People first uncovered the usefulness of small chiral organochlorides like (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol back when stereochemistry exploded in the 20th century. Organic chemists spent much of that time unraveling methods for selective synthesis, especially for intermediates used in drug development and specialty chemicals. Early literature showed racemic mixtures, but demand for chiral purity in pharmaceuticals pushed folks to chase after single-enantiomer compounds like this one. Research labs experimented with halohydrin formation, tweaking reaction conditions to drive production of just the (S) isomer. Public registries such as the Merck Index took note, and this compound started showing up in patents and scientific publications tied to asymmetric synthesis. Those early days set the groundwork for industrial chemists aiming to scale up and standardize production.
(S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol crops up in catalogs for anyone running small-scale research or pilot plant work. Chemists recognize it as a handy building block, especially in the hunt for low-molecular-weight intermediates. Folks in pharmaceutical and agrochemical labs appreciate how this small molecule helps assemble more complicated targets. Suppliers ship it in sealed containers, making it available for quick delivery to labs needing ready-to-go chiral reagents. Its physical state—colorless liquid with a sharp, slightly sweet odor—makes storage and handling straightforward in most labs. Inventory managers like its shelf stability, keeping material loss low even after months of storage under standard conditions.
This molecule stays liquid at room temperature, with a boiling point just above 150 °C. With a density close to 1.13 g/cm³ and solubility in water, users find it manageable in most organic syntheses. Its refractive index tips off chemists about purity during QC. The alcohol group reacts readily with bases and acids, and the primary chlorine atom opens doors to nucleophilic substitution or further derivate work. Compared with higher chlorinated propanols, it holds up better under storage, less prone to slow hydrolysis. Anyone who's handled it recognizes the faint solvent-like aroma, a small reminder of its volatility.
Sourcing (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol comes with a handful of technical details: chiral purity often specified at no less than 98% ee, water content capped below 0.5%, and GC/HPLC offering the main method for batch verification. Labels focus on signal words set by GHS standards, with pictograms for health hazards—a nod to possible toxicity and irritation risk. Containers typically come in amber glass to block photodegradation, and secondary packaging warns against inverting or dropping. SDS details give first responders the info needed in case of spills or mishandling. Buyers look for batch certificates tracing every step from synthesis to bottling, keeping compliance with regional regulations tight.
Most producers rely on asymmetric chlorination of propylene oxide or diol precursors, followed by careful separation of the desired enantiomer. Enzyme-assisted catalysis makes the cut in some green chemistry circles, harnessing biological specificity to drive up yields of the (S) isomer. Others employ chiral auxiliaries, coaxing standard starting materials into the right configuration before cleaving away the auxiliary to recover pure product. In my time running bench-top syntheses, I stuck with sodium hypochlorite methods, balancing cost through local procurement. Lab teams favor batch processes for tight control, while pilot facilities lean toward continuous flow setups for volume and repeatability.
Behind the simple structure, chemists spot a versatile functional group combination: hydroxyl and chloromethyl. The alcohol reacts to form esters and ethers, serving as a launching pad for chemical libraries used in lead optimization. Chlorine swaps out with nucleophiles, letting researchers craft amines, thiols, or other tailored derivatives. This makes (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol a favorite for studying substitution kinetics or prepping labeled intermediates. In my hands, I’ve exploited it to set up SN2 displacement studies, tracking shifts in stereochemistry across multiple steps. Halohydrin rearrangements open new rings—an essential trick for epoxide synthesis and downstream modifications in pharmaceutical routes.
Literature reflects a range of tags for this compound, from simple (S)-1-chloro-2-propanol to less common names like (S)-propan-2-ol-1-yl chloride or (S)-2-hydroxy-1-chloropropane. Commercial catalogs highlight CAS Number 99828-12-1, and the IUPAC name marks it for the purists. Old patent filings sometimes call it (S)-chloropropanol or opt for trade names, though these rarely stick in research circles. Synonyms surface during regulatory checks or in cross-border shipments, requiring careful confirmation to avoid mix-ups. Journal articles favor structural descriptors that show the arrangement at the chiral center, giving readers a clear view of what’s in play.
