Early work on (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol traces back to the decades when researchers probed chiral alcohols for drug and intermediate synthesis. Chemists looked for stereoselective possibilities in new molecules, hoping to unlock routes for crafting pharmaceuticals that target specific biological pathways. Advances in asymmetric synthesis helped shape reliable methods for assembling this compound. Over many years, persistent study brought clear procedures for its isolation, setting a foundation for the compound's use in modern labs.
(S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol stands out as a chiral building block, useful across pharmaceutical and chemical research fields. Many teams value its role in securing enantioselective outcomes in finished products. With a unique combination of a phenyl ring and a chloro-propanol backbone, it finds a place where detailed stereochemistry matters. Companies package it to suit preclinical studies, with some suppliers offering extra support in documentation and batch traceability.
This compound presents as a colorless to pale-yellow oily liquid. Its molecular formula reads C9H11ClO and it has a molar mass of about 170.64 g/mol. A melting point near 40°C and a boiling point in the vicinity of 150-160°C (at reduced pressure) mark realities most users encounter in lab work. With moderate solubility in polar and non-polar solvents, the molecule's phenyl group and chlorine atom impart distinct chemical reactivity. Its optical rotation is negative, consistent with the (S)-enantiomer, a critical parameter for applications requiring specific chiral forms.
On bottles from reputable producers, labels clearly display concentration, batch number, date of manufacture, and full chemical name. Purity often exceeds 98%, with chiral purity tracked through HPLC methods. Labels also contain safety pictograms and brief hazard communications, helping both seasoned chemists and students avoid mishandling. Documentation supplied in COA sheets includes IR, NMR, and MS data, supporting traceability and reliable verification in regulated labs.
Synthesis of (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol usually starts from (S)-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol through selective monochlorination under mild conditions. Some approaches employ asymmetric reduction of 3-chloro-1-phenyl-propanone, relying on catalysts that push the outcome toward the desired enantiomer. Others use biocatalysis, recruiting specific enzymes to guide the transformation and bolster both yield and selectivity. Multi-step strategies appear in the literature, reflecting the persistent trial-and-error that typifies practical organic chemistry.
Researchers gravitate to this molecule for its amenability to further modification. The alcohol group takes part in typical oxidation or esterification reactions. The chlorine can be displaced by nucleophiles, such as amines or alkoxides, to deliver new chiral centers or tailored side chains. It performs as a starting point in the synthesis of β-blockers, antifungal agents, or chiral auxiliaries. Reaction times and yields change depending on reagent choice, stirring speed, and temperature—facts that push chemists to tinker with protocols to land on reproducible results.
Suppliers and reference texts offer a variety of alternative names, including (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropan-1-ol, (S)-(-)-3-Chlorohydrin, and S-CPP. Marketing departments sometimes coin catchy identifiers, but most catalogs stick with systematic nomenclature for clarity's sake. Users should always cross-reference CAS numbers—most often 101203-74-1—in order to avoid mix-ups, especially during procurement or regulatory checks.
Much of the focus on safety involves right-to-know practices. Direct skin or eye contact brings risk of irritation, so gloves and goggles go hand-in-hand with bench work. Fume hoods keep vapors in check during heated reactions or solvent evaporation. Spills require prompt cleanup with absorbent material, and local waste disposal policies dictate how to manage residues. Teams rely on established MSDS guidelines, and experienced operators run drills for containment and first aid.
Pharmaceutical research grabs most of the headlines, since this intermediate often appears in routes for drugs that target cardiovascular, microbial, or central nervous system disorders. Medicinal chemists use it to develop molecules with high enantiomeric purity, hoping to cut undesirable side effects in lead candidates. Outside pharma, its chiral backbone makes it useful in specialty agrochemical manufacture, flavor design, and as a teaching molecule in advanced organic synthesis courses. In practice, its use spreads to any field that demands precise control of three-dimensional molecular shape.
Labs focus on optimizing preparation, aiming for green chemistry metrics—higher yields, less waste, and reusable catalysts. Papers in leading journals document new catalytic systems and enzyme variants that boost selectivity or trim costs. Some teams explore real-time monitoring with chiral chromatography to streamline scale-up. Intellectual property claims often reflect breakthroughs in asymmetric methodology, with patent filings sometimes sparking further funding. Commercial suppliers tweak logistics to bring down costs per gram, reflecting user demand for cost-effective, clean material.
Studies suggest that (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol carries moderate toxicity in mammals, stressing the need for good lab hygiene. Dermal absorption carries known risks, and researchers keep an eye on long-term health data to track sensitization or organ-specific effects. Chronic exposure studies move slowly, sometimes hindered by the challenges of precise dose delivery. Data from in vitro toxicology feeds into chemical safety evaluations, ultimately shaping regulatory advice for suppliers and buyers alike.
