorless organic liquid brings a density around 1.12 g/cm³ and a boiling point near 127°C. Miscibility with water is moderate, as the -Cl group drops the polarity just a touch compared to simple propanols. The molecular weight comes in at 94.52 g/mol. Flash point sits lower than pure propanol, adding easy flammability worries. Odor is faint but sweet, reminiscent of similar low-molecular weight chlorinated alcohols, and vapor pressure runs higher than non-halogenated cousins. It can hydrogen bond, though that network weakens due to the electronegative chlorine. Stability under ambient conditions is fair, but exposure to strong acids, bases, or oxidizers demands caution. It hydrolyzes in the presence of base, giving propylene oxide under the right conditions—a transformation that actually forms a key part of its use in industry research.
Quality control hinges on chiral purity and residual solvent content. Best practices measure optical rotation to confirm the (R)-enantiomer, with typical specifications requiring >98% enantiomeric excess. GC and NMR check for other alcohols or chlorinated byproducts—minute traces cause problems with catalysts or cause off-flavors in specialty applications. Most containers carry clear labeling for corrosivity and possible lachrymatory effects. CAS numbers commonly referenced: 1271-08-5. Labels carry supplier-specific batch numbers, purity, solvent residue levels, and clear hazard pictograms. UN numbers track international shipments for compliance. Storage advice usually says to keep it tightly closed, away from strong bases and acids, and in ventilated, dark rooms. Some regulations require a reconciliation log for such chlorinated products, which makes inventory management a constant detail-oriented job in regulated sites.
Most syntheses go by either the substitution of (R)-propylene glycol with thionyl chloride or by the reaction of (R)-2-propanol with phosphorus pentachloride. Some newer methods aim to use greener reagents, favoring aqueous acid chlorides over thionyl variants to cut down on SO₂ emissions. Stereoconserved approaches became popular, given that racemization wipes out the value of the product for chiral synthesis projects. Researchers sometimes use chiral auxiliaries or biocatalysts in specialized routes, keeping an eye on yields and waste generation. Purification often means fractionated distillation, extraction, or chiral chromatography, depending on final application. Residuals must get monitored closely, especially if the product is going toward pharmaceutical intermediates or advanced materials.
Chlorinated alcohols like this one spark interest because their reactive chlorine and alcohol groups allow them to step into a range of conversions. Base-catalyzed intramolecular substitution produces epoxypropanes, while nucleophilic substitution at the chlorine allows aminations, azide introduction, or etherifications. Oxidative conditions can drive up to carbonyl compounds, typically the corresponding aldehyde or ketone; acidic conditions can promote dehydration side reactions. Modifications using lithium aluminum hydride or similar reductions can trim off the chlorine and offer new access to (R)-1,2-propanediol—useful in medical and flavor compound synthesis. In polymer labs, grafting the molecule onto backbone structures lets chemists introduce site-selective crosslinkers or pending functional arms. With so many paths open, this compound lets teams stitch together advanced designer molecules without going back to square one.
Suppliers know this compound by names such as (R)-1-chloro-2-propanol, (R)-2-chloro-1-propanol, and (R)-α-chloropropanol. On occasion, it shows up as (R)-chlorohydrin or under numbers like CAS 1271-08-5. Some catalogs may use commercial identifiers, though research circles tend to stick with the clear IUPAC nomenclature to avoid confusion when ordering or citing material in documentation. Pharma synthesis projects often cross-reference both synonym and batch code to ensure consistent project tracking.
Handling demands solid lab habits. Direct contact irritates skin and mucous membranes. If vapor builds up (which is easy given its moderate volatility), eye stinging and headaches can follow. Institutional protocols say to wear goggles, nitrile gloves, and layer up with chemical-resistant lab coats. Ventilation needs to move at a steady clip, since chlorinated vapors can linger. Spills absorb best with inert materials like sand or specialized commercial absorbents, never with sawdust or combustible materials. Emergency plans always include quick rinsing with water and access to eyewash stations. Waste disposal fits hazardous organohalide protocols: high-temperature incineration or coordinated pickup by specialists. Regulations such as OSHA and REACH outline specific storage signage, training requirements, and annual inventory checks to stay within the lines. Some regions classify it as a hazardous air pollutant, demanding paperwork and periodic volatilization risk assessment in manufacturing or research environments.