Everyone using (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol needs solid training in chemical hygiene. Standard practice means reaching for gloves and goggles before opening the container, with local exhaust vents working full-time in any room where open transfers happen. Inhalation risks stay low with good engineering controls, but accidental skin contact demands prompt rinsing thanks to its irritant character. Waste gets bundled in halogenated organic solvent streams, avoiding drains to protect water tables. Shipping companies mark packages for hazardous material handling, and air freight requires special documentation. Supervisors remind new staff not to underestimate compounds just because their names sound unfamiliar. In larger settings, emergency kits stack calcium gluconate and other treatments in reach, a lesson learned from earlier incidents involving minor exposures.
Drug manufacturers value this compound as a building block in enzyme inhibitors, antiviral precursors, and beta-blocker syntheses. I’ve seen it pressed into action for chiral reference standards or as a tracer for pharmaceutical impurity studies. Agrochemical groups run transformations that plug it into herbicide and pesticide design, chasing after selectivity that nature rarely grants. Industrial labs prize its clean reaction profile, using it to screen new catalysts or produce complex active ingredients. Small-scale specialty outfits pivot it into flavors or fragrance chemistry, though always with strict limits thanks to the toxicity profile. R&D teams push the boundaries, exploring novel polymer modification and surface treatment techniques.
The search never really stops for better production routes and new uses. Academic groups dig into biocatalysts that cut down on waste and energy input, pushing green chemistry ideals in commercial labs. Analytical teams race to refine chiral separation, trying supercritical CO₂ or ionic liquid chromatography to verify enantiomer ratios more quickly. Investigators highlight its potential as a probe in metabolic pathway studies, zeroing in on how small changes to the structure tweak biological activity. Where I’ve worked, teams moved fast to publish findings that give others a leg up—whether that means new prep methods or hybrid applications in material science. Some patents circle around using (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol in ligand scaffolds for asymmetric catalysis, adding fuel to future invention.
Toxicologists watch this molecule closely. The alcohol and organochlorine combo puts it on red lists for skin and eye irritation, and ingestion or vapor exposure raises red flags for central nervous system effects. Studies in cell cultures pinpoint cytotoxicity at modest concentrations, setting safe exposure limits for occupational health. Animal models add fine detail: repeated exposure links to organ weight changes and metabolic disruption, keeping risk assessment teams on alert. Environmental fate gets scrutiny, too. The molecule breaks down slowly in soil and water, increasing concern over accidental release or improper disposal. Recent data show breakdown products staying active in aquatic systems, making engineering controls and waste management critical from bench to disposal.
Research will keep targeting safer, more efficient ways to produce and modify (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol, especially as demand grows for chiral building blocks with minimal environmental impact. Developers look at continuous-flow reactors and immobilized enzyme technology to bump yields higher while cutting waste. Regulatory interest pushes manufacturers to document every step, tightening product purity and lowering contamination risks. Teams work on substituting greener reagents, phasing out older chlorination agents linked to persistent byproducts. Lottery-sized opportunities open up if this intermediate turns up in new drug candidates, as major pharma funnels investment into enantioselective synthesis. Safeguards shaped by modern toxicology keep exposure low and workplace safety high. Younger chemists see the challenge: turn lessons from historic practices into routes that respect both sustainability and rigorous product demands.
A lot gets said about new molecules, but (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol doesn’t grab headlines like some designer drugs or hot new materials. Those who work in chemistry labs or deal with specialty chemicals day to day know this compound for the work it quietly does behind the scenes. If you’ve never handled a bottle of it, you might not realize how it helps build the medicines people depend on or how it loans part of its structure to flavors and certain agrochemicals. I’ve watched skilled synthetic chemists reach for it when a very specific structure with a chloro group and a chiral center unlocks a tough project.
The medical field trusts chemistry to crank out tools for keeping people healthy, and (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol plays a part in that over and over again. Chemists rely on this molecule for making chiral alcohols and amines, which form skeletons of many active pharmaceutical ingredients. Getting the right “handedness” with chiral precursors is what separates a working drug from a failed batch, especially in therapies for Alzheimer’s, cancer, and infections. The S-enantiomer ensures you’re starting on the correct foot. Drug companies choose this route, not just because it speeds up synthesis, but because it means fewer steps and cleaner products. Efficiency like that lowers the cost and environmental impact of each tablet that gets made.