Growth in precision medicine, demand for green chemistry, and an uptick in stereoselective drug candidates suggest more frequent use of this molecule and its analogs. Machine learning is starting to influence new route design, as algorithms recommend enzymes or catalysts for higher-yield, cleaner synthesis. As newer regulatory requirements focus on minimizing residual metals or chiral impurities, product specifications will likely tighten, rewarding suppliers who embrace higher analytical standards. In this fast-moving environment, chemists who stay current have a chance to help shape new discoveries—whether in the lab, the boardroom, or the next edition of the Merck Index.
Purity in chemistry doesn't just decide whether an experiment will work. It sets the tone for the entire process, from raw materials to finished pharma compounds. In my years working in labs and talking shop with chemical suppliers, I’ve seen what happens when purity gets ignored. One dodgy batch can throw months of work off target or even compromise safety. (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol stands out in chiral chemistry for its role in creating active pharmaceutical ingredients. Getting purity wrong doesn't just mean a dip in quality—it risks lives, regulatory headaches, and trust erosion.
Technical data sheets usually state a purity for this molecule above 98%. In high-standard pharmaceutical environments, scientists look for optical purity—enantiomeric excess—sometimes hitting as high as 99%+ by chiral HPLC analysis. I remember pushing suppliers to share not just their standard GC results, but also enantiomeric purity figures, because regular chemical analysis can't spot sneaky mirror-image molecules that could flip therapeutic effects or trigger side effects. Many big-name chemical suppliers guarantee these figures because regulators and buyers demand proof, not just promises.
Stories swirl about batches arriving and the numbers not quite matching the brochure. Even a drop from 99% to 96% can leave a compound non-compliant. In certain syntheses, impurities or the wrong enantiomer make downstream reactions unpredictable. In one startup project, we traced trouble to a batch with subpar chemical purity from a trusted supply chain. The setback wasted weeks and thousands in reagents, and the project faced a trust blow that still lingers in my memory.
Relying on a printed specification sheet isn't enough. QC labs test incoming chemicals using multiple techniques: thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and sometimes NMR for critical projects. Chiral HPLC remains the gold standard for confirming the right enantiomer dominance in chiral alcohols like this one. Regular audits and requalification of suppliers make sense, even if a source has delivered good material before. Access to detailed certificates of analysis and open communication with producers shields your work from unexpected surprises.
Trust keeps the supply chain—which can span continents—functioning. Reputable companies, whether global or boutique, pride themselves on transparent batch testing and data sharing. No researcher wants to gamble entire experiments on a hunch or unchecked purity claims. Experience shows that good documentation and testing up front avert issues and speed up troubleshooting if the unexpected happens. Making purity checks routine isn't about extra bureaucracy—it's about keeping results, reputations, and sometimes patient safety protected.
As regulations tighten and new therapies depend on chiral intermediates, the bar for purity climbs higher. Automation, remote monitoring, and even blockchain-backed batch records are starting to appear. These new tools make life easier, but nothing beats experience—double-checking data, asking tough questions, and pushing for quality no matter what the pressure to cut corners.
Every step in working with fine chemicals like (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol reminds me of the first time I saw a bottle arrive in the lab. The label warned about moisture, heat, and light. Handling it got me thinking about how carelessness in storage wipes away research hours or, worse, leads to hazards. I’ve seen students ignore the “keep cool and dry” note, only to find a bottle caked with condensation or a yellowed substance that should’ve stayed clear and colorless.
This compound asks for a spotaway from room temperature, so the refrigerator makes sense. (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol does not thrive under warm conditions. Even slight elevation above typical refrigerated temperatures can send the compound down a path of slow breakdown. According to supplier Shonan, temperatures hover best around 2 to 8°C for storage. A domestic fridge usually suffices for academic labs—never alongside food or drinks. Higher temperatures spark reactions that discolor the sample or weaken its chemical punch, making experiments or syntheses unpredictable.
Water shows up as the silent spoiler in chemical storage. The hydroxyl group on this molecule invites moisture into the bottle, which changes the purity and skews reactions. Sometimes, the lab humidity creeps above 60%, especially in summer. In this case, silica gel packets inside the storage container soak up excess water vapor. Screw caps need full tightening—no shortcuts. If a desiccator is available, I stash the bottle there. Students sometimes skip these steps, not noticing the cloudiness that means unwanted hydrolysis has started.
