3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol: A Detailed Look at a Workhorse Compound

Historical Development

Chemists in the mid-20th century started digging deeper into alkanolamines for everything from pharmaceuticals to chemical intermediates. Somewhere along the way, 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol showed up as a product of curiosity and necessity. Manufacturers began tinkering with its structure, inspired by its backbone’s flexibility in drug synthesis and surfactant creation. Looking back through old patents and research journals, you see a steady thread of interest grow throughout the pharmaceutical boom and the search for safer compounds in both industrial and medical applications.

Product Overview

Crystalline or liquid depending on its purity and temperature, 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol caught my eye early in my chemical formulation days. Its chemical formula, C6H15NO2, gives away the presence of both a propanediol and an isopropylamino group, which translates to a compound eager to form bonds and play well with others. That willingness opens doors in research, from drug intermediates to performance enhancers for synthetic processes. Distribution typically emphasizes structural purity, since even a small impurity can impact pharmaceutical outcomes or downstream reactions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Slightly viscous at room temperature, this compound brings with it a mild, amine-like odor and a faint sweetness in taste testing (not that anyone should make a practice of that). Solubility ranges high in water, which makes sense given those two hydroxyl groups, and it dissolves in alcohols and some ketones as well. Melting and boiling points depend on the specific isomer ratio, but you can expect it to melt just above room temperature. Stability stands strong under usual lab conditions, yet with heat and air, the compound can oxidize, especially when trace metals push things along.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Commercial grades list minimum assay percentages, typically pushing 98% or higher for specialty applications, and flag limits for water content and potential impurities. Labels carry UN identification codes for safe shipping and GHS pictograms to communicate health risks. Responsible suppliers include batch-specific traceability so you can backtrack through sourcing, which has become a growing concern as regulatory oversight digs in. That traceability not only supports compliance but also helps troubleshoot shifts in reactivity or safety issues.

Preparation Method

Synthesis often starts with propylene oxide reacting in a controlled way with isopropylamine, guided by reaction solvents that moderate temperature bumps. Catalysts such as tertiary amines or Lewis acids move things along, and process engineers focus on controlling side-product formation—sometimes running reactions under inert gas to minimize oxygen exposure. Cleanup includes distillation under reduced pressure, polishing purity with activated charcoal when clarity matters. No matter how many times I revisit the protocol, the scent that lingers after neutralization always brings back late nights refining operating parameters.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Chemists see reactive hot spots across the hydroxyl groups and the secondary amine. Alkylation and acylation stand out as favorite modifications, supporting the creation of custom surfactants or nested intermediates for drug molecules. Oxidation opens up amino alcohols to other families of compounds, many of which head straight toward biological testing for fat-soluble drugs or delivery systems. Crosslinking reactions allow polymer scientists to build hydrophilic blocks, often pushing performance boundaries in resin industries. Even beyond those classic manipulations, researchers keep finding subtle ways to improve selectivity and yield.

Synonyms & Product Names

Across different catalogs and chemical information systems, you run into a host of aliases: Isopropanolamino-1,2-diol, DL-Isopropylamino-1,2-propanediol, and N-Isopropyl-1,2-propanediol among them. These names reflect the struggle to standardize nomenclature, especially between suppliers operating under IUPAC norms and those responding directly to trade demands. Even a single CAS number can point to varied descriptions in different regions—a headache for compliance managers and technical buyers.

Safety & Operational Standards

Strict handling procedures guide any operator working with chemicals in this family. Exposure limits remain under constant review since skin and respiratory irritation emerge at relatively low concentrations. Standard advice includes chemical-resistant gloves, tight-fitting goggles, and local exhaust ventilation. Training programs reinforce these points with practical tips, drilling in spill procedures and first aid, because no matter how often guidelines get reviewed, human error remains a fact of life. Bulk facilities flag secondary containment and emphasize labeling in clear, visible language. Regulatory frameworks like REACH and OSHA drive ongoing changes, and experienced professionals keep a close eye on evolving standards.

