The molecule D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol, often recognized by researchers in pharmaceuticals and organic chemistry, slipped onto the scene as labs sought new ways to tweak antibiotics. Back in the middle of the twentieth century, this substance got attention for its role in the development of chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that changed the way doctors handled dangerous infections. Before antibiotics like chloramphenicol, many basic infections cost lives, so new discoveries naturally grabbed serious interest. Researchers, pressing for substances that struck a balance between high potency and lower toxicity, homed in on this diol. Over the decades, the molecule stayed in the background, quietly supporting studies into enantiomeric purity, stereochemistry, and targeted synthesis. My own early lab days meant handling old journals showing hand-drawn pathways of its synthesis—reminders of a time when teams working by instinct and slide rules brought big change with small molecules.
D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol stands as a chiral organic compound that finds most of its use in research circles. Researchers come back to this molecule for its defined stereochemistry, which delivers predictability in biological reactions. You see its presence in scaffold construction, intermediate synthesis, and as a teaching tool for university-level students exploring complex synthetic methodologies. What separates it from run-of-the-mill compounds is its unique configuration—a nitrophenyl group paired with an amino-diol backbone. Labs, old and new, have leaned on its stable, crystalline nature and well-documented behavior under various reactions.
This crystalline compound reveals its character through a yellow to yellowish-orange appearance, thanks to its nitro substituent. With a molecular formula of C9H12N2O4, its molar mass sits at 212.20 g/mol. Handling it reveals a product with moderate solubility in water and greater ease dissolving in organic solvents like ethanol or methanol. It melts in the neighborhood of 168 to 172°C, and remains stable in dry storage, away from sunlight and strong acids or bases. Sharp-nosed chemists note its slightly bitter odor and mild irritation to skin contact, no surprise given its aromatic nitro group. Its chirality means one enantiomer (the "D-(-)-threo" version) brings different interactions with enzymes and receptors than its mirror-image partner, so careful handling and labeling remain crucial.
Quality matters—especially in research. Technical sheets released by reputable suppliers give details like enantiomeric excess above 98%, moisture content below 0.5%, and minimal trace impurities. Vials carry clear CAS numbers and batch information, meeting worldwide chemical regulations. Labels warn against inhalation and skin contact, call for gloves and goggles, and come with QR codes that pull up safety data sheets in a flash. These steps protect both staff and project integrity, especially when grants and tight budgets put extra pressure on project timelines. Mislabeling or poor-quality batches have torpedoed more than one experiment, and the cost in lost hours rarely makes it into official reports.
The production of D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol typically begins with a condensation between 4-nitrobenzaldehyde and nitromethane, producing a nitrostyrene, then hydrogenation kicks in, followed by selective reduction steps. Enantioselective catalysts deliver the desired threo isomer, rather than the less active erythro form. I’ve worked with teams struggling through often tedious purification cycles—columns, crystallizations, re-crystallizations—until both yield and optical purity land in the right range. Methods involving enzymatic resolution have found favor lately for their lower environmental impact, but traditional chemical routes persist, sometimes preferred by chemists more comfortable with flask-and-stirrer than freeze-dried cells.
Chemists appreciate this molecule’s flexibility. The nitrogens and hydroxyls offer spots for further reaction, such as protection or transformation into esters, carbamates, or amides. Catalysts and reagents coax new compounds from this starting block—chloramphenicol grew from this family of reactions. Advanced modifications like alkylation, acylation, and less common cyclizations broaden the compound’s horizon. In medicinal chemistry, there’s an ongoing drive to modify the aryl nitro group, aiming to reduce toxicity or improve bioavailability. Each new derivative holds potential as a teaching example or a lead compound, depending on who’s in the room.
It goes by many handles: “Threo-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol,” “D-(-)-Threo-chloramphenicol base,” “Threo-p-nitrophenylserinol,” and various brand identifiers. In a pinch, some call it “nitrophenyl serinol” or reference its structural similarity to intermediate antibiotic compounds. Suppliers each choose their preferred label, making due diligence by the buyer essential. One mistaken code in a purchase order can turn weeks of planning into a red-tape mess, so chemists and procurement staff pay close attention.