Many organochlorine compounds get moody around light, especially UV. Leaving bottles out invites degradation. Amber bottles lend some protection, but nothing beats storing them in the dark. I make it a point to return the vial to a closed cupboard or the refrigerator immediately after measuring. Light-driven decomposition tends to slip in over weeks, but one poorly lit bench can quicken the process.
Exposure to air cannot be overlooked, either. Oxygen can start slow oxidation on the phenyl ring or the alcohol group. Even if changes look minor, downstream reactions amplify these flaws. Restoppering immediately keeps atmospheric oxygen at bay. For long-term storage, I once saw a mentor purge the vial with argon before recapping. This slows any rogue reactions, letting samples last a semester or more without notable decay.
(S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol may not scream danger like some reagents, but chlorinated alcohols can irritate skin and eyes. I make it a habit to wear gloves, even when only retrieving bottles. Space must remain dedicated for chemicals within a locked lab refrigerator, never mixing in food or drinks. Clear labeling also matters—I highlight “keep cool” and note the date opened to keep rotation in check.
Simple storage steps—low temperature, a dry space, darkness, airtight containers—bring out the best in this compound and keep the lab safe. Tossing the bottle into a random cabinet risks costly products and experiments. Taking five minutes to prep a spot in the fridge and double-seal every time pays back in clear results, safety, and peace of mind knowing the chemistry starts right every time.
Most organic synthesis folks run into bottlenecks not from dazzling chemistry but from the scramble for rare starting materials. (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol, a specialty chiral alcohol, stirs up this discussion. Whether you’re building drug libraries or scaling up for pilot batches, sourcing it reflects a wider tension in custom chemical supply.
It’s eye-opening to realize most chemical distributors only list this compound in gram or sub-gram packs. Not every catalog lists larger quantities, let alone offers transparent timelines or pricing for kilo batches. It's one of those fine chemicals that academic labs snatch for asymmetric synthesis trials, yet it rarely lands in the inventory of mainline production companies. This split between demand for research and the lack of large-scale supply keeps those working in med chem or related industrial R&D wary and creative.
Here’s what often blocks bulk availability: upstream manufacturers tend to focus on higher-volume or more widely used chiral alcohols. Their plants run full-out for base chemicals, solvents, and a handful of chiral building blocks that pharma giants request by the ton. A niche intermediate like (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol barely registers unless a big contract guarantees production volume.
Take custom synthesis shops. They could make this compound, and probably have, but turnaround depends on the day, their backlog, and raw ingredient costs. Lead times are weeks, prices swing with labor and access to chiral catalysts or resolution agents. Order books open if you’re flexible, but reliable just-in-time sourcing remains a tricky game.
Every experienced buyer learns the hard way: Source a chiral intermediate from multiple small suppliers, and you risk getting mixed batches, different optical purities, or even contamination from shared facility runs. That’s not a risk many pharma QA/QC managers want to sign off on and increases audit headaches. For an industry that depends on tight regulatory controls and batch traceability, these supply chain quirks strain resources and time.
Some labs side-step headaches by investing in in-house synthesis. Skilled synthetic chemists can adapt published routes using 3-chloro-1-propanol or related alcohols and asymmetric catalysts. This empowers control, cuts long waits, and manages purity in one shot but comes with the headache of extra work, risk, and expense. It’s a practical route if your yearly usage justifies the overhead.
For those without a kilo-scale reactor or chromatography equipment, teaming up with reliable custom manufacturers pays off. Release an RFQ (request for quote), get documentation, and specify exactly what you need—optical rotation data, NMR spectra, chromatography profiles, and so on. Sourcing from Europe, China, or India gives more options, but brings time zone hurdles, customs logistics, and regulatory compliance checks.
Sourcing specialty chemicals demands both street smarts and caution. The little details, like batch-to-batch reliability and paperwork, decide whether your project glides or grinds to a halt. Experienced scientists know this isn’t glamorous work, but investing effort here often decides project timelines far more than anything inside a round-bottom flask.
People working in medicinal chemistry or the fine chemicals industry often run into some seriously complex names. (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but this molecule packs real utility in everyday science. Its value isn’t about sounding impressive. The chiral nature of the compound — basically, its specific “handedness” — drives its role in several cutting-edge fields.
Far from being a one-trick pony, chemists use this chiral alcohol as a building block when making certain medicines. Chiral compounds matter because the body reacts in different ways to each enantiomer, or “mirror image”, of a molecule. For example, one side can do the healing, while the flip-side might be useless or even harmful. Companies can make drugs that are safer and more effective when they use well-chosen chiral starting materials like this one. (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol lets chemists craft specific molecules that fit the body’s receptors — think puzzle pieces slotting into place. It’s worked into beta blockers, antidepressants, and antihistamines, laying a foundation that keeps the medicine functioning as intended.