Application Area

Applications for 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol reach far beyond the academic models. In pharmaceuticals, the molecule’s intermediate position supports synthesis of beta blockers and other cardiovascular agents. Surfactant engineers tweak its structure for use in specialty soaps and emulsifiers. Performance coatings sometimes rely on its polar groups for better adhesion or abrasion performance, especially in demanding environments. Somebody out there has probably tested it as a corrosion inhibitor or in polymer stabilization, reflecting an urge to squeeze every bit of value from raw ingredients. From my perspective, its main value lies in flexibility: one base compound, dozens of technical paths.

Research & Development

Developers push boundaries continually, searching for better synthesis paths and more precise modifications. Automated reactors and real-time monitoring tools allow for new reaction screening and optimization. Academic-industry partnerships drive patent filings around modified structures and new uses, sometimes moving at a pace that challenges regulatory tracking. Journals regularly carry reports of new derivatives being evaluated for biological activity or special physical effects, particularly in green chemistry settings. Newer work implies promising results as researchers reduce waste streams and improve selectivity, a must given the tightening environmental rules in several key markets.

Toxicity Research

Three-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol undergoes standard toxicity assessment as regulatory authorities ramp up scrutiny of all secondary amines. Acute toxicity results reveal mild irritation at low doses; chronic impacts require long-form studies still playing out. Repeated exposure brings some risks to the kidneys and liver in animal models, but manufacturers mitigate that with robust safety protocols. Environmental fate studies track breakdown and bioaccumulation in aquatic environments, as authorities worry about persistence. Predictive toxicology models get better each year, though real-life monitoring remains the gold standard. Test results push ongoing changes both in labeling and user education.

Future Prospects

Three-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol stands poised for a fresh wave of innovation. Green chemistry fuels a search for less hazardous synthetic alternatives, but so far, no clear competitors have matched its technical profile. Enhanced process automation promises better purity at lower cost, freeing up resources for custom derivatives in pharmaceutical, consumer, and coatings industries. Demand shifts in specialty surfactants could lead to new uses in personal care or food safety packaging. The key challenge will always circle back to safety, since regulatory agencies show little interest in easing restrictions without comprehensive long-term data. For now, the push toward higher efficiency, cleaner production, and reduced risk shapes every lab notebook and investor memo.



What is 3-(Isopropylamino)-1 2-Propanediol used for?

The Role of 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol in Industry

3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol pops up in many industrial conversations, mainly because of its contribution to the pharmaceutical world. Chemists reach for this compound when creating certain beta-blockers, especially propranolol. Without it, manufacturing some of the most relied-on heart medications would become a trickier business. Having worked in a pharmacy setting, I’ve seen firsthand how access to dependable drugs shapes patient outcomes. Consistent quality in the raw materials, like this compound, gives drugmakers an edge in creating medicines that perform as expected and keep side effects in check.

Why Pharmaceuticals Depend on Specific Compounds

In medicine manufacturing, using intermediates like 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol takes careful oversight. This molecule finds a spot in the synthesis chain for beta-blockers, which people use to handle high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, and even anxiety. Every day, millions rely on these drugs. The stakes here are personal, not just corporate: for someone with a heart condition, a missed dose or a tainted batch can spell trouble. Quality control goes beyond a checklist; it’s what keeps families together and emergencies at bay.

Behind the Scenes in Chemical Manufacturing

Quality is one word that gets tossed around often in chemical circles. In high-stakes manufacturing, raw materials set the bar for the finished product. Sourcing reliable 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol means less room for mishaps later in the process. My conversations with lab techs suggest strict documentation and supplier vetting keep contaminants away from patients. There’s no real substitute for diligence at this stage. Trust, but verify—because one oversight can ripple down the supply chain and reach those at the end who trust their lives to these medications.

Health and Safety at Every Step

Handling chemicals safely often comes down to training and established habits. I remember walking through a production site where personal protective equipment wasn’t an afterthought—it was mandatory. 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol is handled like any other sensitive intermediate: with gloves on, hoods running, and protocols followed. Any spill raises flags not only for employee safety but also for the environment. Waste disposal, air filtration, and emergency drills keep both the workforce and neighborhood safer.