Working with D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol means keeping to standard chemical laboratory precautions. Safety data sheets warn of its potential as an irritant, especially on open skin or if inhaled as dust. Standard operating procedures call for fume hoods, gloves, and eye shields. Chemical storage guidelines ask for dry, stable, and cool environments, separated from acids or strong oxidants. Accidental spills require sweeping with care, not water, until contained. Over decades, regulatory agencies have advanced from basic suggestions to demanding written records, waste logs, and incident reports, aiming to catch risks early and keep people healthy. Staff training remains uneven—new graduate students sometimes cut corners—but attention to these standards saves hands, eyes, and plenty of paperwork.
Researchers reach for this compound mostly to build and test new antibiotics. Its structure forms the backbone for modifications, so students and post-docs map out several hypothetical drugs from a single vial. Medical research, especially combating bacterial resistance, leans on subtle differences in chirality and chemical behavior that this molecule offers. Beyond medicine, the compound sometimes aids in developing chiral catalysts, asymmetric ligands, or as a probe in organic synthesis. Materials scientists dabble with its modification, checking if new derivatives perform well as sensors or catalysts.
The research pipeline stretches from routine synthesis to sophisticated screening. Teams aim to lower steps, cut chemical waste, and push optical purity. In recent years, flow chemistry and microreactors entered the scene, letting researchers speed up iterations while lowering risk of exposure. My experience with automated sampling helped save hours but demanded new skillsets in programming and troubleshooting. Collaborations between academia and industry sometimes stall over intellectual property, yet the promise of improved treatments keeps funding agencies and commercial partners at the table. Computational tools now predict how modifications on this structure affect bioactivity, so graduate students test predictions in glassware and report back with surprises both good and humbling.
Decades of toxicology detail the hazards of nitroaromatic compounds, and D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol is no exception. Analyses of cell cultures, model organisms, and accidental exposures profile its risks. Acute irritancy, possible mutagenic effects, and environmental persistence all raise red flags, though exposure in research settings remains low thanks to protective practices. Regulatory bodies classify the compound and its relatives as “handle with care”—proper disposal, not routine drain disposal, makes a measurable difference for local waterways. Ongoing research aims to distinguish between genuine medical value and residual toxicity, hoping to keep useful antibiotics on the market without driving up adverse effects.
The future for D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol doesn’t spark headlines, but it remains a quiet engine in synthetic organic labs. New chemistry, greener synthesis, and targeted modification continue to open doors. The real opportunity lies in education, training the next generation of chemists to respect hazards while appreciating the utility this substance brings to discovery. Improvements in processing could mean less waste, quicker access, and safer alternatives to old, riskier reagents. With drug resistance climbing and research budgets tightening, having stable, well-characterized starting materials pays off in scientific dividends. As long as antibiotic development stays on the world’s agenda, this molecule keeps earning its shelf space, not from flash or fame, but simple reliability and versatility.
The story of D-(-)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIOL begins in organic chemistry labs, tucked away in bottles that don’t catch much attention. In medical science, though, this molecule plays a bigger part—it’s better known as an intermediate for making D-threo-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-aminopropan-1,3-diol, a starting point in the production of specific antibiotics.
Having spent some time in research environments, I’ve watched scientists handle this compound with care. In most cases, it’s pulled out during the synthesis of chloramphenicol, an old but still-important antibiotic. Decades ago, doctors counted on chloramphenicol to fight tough bugs when there weren’t many options. Today, its use continues in regions where safer or more expensive treatments aren’t handy. Real lives rely on this chain of chemical reactions, so questions about this compound reach beyond the test tube.
Sitting in hospitals in developing countries, you see children with fevers doctors can’t trace. In rural clinics, resources run thin. Chloramphenicol—built from molecules like D-(-)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIOL—can sometimes mean the difference between recovery and something far grimmer. Bacterial meningitis and typhoid, for instance, respond when other drugs fail or cost too much. Reports from the World Health Organization show ongoing demand for such medicines, especially in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
But there’s a catch. This isn’t just a clean equation: useful drug = good outcome. Chloramphenicol has serious side effects, including bone marrow suppression. These risks forced wealthier countries to shift to newer antibiotics with better safety profiles. Yet the chemistry remains vital where choice means access or none at all.