Outside pharma, (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol gets drafted into making new reagents and chemical intermediates. That task can sound obscure, but it touches a surprising number of everyday goods. This molecule acts as a scaffold; attach a new group here, swap out a chlorine there, and suddenly you’ve got a new flavoring agent, fragrance, or even the backbone for pesticides. Chemists making agrochemicals often pick it as a starting point for developing herbicides that offer more selectivity so farmers need less overall input. That keeps runoff down and saves money down the line.
I’ve seen both the benefits and the headaches that can come from using halogenated compounds. (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol packs useful chemistry but must be respected like any reactive halogenated solvent. Anyone scaling up reactions should monitor ventilation, limit open handling, and follow local regulations, because toxicity can’t be ignored if spills happen or if vapor builds up in closed workspace. Responsible manufacturers invest in training and controls since safety mess-ups in the supply chain end up on the news. That said, companies with strong compliance records show it's possible to strike a balance between productivity and the health of workers.
As pressure builds on chemical producers to build “greener,” there’s movement toward using bio-based feedstocks, improved waste handling, and new catalysts that cut down on hazardous by-products from each batch made. I’ve watched teams experiment with biocatalytic approaches, which offer a path toward making these chiral building blocks without the old-school pollution problems. Academic labs continue searching for catalysts that get the most value from every gram of precursor. Industry, facing tighter rules and watchful neighbors, keeps refining purification and recycling so the material never gets wasted and less needs to be shipped. This is real progress, driven by the need to do right by both shareholders and the broader community.
Purity shapes every outcome in chemistry. If you’ve worked in a lab, you recognize how a small impurity can twist results, especially in pharmaceuticals and materials research. (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol often steps in during drug synthesis and chiral building block preparation. Its chemical purity means more than just a tidy batch—it literally affects patient safety and research integrity.
Researchers and manufacturers chase high-purity versions, often 98% or better. The remaining 2% could hide water, residual solvents like toluene or dichloromethane, or even unwanted enantiomers. Each of these can disrupt stereochemical reactions. The wrong impurity means a failed reaction, wasted resources, or a finished product that breaks trust with end users.
I once helped troubleshoot a batch where the origin was a “good enough” intermediate, but the impurity—unnoticed at purchase—poisoned the final step. We burned six weeks repeating experiments only to find a minor contaminant sitting in the feedstock. That experience reinforced the cost of ignoring chemical purity.
Reputable suppliers rely on methods like gas chromatography and chiral HPLC. These can separate enantiomers and quantify minor byproducts in parts per thousand. A robust Certificate of Analysis (CoA) supports E-E-A-T principles; real data helps a buyer know the exact composition.
Researchers don’t just trust purity claims. They scan the chromatogram, look for peaks outside their expected region, and often run a quick NMR or IR check before starting crucial steps. Material that tests out below spec often ends up relegated to raw experiments where yield or selectivity doesn’t make or break the outcome.
The whole supply chain feels the impact of purity slips. Imagine a biotech startup banking on a new chiral drug. If their supplier ships (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol at 96% instead of 99%, they could lose months to protocol development. Contamination in chiral chemistry isn’t just theoretical—wrong-handed molecules can cause side effects, or even block regulatory approval. In 2008, contamination in heparin killed and injured patients; that story hasn’t faded from scientific memory.
Academic labs feel the same pressure. Limited funding means a single failed synthesis can derail a student’s thesis. Clean chemicals aren’t a luxury in this setting—they’re insurance against lost time and wasted reagents.
Fixing gaps doesn’t just fall on the producer. Buyers need to work closely with suppliers, asking for detailed chromatograms and certificates, not just trusting a catalog figure. Third-party labs can run independent verification. Routine audits weed out vendors who overstate purity.
Every chemist who cares about results ends up adopting habits: never start a critical synthesis without verifying the starting material, document unexpected outcomes, and keep open lines with technical reps from chemical companies. It’s these practices, combined with modern analytical tools, that help keep science honest and productive.