Navigating Challenges and Moving Forward

Every industry has its pain points. In the world of pharmaceutical compounds, supply chain snags and cost pressures pop up often. Sourcing from registered, inspected suppliers makes a difference. International trade adds another set of hurdles—regulatory compliance, tariffs, and transportation delays all play their part. Companies working on solutions—like tighter supplier audits and investment in local labs—can help cut these risks. Shoring up the whole process, from raw ingredient to finished tablet, lets healthcare providers feel confident in the medications they pass on to patients.

Room for Improvement

Innovation can drive change here. Startups pushing for green chemistry methods are catching the attention of industry veterans. Reimagining the synthesis route for 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol, for example, could trim down waste and curb costs. Automation helps, too. With more precise machines and better monitoring, errors shrink. I’ve noticed older labs making the switch, aiming for fewer manual steps and sharper quality control. In many ways, the next leap in pharmaceutical safety and reliability starts with solid, well-managed chemistry at the source.

What is the chemical formula of 3-(Isopropylamino)-1 2-Propanediol?

Understanding Its Formula

3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol goes by the chemical formula C6H15NO2. This name might seem intimidating, but with some grounding in organic chemistry, the formula maps out neatly. You get a propanediol backbone — a three-carbon chain, with hydroxyl (–OH) groups attached at both the first and second positions. On the third carbon sits an isopropylamino group.

I remember being fascinated in undergraduate labs, watching how a few simple changes could make one compound turn into another with completely different properties. Here, adding an isopropyl group to the amino nitrogen gives the molecule bulk and changes its interaction with water and other molecules. The "isopropylamino" component brings extra carbon atoms, and with the two hydroxyl groups, you get a molecule that isn’t just interesting on paper. It can dissolve well in water, a feature that sets it apart from many simpler amines.

Practical Importance

Plenty of people overlook chemicals that don’t appear in news headlines or drug cabinets. Yet, molecules like 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol fill important roles in chemical manufacturing and research. This compound can serve as a building block for more complex pharmaceutical agents or a reagent for biologically active compounds. The presence of both alcohol and amine groups gives it flexibility. Scientists, especially those in medicinal chemistry, have a toolkit full of compounds like this, shaping them to test different effects in disease research.

Safety and Handling

Many small molecules pose risks in the lab, even when they look simple. Although 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol exhibits water solubility, one shouldn’t assume it poses no hazard. Amines come with risks of irritation. Two years back, a colleague learned this lesson after a spill led to skin irritation. Labs need to enforce glove use and proper ventilation. Even though regulations may not label this as a major threat, handling with respect and knowledge always beats complacency. Chemical safety databases show that minimizing inhalation and direct contact goes a long way.

The Wider Context and Responsible Use

In the current climate, with increasing scrutiny on chemical safety and transparency, clarity on structures and formulas means more than filling out regulatory forms. Making sure everyone on a team understands what goes into their reactions can prevent both waste and harm. Encouraging curiosity about a chemical’s formula and its behavior helps newcomers recognize its strengths, and avoid reckless shortcuts.

Industries sometimes chase new compounds, not always pausing to assess whether old tools like this remain useful. I’ve seen more than one project slowed by trying to reinvent a building block that already performed well. With a solid grasp of the properties that come with the C6H15NO2 formula—a hydrophilic nature, moderate volatility, and both nucleophilic and hydrogen bonding capacity—it’s possible to anticipate where this molecule fits and where it might not.

Looking for Smarter Solutions

Every chemical, no matter how niche, deserves thoughtful handling and a bit of respect for what it can do. Genomics and big data have sped up discovery, but understanding the basics—like the structure and uses of 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol—still forms the backbone of prudent science. It pays to revisit what’s already in the toolkit, use supply chains that prioritize clear sourcing, and follow up on safety literature as it evolves. Clear knowledge doesn’t just prevent mistakes; it opens doors for more creative, efficient, and greener science.

Is 3-(Isopropylamino)-1 2-Propanediol safe to handle?

Digging Into the Facts

Picking up any new chemical in the lab or workplace sparks questions about health and safety. 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-propanediol isn’t exactly a household name, so caution makes sense. Digging into safety demands serious attention, especially since this compound plays a role in specialty manufacturing, research, and pharmaceutical development. Small mistakes with chemicals can turn a regular workday into an emergency, and I’ve seen enough near-misses at the lab bench to know most warnings exist for a reason.