Getting the right quality of D-(-)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIOL determines whether chloramphenicol comes out pure and safe. Contaminated intermediates lead to unsafe medicines. From what I’ve seen, rigorous quality standards often get left behind in the rush to produce low-cost generics. This can leave patients more at risk, not less.
India and China produce most of the world’s supply. Regulatory bodies like the US FDA and EMA require strict compliance for everything shipped into wealthier markets, but oversight drops off in other regions. The United States Pharmacopeia spells out purity and handling standards, but enforcing them everywhere proves much harder. Medicines made with substandard precursors can end up anywhere, so the entire supply chain demands constant vigilance.
So what fixes this? In my work with public health projects, success grows when governments, non-profits, and companies team up on manufacturing audits, batch testing, and staff training. Requiring third-party lab checks before drugs hit the shelf tightens quality and raises trust. Investing in green chemistry could also trim costs and waste, so that factories sticking to good practices don’t end up priced out of the market.
People deserve antibiotics produced from high-quality intermediates, regardless of where they live. This isn’t only about chemistry or business—it’s about health and trust. As science moves forward, we owe it to those patients to keep their needs, and their safety, at the core of drug production.
D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol has the chemical formula C9H12N2O4 and a molecular weight of 212.20 g/mol. Naming can sound complicated, but it all boils down to specific elements and their arrangement. D-(-)-Threo describes the orientation of the molecule—a tiny shift with big consequences for how molecules interact with our bodies.
Looking at this compound, you see carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen working together. Four oxygens hint at extra chemical activity, especially with that nitro group planted on the aromatic ring. That group—NO2—brings reactivity and, honestly, a distinct edge to the molecule’s behavior. You find similar structures in well-known drugs and synthetic materials. Chemistry that places a nitro group on a phenyl ring often leads to strong color, noticeable reactivity, and sometimes medical or industrial value.
It's easy to ignore the importance of small molecules like this. In research laboratories, these kinds of compounds end up as the building blocks for new medicines. Drug design looks like a jigsaw puzzle, and each small shift in atomic arrangement can make or break an experiment. Even if a molecule only differs by the position of a single group, it can change how enzymes and cell receptors respond. For example, threo-structuring controls which enzymes can grab onto this compound, which can fundamentally shift how it acts in the body or in industrial settings.
Sitting in a chemistry lab back in grad school, the difference between threo and erythro forms wasn’t obvious until running a simple reaction and watching yields drop or strange crystals form. That difference reminded me—chemistry rewards attention to detail. Industry pays the price if mistakes slip past, like using the wrong stereoisomer by accident. Costs add up, and safety can take a hit. Factories and labs put hours into checking that each atom sits in its proper place because lives, regulations, and dollars all care about small things.
The compound’s makeup gives researchers a tool for exploring how nitro groups and amino groups combine on a small, rigid backbone. Pharmaceutical developers chase this kind of molecule to test new antibiotics and enzyme inhibitors. Academics run trials using these structures to study how life’s building blocks fit together. Small-scale syntheses in the lab, or large-scale manufacturing, both start with clear formulas and careful math—to avoid waste and produce pure products.
A major problem in chemical supply chains involves authenticity and purity. Rigorous sourcing helps, but there’s no shortcut. Analytical equipment—NMR, mass spectrometry, HPLC—saves labs from disaster. Purity demands transparency from suppliers and traceability of every step. Tackling these challenges requires more than just reacting chemicals; it takes a network built on trust, results, and constant communication.
D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol might look niche, but it exemplifies the value of detail in science. Quality matters. Traceability matters. The more time I’ve spent at the bench, the more clear it became—mistakes in chemistry don’t hide for long, and correct formulas and accurate weights make or break innovation.
Safety comes before everything else when dealing with active chemical substances like D-(-)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIOL. It’s easy to overlook real hazards in favor of listing off technical jargon or copying sheets full of regulatory-ese. Yet in any lab or storeroom, the facts bear repeating: this compound demands real respect.