Many pharmaceutical companies pick up (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol for enantioselective synthesis, whether making chiral drugs or prepping advanced intermediates. The compound fits nicely as a stepping-stone to propylene oxide, which ties its fate to adhesives, polyurethanes, and surfactant industries. Research chemists like it too, building it into syntheses of amino alcohols, azidoalcohols, or cyclic ethers—some with direct routes to beta-blocker drugs or insect pheromone analogs. Its reactive pattern gives it an edge in environmental testing, tracer studies, or as a calibration material for chiral column validation. Industrially, it passes through reactors as a precursor rather than an end-use material, but those short-lived intermediates often paint the pathway for new product rollouts and improved material properties.
Research teams focus on making syntheses cleaner, higher-yield, and adaptable to continuous-flow settings. Multinational projects put time into finding recyclable catalysts and minimizing chlorinated waste—especially as green chemistry moves up the budget list. Analytical labs explore new chiral chromatography columns for better resolution and lower cost. Start-ups experiment with biocatalytic routes using engineered enzymes, trying to fit circular chemistry visions. Computational chemists feed molecular data into models predicting reactivity and optimal process conditions, tightening the loop between design and actual bench work. Collaboration pushes innovation, as big projects swing between academic creativity and the strict, numbers-led discipline of commercial scaling. Funding agencies now pay more attention to the lifecycle and downstream impacts of chlorinated reagents, ratcheting up the bar for sustainability and safety.
Older animal studies flagged liver and kidney strain at moderate to high exposure levels, raising clear red flags for chronic handling and accidental ingestion. More recent lab evaluations work through in vitro modeling and metabolic breakdown analysis. The parent compound converts quickly in mammalian systems, with toxicologists tracking both the alcohol and epoxide derivatives. Acute exposures cause irritation, possible lung inflammation, and headaches, with chronic effects tied probably to solvent-like metabolite build-up. Indoor air studies flagged low-level off-gassing in poorly ventilated workplaces, which shaped modern usage guidelines. Regulatory science circles keep up pressure on suppliers to provide clean, detailed safety data, and university ethics boards demand a full risk evaluation before approving new experimental protocols in teaching labs.
Production routes look set for change as biocatalytic and green solvent-driven methods prove themselves at scale. Environmental compliance won’t get easier, as regulatory bodies show zero signs of backing away from restrictions on chlorinated intermediates. Downstream applications in pharmaceuticals and specialty materials keep pressure on synthetic routes that squeeze every drop of enantiomeric purity and minimize waste. Automation in process chemistry promises tighter control, real-time monitoring, and more efficient use of reagents—opening the door for less hazardous workspaces and more agile manufacturing. Sustainable chemistry isn’t just a slogan; R&D budgets increasingly tie funding to demonstrated lifecycle improvements for compounds like (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol. Collaboration across chemists, toxicologists, and engineers makes a difference, shaping a future where chiral synthons get made smarter, cleaner, and safer—without losing the chemistry that makes them valuable in the first place.
In chemistry, some compounds carry more weight than others because they signal the start of complex journeys. (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol falls in that category. This compound serves as an important starting material, especially for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Its unique structure allows scientists to turn it into many other products by making small changes to its chemical makeup.
Working in the pharmaceutical field, one rarely finds a clean line from raw material to finished drug. Most drugs are the result of a long train of reactions, and (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol often pops up near the beginning. Its value comes from the way the chlorine atom can be swapped out, letting researchers string together new functional groups. Several chiral drugs—those that require a specific handedness—start from this building block. This is because (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol has a specific three-dimensional form, making the whole synthesis process more efficient and cutting down on unwanted by-products. The accuracy in structure matters when building molecules designed to work inside the human body.