Known Hazards and Exposure

Let’s get concrete: safety data points to risks that depend on how you handle the stuff. Inhalation often tops the risk list in the chemistry world, often showing up in cases where powders or volatile substances are involved. For a liquid like 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-propanediol, skin and eye contact matter more. Reports from manufacturers and the European Chemicals Agency point out that this compound may cause skin irritation, eye damage, or discomfort if inhaled in mist or aerosol form. Direct contact with mucous membranes smells trouble.

Those rare moments when spills happen usually reinforce good habits. A colleague once found out the hard way that wiping up unknown drips without gloves can mean hours of irritation or a trip to occupational health. The material isn’t famous for highly acute toxicity like cyanides or mercaptans, but downplaying any chemical on the shelf usually leads to trouble.

Regulations and Best Practices

Regulatory agencies care about this compound, tagging it for safe storage and strict handling protocols. Safety data sheets from both US and European sources highlight standard PPE: gloves resistant to chemical penetration, goggles or face protection, and well-ventilated work areas. I’ve always kept a spare lab coat at my station because, in practice, the quickest exposure route is often through splashes on sleeves or bare wrists.

Good ventilation can make or break lab safety. Anyone who’s worked with even moderately volatile amines or similar alcohol-amine compounds knows that the subtle smell in a poorly ventilated space leads to headaches and nausea. Fume hoods remain the gold standard for mitigating any inhalation risk.

Long-Term Risks

Chronic exposure sometimes hides risks you don’t see in a single session—think dermatitis, respiratory discomfort, or eye issues that build over months. Most published data throws up more red flags for misuse than for environmental persistence or bioaccumulation. Still, the gap in public data means workers and researchers bear added responsibility for careful handling. If you get a rash, or recurring cough, reporting it promptly and reviewing handling procedures earns top priority.

Improvements and Solutions

Handling chemicals with odd names, as I’ve learned, means relying less on memory and more on reviewed and current safety data sheets. Regular refreshers on PPE and emergency eyewash routines build habits before they’re truly tested. Labeling and clear chemical storage prevent mistaken identity, especially in shared workspaces.

For employers, fostering safety means training, regular reminders, and a culture where workers don’t hesitate to slow down or speak up about uncomfortable symptoms. Investing in spill kits, maintaining well-stocked PPE stations, and assigning clear emergency roles help make labs and plants safer.

So the conversation about handling chemicals like 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-propanediol goes beyond the name on the drum or the bottle. Respect for every compound in the workplace carries more weight than memorizing toxicity numbers. Years of careful, consistent practice prevent accidents, and attention to daily habits shapes safer outcomes for everyone.

What are the storage conditions for 3-(Isopropylamino)-1 2-Propanediol?

Taking Chemical Storage Seriously

Anyone who spends time in a laboratory understands the importance of safe chemical storage. 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol doesn’t show up on most people’s radar, but those who work with it know handling can’t be left to chance. This compound might not explode under sunlight like peroxides or stink up a room like amines, but it still has its own set of needs. Neglecting storage can lead to degraded material or even safety hazards down the line.

Temperature and Atmosphere: Staying in the Sweet Spot

Keep this compound at room temperature, ideally between 15-25°C (59-77°F), and you keep it stable for long periods. Go much above 30°C, and you face risks. Chemical changes accelerate, especially if you’re in a humid spot. Humidity tends to make chemistry unreliable; it invites everything from subtle decomposition to accidental reactions. Lower temperatures (as long as you keep the product above its freezing point) help, but don’t toss it in a deep freezer unless you’ve double-checked that it remains stable there.

From my own experience, keeping sensitive chemicals in small, tightly capped containers makes a big difference. Using glass, or high-quality plastic that doesn’t interact with the compound, prevents slow contamination or breakdown. Some chemicals interact with oxygen, so making the habit of purging the container with dry nitrogen before sealing helps extend shelf life, especially for those who only need a small quantity at any given time.

Keep Moisture Out—Always

Moisture remains enemy number one in most labs. The diol group in 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol can attract water, especially in open or loosely closed bottles. Water doesn’t just dilute chemicals—it can trigger side reactions, and in the worst cases, you lose the consistency you expect in experiments or manufacturing. Vacuum desiccators work wonders; silica packs work in a pinch for smaller batches. I’ve seen labs lose thousands in wasted materials by simply ignoring this step.