Small molecules pack a punch, and handling them like basic sugar or salt misses the point. D-(-)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIOL brings together aromatic nitro groups and an amino group—two features that signal a clear need to treat this powder with care. Left exposed to the air or under bright lights, you risk breakdown or, worse, chemical reactions that weren’t on your daily checklist.
My background in organic synthesis taught me never to judge a container by its label alone. Nitroaromatics often carry toxic weights—the nitro group in particular can jump at light, heat, or good old-fashioned neglect. Long-term exposure or sloppy spills lead to environmental and health risks that tend to boomerang. I've seen what happens when old samples turn up leaking from cracked vials—there’s nothing fun about cleanup when you don't know how the stuff decomposes.
Temperature swings hit these molecules hard. Some groups break down faster at room temperature, and a few hours on a sunny countertop usually speeds up the process. Keep this compound cool and dry. Use a lockable fridge or a secured cold room. Avoid freezers unless a supplier backs that up—ice crystals or condensation make these chemicals clump or even change state, making weighing a mess and reactions unpredictable.
Labels should look fresh and clear, with receiving and opening dates—old, mystery vials wind up costing time and money down the road. Store samples in chemical-resistant, airtight containers. These usually have screw-top lids and a snug seal: no screwcaps loosely perched, no parafilm fixes. Keep desiccant pouches close at hand for moisture control—water vapor likes to slip inside every time you open the vial.
Workplace vigilance can slip when folks get used to handling “routine” materials. I once watched someone transfer a nitroaromatic compound on a crowded bench, distracted by phone notifications. He left a trace on a shared spatula, and half a dozen samples became contaminated with an active amine. The ripple effect meant more waste, more disposal headaches, and more training hours.
Personal protective gear always matters—lab coat, gloves, and eye protection. Only handle the powder in a fume hood. This step ensures that if any dust rises, you’re not breathing it in. Proper ventilation and spill kits should stand close to storage and handling areas.
Regular audits of chemical stocks help curb clutter; out-of-date samples should move straight to approved hazardous waste streams. Storing this compound separate from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers avoids accidental mixing. Segregation cuts down on the single biggest source of lab accidents: unintended reactions.
A few checks make the job easier: verify inventory, make sure containers seal tight, and dispose of decomposed material right away using protocols laid out by trained colleagues. Good storage isn’t about ticking off rules—it’s a habit that spares everyone unnecessary drama. Storing D-(-)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-1,3-PROPANEDIOL the right way means focusing on detail and learning from the little disasters that come from overlooking basics.
Too many lab accidents start with a simple oversight. D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol is one of those mouthfuls that crop up in research settings and sometimes in pharmaceutical work. With a name like that, it's easy to overlook the risks behind it. Just because a compound isn't famous for causing dramatic explosions doesn't mean it won't quietly create trouble.
Chemicals with nitro groups often sneak up by releasing unexpected toxicity. This molecule carries a 4-nitrophenyl arm, the type seen in compounds notorious for skin and eye irritation. Nitro aromatics frequently show a tendency to cause methemoglobinemia, making the blood unable to deliver oxygen efficiently. These are not hypothetical effects; documented incidents prove they can impact researchers’ health after skin exposure or inhalation of dust.
A quick look at safety data uncovers more: ingestion or prolonged skin contact can produce more than mild discomfort. Some studies point toward potential for mutagenicity or cumulative organ toxicity, especially to liver and kidneys. These risks don't jump out at first glance, but responsible chemists recall headaches, rashes, and red eyes that follow an afternoon handling similar nitro-based intermediates.
Gloves and goggles aren't for show. They’re the reason some of my colleagues avoided serious injury after a glass beaker slipped or powder spilled. Nitrile gloves provide protection, but not for prolonged or repeated exposure. Fume hoods help remove airborne dust risk. Lab coats prevent accidental skin exposure. Working with dry powders can mean it’s only a matter of time before particles float up on a careless breath.
Eye protection matters even more: splash risk doesn’t only come from liquids—powders can transfer from gloves to face with one absent-minded gesture. Proper ventilation, waste handling protocols, and immediate cleanup routines keep those accidents minor, not major. Many companies make handling toxic intermediates a checklist item. Spills get wiped up with detergent and disposed of as hazardous waste—these steps aren’t paranoia, just experience talking.