I’ve spent enough time in labs to know bad habits around chemical storage usually come back to bite you. (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol deserves respect, like most halogenated alcohols. Handling it with care means heading off health risks and protecting the thing nobody wants to talk about: your insurance premium. The stuff draws cautious eyes from regulators because it’s flammable, toxic, and very good at sneaking out of open lids in the form of vapor. Right storage can’t be shrugged off.
A locked chemical cabinet, ideally ventilated, always beats a corner shelf. Storing (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol means blocking sunlight, keeping the temperature below room temperature if you can, but definitely under 25°C (77°F). Direct light speeds up degradation and encourages the formation of unwanted byproducts. I once watched a half-used bottle, left near a sunny window, gum up in months, wasting expensive stock. Take no shortcuts: store it in a cool, dry place, separated from oxidizers and acids. This liquid gives off dangerous fumes if it ever meets concentrated acids or strong bases.
Don’t sideline humidity, either. Moisture in the air reacts over time. I remember walking into a room where the humidity fluctuated wildly, and the caps on solvents gummed up with crust. Keep humidity low and stable; a simple desiccant pack in the cabinet helps more than you’d think for longer-term storage.
No matter how sharp your memory seems, always label everything, right down to the open date. (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol can degrade, and you’ll thank yourself down the line for writing the date of receipt and first open. Sharpie and decent lab tape work far better than trusting faded ink or cryptic abbreviations. Proper hazard warnings on each container might feel redundant, but surprise lab inspections or new staff walking in will spot mistakes instantly. I’ve seen more accidents avoided by a clear “Toxic. Flammable. Corrosive.” than complex safety posters ever managed.
Chemical vapors build up fast. If the cabinet isn’t vented, or you’re using shelving with closed doors, review the area for stale odors. Ventilation pulls fumes out before they collect. Storing these types of liquids right next to ignition sources—like poorly maintained outlets or space heaters—just isn’t worth the risk. A working fire extinguisher with the right rating (at least a Class B dry powder or CO2) belongs within steps of storage, not across the building. I’ve witnessed benches lost because a forgotten outlet sparked near volatile liquids; prevention always wins over explanation.
Only keeping as much on hand as you need for planned work makes a lot of sense. Over-ordering just so you “never run out” clogs storage space and multiplies risk. I’ve seen inventories where containers sat unused for years, turning cleanup into a dangerous guessing game. Store the bulk container in a safe cabinet, then pour out small volumes into properly labeled secondary bottles as needed. This way, spills or drops don’t ruin the whole stock—or anyone’s day.
Staff turnover means someone will eventually face a bottle who’s never handled it before. Show them the safety data sheet, review the risks, and walk through emergency routines. PPE matters—a decent pair of nitrile gloves, splash-resistant goggles, and a lab coat every time. Fume hoods work best for transfer tasks and reduce direct fume exposure.
I’ve learned most chemical accidents come from “trusted” routines. Respect your storage practices for (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol and you skip the headlines, the clean-up, and the paperwork. Small routines, done right, keep science safe and sustainable.
(S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol doesn't get much attention outside the lab, but it's a real hazard for anyone handling chemicals or working in industries where this compound turns up. Based on what I've seen in both lab settings and stories from colleagues, this chemical presents both immediate and long-term health dangers. Its main risk comes from the chance of skin and eye contact, along with inhalation of its vapors or accidental ingestion.
Short exposure can cause skin redness, eye irritation, or breathing problems. Handling it for longer periods without solid protection may lead to more severe issues, especially since chlorinated alcohols sometimes produce toxic byproducts. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies related compounds as possibly carcinogenic, so it makes sense not to cut corners.
A lot of folks roll their eyes at safety gear, especially during busy days. Experience shows this attitude only lasts until a splash hits. Thin lab gloves don't cut it here; thick, chemical-resistant gloves like nitrile or butyl actually work. Goggles or a face shield are necessary—one drop in the eye sends a person to the hospital. Cotton lab coats provide a layer of defense, but full aprons stop most spills and keep your clothes safe.
Open-toed shoes, shorts, or loose clothing let chemicals get to your skin. Closed shoes and long pants serve as your last line of defense. Respiratory protection seems overkill until fumes appear. A well-fitted mask, at least N95 standard, blocks the vapors that cause headaches and throat irritation. These steps sound obvious but they make the difference between a routine day and a chemical emergency.