Light and Labeling: Details That Matter

Some chemicals break down under direct light, even the cool glow of fluorescent bulbs that fill most storage shelves. Stashing this compound in amber glass helps if you can’t guarantee darkness. Always label containers with the date received, opened, and expected expiration. This makes it easy to spot anything that's outlived its welcome, and it stops confusion long before it leads to bigger problems.

Practical Steps for a Safer Lab

Putting up a laminated sheet with these storage guidelines near chemical cabinets helps new team members get up to speed fast. Auditing storage once a month for old or damaged containers keeps surprises out of the equation. Fact: the American Chemical Society points out that the majority of small-lab accidents trace back to improper storage, not wild experiments. That mirrors my own observations—most risks stay invisible until someone skips a basic step.

Improved storage is more than a checklist—it saves time, money, and sometimes lives. Remembering the basics, like temperature, moisture control, and clear labeling, leads to fewer headaches and safer results every single day.

Where can I buy 3-(Isopropylamino)-1 2-Propanediol?

Chemical Buying Isn’t Like Picking up Milk

Hunting down chemicals like 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol sends most people into a world different from the average shopping trip. Forget browsing glossy aisles or clicking on a two-day shipping button. Chemicals with specific structures, like this one, usually fall into the hands of industrial suppliers, custom synthesis labs, or universities. Over the years, buying “off-the-shelf” lab materials during graduate research, I learned quickly that not all compounds enjoy equal access. Even seasoned researchers hit roadblocks with supply chains or legal restrictions.

Why the Supply Chain Matters

Common suppliers, such as Sigma-Aldrich, TCI, or Fisher Scientific, only carry what there’s demand for or what’s safe and legal to distribute. Once you cross into specialty chemicals—even with innocent research purposes—the hurdles pile up. Inventory databases might give a glimmer of hope, listing what’s possible, but availability rarely matches what’s on paper. Companies may require certificates, shipping restrictions, or proof of research intent. Some chemicals, like pseudoephedrine or its cousins, raise public safety flags because they appear on regulatory watchlists.

Laws and Responsible Use Aren’t Optional

Countries regulate chemicals differently. In the US, the DEA, FDA, and EPA all keep tabs on compounds with potential for misuse, diversion, or harm. European agencies set their own rules. Even basic lab chemicals trigger paperwork if they appear on certain lists. Trying to cut corners—using sketchy suppliers without business details or shipping regulations—could land buyers in legal trouble, invite unsafe handling, or bring fake products. Years in a university lab taught me to always demand safety data sheets, certificates of analysis, and secure shipment. Trusted sources may seem slower, but their paperwork saves headaches later.

Safe Buying Starts with Purpose and Paperwork

Legitimate chemical vendors won’t take a buyer at their word. They ask for business or institutional identification, end-use declarations, sometimes government registration. Few homebudgets or small businesses qualify, unless connected to industry, academia, or registered research. People often believe they’re just “purchasing a chemical,” but the law treats some substances as highly sensitive. That may mean weeks spent justifying research, adjusting processes to similar but less-regulated compounds, or partnering with accredited labs. Rushing the process almost always backfires.

Real Solutions for Researchers and Companies

For those on a legitimate quest, start with known suppliers; talk to their technical support about your project. They know which chemicals have strict rules, which can ship internationally, and what substitutes offer. Some requests fall outside catalogs, but companies can perform custom synthesis with the right documentation. I’ve worked with colleagues willing to share compounds through academic collaboration—an invaluable option if paperwork slows commercial purchase. It pays to design experiments around accessible chemicals and enlist institutional safety officers for advice.

Chemistry Needs Trust and Transparency

Every lab, business, or hobbyist benefits from open conversations about what’s needed, why it’s needed, and who’s qualified to handle it. Finding 3-(Isopropylamino)-1,2-Propanediol isn’t about secrecy or shortcuts; it’s about safety, legal protection, and long-term science. Pushing for transparency builds trust with suppliers and regulators, keeping everyone safe and research legitimate.

3-(Isopropylamino)-1 2-Propanediol