Many regions treat compounds with a nitrophenyl group as regulated substances. Safety data sheets highlight them for a reason. If a container lacks labels or the SDS hasn’t been updated, the risk rises quickly. Proper labeling, access to updated safety data, and regular staff training define the line between a safe workplace and one just waiting for an incident.
Mislabeling or improper storage leads to ugly surprises. Chemists have had close calls only discovered during routine safety audits—sometimes containers leak, or incompatible chemicals share a shelf. Keeping materials separated limits cross-contamination and accidental reactions.
Everything boils down to culture. Shortcuts taken in handling hazardous substances can spiral into lost workdays or worse. Transparent discussions on near misses educate teams much better than any flowchart. Facility leadership must recognize and address safety lapses before a one-off incident becomes a regular occurrence. It pays to make safety a habit, not an afterthought.
D-(-)-Threo-2-Amino-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-Propanediol requires thoughtful handling. Lessons picked up from minor incidents teach more than warning labels alone can do. Personal responsibility keeps not just oneself safe, but the whole team. It’s about a shared commitment to vigilance, mindfulness, and preparedness.
Every few years, a particular molecular compound draws the attention of both seasoned chemical researchers and biopharma newcomers. This time, D-(-)-threo-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol fits the bill, mostly because labs count on reliable sources and trusted specifications. In the world of chiral intermediates, the trick isn’t just synthesizing the stuff; it’s about knowing what’s inside your bottle.
Having worked across both academia and custom synthesis labs, I’ve learned that purity isn’t just a line on the certificate—it’s the difference between reproducible findings and wasted weeks. Most researchers insist on material with purity levels at or above 98%. Some high-performance applications demand even tighter specs—think 99% and above—particularly when you’re developing pharmaceutical candidates or calibrating analytic methods.
If a batch lists 98% purity via HPLC, that leaves a sliver for unknowns. It’s not just about trace contaminants; slight impurities can throw off a reaction that needs specificity. In chiral chemistry especially, even a minor isomeric impurity can skew data, block pathways, or compromise the safety of an experimental therapy.
Suppliers these days offer robust batch documentation, although one needs to look past the marketing gloss. I’ve seen material described in catalogs at “98%+ (HPLC), enantiomeric excess: 99%+.” Real-world experience cautions me to skim through COAs and ask directly about their analytic methods. Sometimes a supplier will test only for major impurities by HPLC and skip GC, which misses volatile byproducts. To me, the extra step rarely feels redundant.
Packaging seems straightforward—until it isn’t. Research teams running initial screens reach for milligram (mg) or gram (g) vials. The most common shelf stock from suppliers comes in 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1 g glass containers. For larger-scale synthesis—maybe a startup stepping into a pilot program—bottles at 5 g, 10 g, or 25 g have become available through direct order, sometimes with custom packaging on request.
Storing any sensitive intermediate calls for careful handling. Ill-fitting caps or the wrong bottle can degrade a shipment before a project gets off the ground. Speaking from a near-disaster with a light-sensitive powder, I always check not just the amount, but the quality of the container. Amber glass and tight seals aren’t just for show; they really do keep oxygen and light at bay.
I’ve found that open dialogue with a technical representative answers more questions in five minutes than reading ten catalog pages. The best suppliers offer real-time support and detailed spec sheets, not just catchphrases. For researchers running high-throughput projects, securing a reliable source early in the planning process reduces last-minute stress and costly reruns.
The push for transparency has led to more detailed product pages and COAs online. I have noticed some companies now hyperlink full analytic reports, referencing not just HPLC but also NMR, MS, and chiral purity assays. This openness helps labs choose the right material—and trust it from batch to batch.
Suppliers that stand behind their data and provide customizable packaging sizes give modern research teams better flexibility. For labs rotating between milligram and kilogram scales, or for those tuning purity for a specific assay, honest communication with the supplier makes the difference. With tougher regulatory landscapes and bigger investments at stake, settling for less—or guessing—doesn’t really fly anymore.
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