The world doesn’t feed itself on luck. Agrochemicals play a role in getting bigger harvests and keeping pests away. Compounds based on propanol structures, including (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol, have found their way into the toolbox of producers making herbicides and fungicides. Through specific reactions, companies turn this raw material into more advanced molecules that defend crops or promote growth. The safety and environmental side of these chemicals remains under scrutiny, so using chiral starting points like this can help design molecules that break down more predictably, lessening some risks.
Beyond drugs and sprays, (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol helps create chemicals for plastics, coatings, and resins. Manufacturers want predictability—products that perform the same way every time. By starting synthesis with a chiral chemical, the end product retains this “handedness,” delivering sharp, consistent characteristics. Resins crafted with these types of materials often have improved strength, stickiness, or resistance to chemicals. This brings a clear real-world gain, like longer-lasting paints or more robust adhesives.
Chemical reactions produce waste—sometimes a lot of it. The real art in the lab comes from designing pathways that waste less. Because (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol has just the right shape and reactivity, chemists can often use it to build what they need without taking too many detours. Lower waste means smaller environmental footprints and usually a better bottom line for companies.
Safety concerns hang over all chemical manufacturing. Each starting material brings its own hazards, and (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol’s physical properties guide how workers move and store it. Its use as a chiral building block supports newer “green chemistry” trends: more targeted reactions, fewer leftover chemicals, and lower toxicity byproducts. As global regulations demand more accountability, companies rely on starting materials with strong safety records and evidence of responsible handling.
To get full value from compounds like (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol, the chemical industry needs to keep refining its processes. Better methods for recycling spent chemicals, smart containment systems, and stronger partnerships with regulators set the stage for safer, cleaner, and more innovative uses. For researchers, this versatile molecule stands as a tool to reach higher levels of precision and sustainability in synthesis, whether the end goal sits on a pharmacy shelf or a cornfield.
A bottle of (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol means nothing unless you know what’s inside. Purity marks the difference between smooth lab work and a series of headaches that waste time and resources. Here’s the deal: most suppliers list purity above 98%, sometimes scraping the 99% mark for high-grade batches. In practice, small differences add up fast. Just a few fractions below 98% and synthetic chemistry goes sideways. By-products sneak in, reactions stall, or final products don’t meet spec. On paper, “98% pure” looks clean, but experience teaches you to ask, “What’s the other 2%?”
Most impurities are standard—residual solvents, trace halides, leftover acids, maybe a dash of enantiomer if the synthesis isn’t controlled tightly. For someone working in pharma or biotech, that leftover material matters a lot. If it slips through, it can turn up in a biological assay or cloud up an HPLC readout. Once, I watched a colleague lose a week troubleshooting peaks that vanished once they stopped buying from a cheap supplier. Lesson: what’s on the certificate of analysis has real consequences for results and your stress level.
Grades—like “analytical reagent” or “technical”—sound bureaucratic but tell you plenty. Analytical grade usually means someone took the time to eliminate as many impurities as possible. It costs more, but for synthetic work or assay development, paying extra upfront can save thousands on rework and verification. Technical grade, on the other hand, gets used more in industrial settings, where trace stuff doesn’t matter unless it wrecks a catalyst or a reactor. Still, it’s tempting to cut corners and use a lower grade in a pinch, especially under tight deadlines.
In pharmaceutical development, relying on the wrong grade can set off a mess of regulatory and quality headaches. Not every project checks the same boxes, but the minute you cross into clinical studies, regulators expect clear documentation—purity, impurity profiles, batch consistency. Labs that take purity for granted usually get caught on the back end: contaminated batches, failed reactions, and repeat testing. The bottom line: the right grade isn’t just about the chemical—it’s about your workflow and reputation.
Working in tight research teams taught me to push for more than just standard COAs. Vendor transparency helped every time we pressed for a full impurity breakdown. An honest supplier answers specifics, from stereochemistry ratios to residue solvents. Asking for recent batch analyses isn’t picky—it’s practical. Over time, you get a feel for which brands stay true to their word. Communicating these standards across teams—down to junior techs—stops mistakes before they start.
Labs run better with a clear plan: choose the grade based on the job, keep records of what goes into each reaction, and trace every blip in the data back to materials. Companies that create strong feedback between scientists and purchasing managers build systems where bad suppliers get weeded out. Paying a bit more for top-grade (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol sets projects up for less waste, more accuracy, and way less hassle in the future.