Every time someone questions the need for fume hoods, I remember the strong, sharp smell after opening a bottle of (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol in an unventilated room. Proper ventilation reduces the risk of breathing problems or accidental poisoning. Keep containers sealed tight. Work in short exposures instead of hours at a stretch. Use pumps or pipettes instead of pouring by hand, since splashes tend to cause bigger issues than spills do.
Label every container—even small beakers. Mix-ups lead to confusion, and nobody wants to discover what’s inside by smell or taste. That story never ends well.
Spills happen. The worst accidents I've witnessed resulted from slow responses or missing spill kits. Absorbents made for organic chemicals work best—paper towels make a mess and spread the liquid wider. Have eyewash stations and showers close by. Practice evacuation plans so panic doesn’t take over if an accident occurs.
Training matters. Anyone working with this stuff ought to know exactly what to do in an emergency. Annual safety refreshers don't just please supervisors; they remind people that mistakes with chemicals like (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol often become medical emergencies.
Companies owe their people a safe work space—no exceptions. Safety sheets and warning signs need updating every time procedures change. Supervisors should check that PPE isn't worn out or missing. Routine inspections catch problems early, from a leaky container to expired gloves.
If a team member feels uneasy about a procedure, that's probably a sign safety steps got skipped or need improvement. Encourage open communication about risks and near-misses. Nothing beats experience, except the willingness to learn from it and stay safe every day.
Sourcing (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol isn’t just about finding a supplier. Most labs and industrial operations have distinct goals. In research, small amounts often do the trick—maybe a few grams for exploratory synthesis. People working in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or specialty chemicals sometimes need much more, measured in kilos or even barrels. A routine check of multiple chemical suppliers shows clear options for both small vials and larger drums, reflecting this difference in scale. Minor quantities let researchers keep costs and waste down. On the other hand, large containers feed into existing production lines without constant reordering. The size you choose directly hits your workflow, safety policies, and storage capabilities.
There’s more to this compound than quantity. Suppliers offer varying degrees of documentation. Reputable vendors back up their sales with certificates of analysis, batch numbers, and safety data sheets for every size available. This level of detail supports strict regulatory standards, whether a user sits at a university bench or runs a large manufacturing plant. I’ve seen teams lose valuable time—and trust—chasing paperwork from lower-tier sources, just to confirm a drum matches the original order. Trusted vendors who stay transparent with every shipment keep projects moving and pass external audits quickly. Poor recordkeeping on bulk chemicals has led to more than a few sleepless nights among quality assurance managers.
Global producers typically offer (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol through established chemical supply channels. Both catalog retailers and direct-from-manufacturer outlets show flexibility in sizes, for obvious economic reasons. A graduate researcher might buy just 5 grams to test out methodology. A specialty manufacturer usually signs off on a 25- or 200-liter drum, often after price discussions and volume commitments. No matter the scale, buyer reputation and reliability play a key role—mislabeling or contamination in supply chains can pull down whole R&D programs or product lines. Suppliers who offer custom packaging options—say, 10-gram or 100-milliliter lots—help keep new projects affordable and safe.
Safety rules influence packaging, too. Some buyers might need solvent-rated containers with leak-proof seals, along with clearly labeled hazard instructions. Chemical control policies in different countries set strict rules about how much can leave a warehouse in one shipment. Shipments above certain amounts might require special permits. None of this is solely academic. Early in my career, I watched a shipment get held up in customs because a supplier sent 1-liter bottles instead of several 100-milliliter ampoules, triggering a long regulatory review. Understanding both the letter and the spirit of import regulations saves money, time, and headaches.
The search for variety in (S)-1-Chloro-2-propanol packaging has never been easier. Most leading chemical distributors list offerings online with dropdown menus for size and purity. This lets teams compare options instantly, without long phone calls or hidden costs. Pricing tends to reward bulk buys but not at the expense of small-volume access. By shopping smart, research labs preserve their budgets; by planning large annual orders, industries strengthen their supply stability. Having these options supports a market where small and large buyers both stay productive. Reliable digital records also help suppliers track sales, spot demand shifts, and tighten up safety guidelines with every order logged.
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