I have seen specialty labs use this compound to assemble molecules for everything from pesticides to advanced plastics. Its three-carbon backbone, chlorine atom, and chiral center offer reliable ways to set up new carbon-carbon bonds or introduce functional groups. Industrial chemists consistently look for starting materials that help lower waste, reduce purification steps, and shorten the recipe. If you’ve seen the fuss over green chemistry, this approach directly supports safer manufacturing and less environmental impact. Having a functional group like chlorine on the molecule lets chemists link up with other atoms at just the right spot, avoiding detours and saving energy.
Research labs need versatile compounds for discovery work. (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol, because of its clear stereochemistry, shows up in asymmetric synthesis research, which focuses on making only one mirror-image of a drug or material. Scientists get better yields and more predictable outcomes, which is gold in both academic and business settings. With new guidelines from regulatory agencies pushing for definite proof of drug purity and safety, a tool like this can spell the difference between months of extra testing and a smooth approval path. I’ve watched talented chemists stick with proven intermediates like this one for the simple reason that it removes a lot of headaches — and opens the door to reliable, reproducible results.
Easy access to chiral intermediates isn’t a guarantee. The high-precision synthesis needed to make (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol cleanly and in bulk raises the costs. Balancing price with demand is one challenge for both producers and buyers. Strict quality checks, supply chain issues, and environmental regulations mean labs can’t just order from anyone they find online. Solid relationships with trustworthy suppliers pay off here. Some innovative manufacturers use catalytic processes that cut out unnecessary steps. R&D teams looking ahead could share best practices across industries — a move that would likely make safe, effective compounds more accessible worldwide.
Compounds like (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol shape the success of projects in pharma, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. Chemistry is not just theory or rote lab work — it’s a daily test of reliability and collaboration up and down the chain. Trustworthy building blocks breed safer products and stronger science. As regulations tighten and green principles take root, the right toolbox — and smart use of each tool — could end up making the biggest impact on both health and the planet.
(S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol lives in the family of chiral alcohols. In labs, it's valued for its hand in preparing chiral intermediates and some pharmaceutical work. Its structure brings both a benzene ring and a reactive chloride group to the party, making personal protective equipment less of an afterthought and more of a must.
Direct skin or eye contact leads to irritation. The chlorinated alcohol backbone means it's not gentle on tissue, and inhaling its vapors stings the throat and lungs. It’s not as notorious as some industrial solvents, but it brings enough bite that anyone handling it ought to respect it. Swallowing it brings nausea and might hit the central nervous system. As with most organochlorine compounds, long-term exposure calls for concern around liver and kidney function.
Closed-toe shoes, lab coat, nitrile or neoprene gloves, and a splash-proof face shield do more than check boxes—they stop that subtle skin tingling from turning into redness and burns. Fume hoods aren’t for show with this compound. Every time I handled it, the airflow stayed steady to keep my lungs irritation-free. I learned quickly that avoiding contact beats scrambling for an eyewash station while your coworkers run for the MSDS binder.
Cool, dry, and well-ventilated shelves keep the risks down. The chloride moiety means no storing close to strong bases or oxidizers. An unmarked flask from a busy afternoon nearly spoiled a whole cabinet of other reagents for me. Silica gel packets in the container don’t just sound technical—they make a real difference for a compound that collects moisture and can degrade.
Spills demand quick containment and absorption. Vermiculite or sand works better than paper towels, and they don’t just turn toxic when saturated. That advice comes from watching my chemistry mentor mop up a small spill with the makeshift method—ruined gloves and a stained lab notebook followed. After cleanup, any waste heads to specially marked solvent containers. Flushing it down the drain opens up real downstream toxicity, so proper disposal isn’t just a suggestion—it’s about not adding to water pollution in the community.
Pregnancy and respiratory illness heighten the risk, and the chloro-group brings bioaccumulation worries. In animal models, chlorinated compounds like this one linger in the fatty tissues. No one needs mystery health issues from sloppy handling. Environmental stewardship steps in here—a focus on waste minimization and exposure tracking can’t wait for regulatory agencies to demand action. Responsible use in research or production keeps public trust alive and avoids costly cleanups down the road.
In the lab, experience stacks up fast. The takeaways for (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-3-chloro-1-propanol? Treat it like a live wire. Wear the right gear, know your first-aid stations, and chase down those safety data sheets before breaking the seal. Protecting yourself and your colleagues is about steady habits, open communication, and not brushing off near-misses as “part of the job.” Tough lessons come from ignoring chemical risks, but better practices start with a single moment’s attention.
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