Storing chemicals isn’t just about following labels or keeping a tidy shelf in a lab. For something like (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol, storage choices hold greater consequences. I’ve seen the fallout from casual storage firsthand—liquid chemicals seeping into cardboard, fumes turning up in unexpected places, safety gear suddenly feeling woefully inadequate. Lab mistakes have taught me that taking shortcuts on storage can risk health, trash expensive equipment, and invite a nightmare of regulatory headaches.
This compound brings together a few things you want to respect: a chlorine atom, an alcohol group, and a reputation for volatility. It will evaporate into the air if left open. Vapors irritate eyes and the lungs. There’s flammability to worry about. Mixing up incompatible chemicals isn’t just careless—sometimes it turns a quiet room into a disaster zone.
Putting (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol on a random shelf doesn’t cut it. Dedicated chemical cabinets—especially those built for storing flammable liquids—solve half the problem by keeping vapors trapped and fire risk lower. At home, a locked garage cabinet holds harsh cleaners away from sunlight and family. In a workplace or lab, I always rely on vented, fire-resistant cabinets. A cool, dry place makes all the difference. Heat and sunlight don’t just nudge up danger—they speed up decomposition and leaks.
Glass bottles offer solid resistance, but I always check seals and look for chemical compatibility on plastics. Metal containers often get corroded with chlorinated substances, turning a storage fix into a chemical hazard. Labels matter more than most people think—handwriting fades and stickers peel, but confusion in a bad moment lands people in hospital.
Proper ventilation isn’t a luxury. I’ve lost count of times poor airflow turns small spills into a building-wide alert. If vapors float around, exposure adds up fast, and symptoms creep in before anyone notices. A chemical spill kit close by, working eye-wash stations, and unobstructed exits all count as must-haves. I prefer keeping an updated Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) taped inside the cabinet door or right near the storage spot.
Education protects more folks than locks ever will. I walked a new coworker through the reasons for safety goggles and why any open bottle goes back straight away—not left “just for a minute.” Shortcuts often feel harmless right until they aren’t. A commitment to careful storage makes sure no one has to learn the hard way.
Many organizations could upgrade with small steps: fire safety trays, regular cabinet checks, better labeling tools. Families using chemicals for hobbies or cleaning can buy simple containment bins and store them out of reach and sunlight. Proper training doesn’t slow down work; it keeps everyone safe and builds habits that last much longer than the current project.
Careful storage is a mark of respect—to our health, to our coworkers, and to the future. Each step, from vented cabinets to the right label, protects people and property. Chemical storage may sound routine, but lives have hinged on small choices made long before an emergency ever starts. That’s a lesson worth keeping at the front of every storage plan.
Working with chemicals like (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol puts real risks on the table. I’ve learned over the years that folks can’t afford to get comfortable just because a liquid looks clear and simple to handle. This chemical carries real health hazards if people ignore proper handling steps. It can irritate eyes and skin in an instant and a whiff of its vapors might start a chain of headaches, coughing, or even serious lung trouble. Safety goggles and nitrile gloves belong on before opening a single bottle. Regular lab coats protect skin, but a splash apron blocks more. In my time around research labs and chemical warehouses, I’ve watched the difference a splash guard or shield can make. Chemical burns hurt — and they can put someone out of work for weeks.
Many solvents and useful reagents create fumes that you don’t see until the headache hits or someone starts coughing. Safe workplaces use chemical fume hoods or dedicated exhausts, not just cracked windows or a box fan stuck in the corner. Any process with heat, stirring, or pouring stirs up vapors. Clean air keeps people healthy, and local exhaust means less risk for everyone in the building. I remember once hearing a story about a tech who used a small bottle of (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol on an open bench. She felt dizziness right away and went home sick. Ever since, I always double-check airflow in workspaces and don’t trust scent alone—some vapors don’t smell as strong as you’d expect.
No lab is too careful for accidents. Spills happen, and everyone in a chemical environment ought to know their role. Once on a plant floor, a colleague grabbed the wrong sorbent for cleaning up — it made a small chemical problem much worse. Workers need clear instructions: evacuate if the spill takes up more than a few square feet, keep folks upwind, and reach for inert absorbents, not sawdust or rags that might react. After cleanup, waste containers should shut tightly and get labeled for hazardous pickup. I always train with real-life drills rather than just running through a boring checklist.
Temperature swings can build pressure in sealed bottles. Simple storage rules keep things safe. I’ve seen bottles crack because someone set them near a heat vent, or kept them stacked high above shoulder level. Always choose shatter-resistant secondary containers, with plenty of airflow nearby. Proper labeling stops mix-ups—distinct lettering, not faded marker, means nobody will grab the wrong liquid. Closed shelves with clear signage keep fire risks lower and people safer.
Experience shapes better safety habits. If the label looks off, or the bottle shows clouding or odd colors, it’s worth raising a hand. The best teams I’ve been on watch out for one another, even if it means double-checking every step. It helps to keep up to date with the material’s safety data sheet (SDS), which has the latest facts, not the outdated posters taped up years ago. Chemical safety asks for steady focus, clear routines, and teamwork. This is how injuries go down and serious incidents stay rare.
No one wakes up excited about hunting for specialty chemicals, but for those of us in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical supply, or research labs, sourcing enantiomerically pure compounds can feel like chasing a moving target. For (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol, the scene stands out because bulk needs are shaping market decisions more often, thanks to its role as a building block in several reactions—especially for intermediates in pharmaceutical and agrochemical syntheses.
Here’s the reality: suppliers rarely hold large volumes of (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol on a shelf, waiting for the next buyer to call. That’s a function of its specialized use and the complexity of enantioselective synthesis. Most chemical distributors are set up for research quantities, not drums or tanks. Getting past this roadblock means tapping into networks of contract manufacturers who actually produce this intermediate on-demand, based on confirmed bulk orders.
Looking at leading suppliers in China, Switzerland, and the United States, several contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) do list (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol as something they can produce at industrial scale. But these outfits usually require a custom order, technical data, and a letter of intent before they start a campaign. Based on my own sourcing experience, reaching out early—several months before the material is needed—keeps projects on track, since batch setup, lead times, and regulatory paperwork can drag on. For smaller companies or research labs, partnering with a chemical sourcing agency often shortens the search for CMOs or bulk traders with available capacity.
This compound is not your average catalog chemical. Since some of its uses tie back to pharmaceutical ingredients, compliance weighs heavy. Buyers get asked about intended end use, and reliable suppliers always provide a certificate of analysis, enantiomeric purity data, and a safety data sheet. Western buyers, in particular, look for operations audited by regulators or certified under ISO standards, and often request analytical samples before a full order. Not every quote comes with all boxes checked—some sellers cut corners, so due diligence keeps surprises in check.
Bulk pricing for (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol does not follow the pattern seen with commodity chemicals. Production costs depend heavily on the source of chiral precursors, method of synthesis, and required purity. Sometimes, pharmaceutical demand in Asia or regulatory changes reset the market overnight. That volatility frustrates purchasing managers trying to lock in costs for a project lasting over a year. Buyers often negotiate take-or-pay contracts for regular deliveries or set up safety stock arrangements with suppliers to avoid production shutdowns caused by supply hiccups.
Most large manufacturers work fine at ton quantities, but midsize and smaller firms get stuck without enough demand to move the needle for these CMOs. Pooling orders through specialty brokers or cooperatives sometimes brings down minimum order sizes and improves pricing stability. As green chemistry and continuous flow production keep spreading, experts expect new suppliers to enter the market offering smaller, more flexible batch sizes for chiral intermediates like (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol. That would reshape access, lower costs, and give buyers wider sourcing options.
Bulk sourcing of (2R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol takes time, paperwork, and trusted contacts. Planning ahead, confirming supplier quality, and forming the right partnerships keep projects on track. Anyone treating chiral intermediates like standard commodities often learns the hard way—this market rewards reliability and preparation more than speed or the lowest bid.
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