Back when stereochemistry started turning organic chemistry on its head, researchers began probing chiral alcohols like (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol. Chemists in the 20th century chased after enantiomerically pure compounds to push forward pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and flavors. They looked for ways to separate racemic mixtures, and 2-chloro-2-propanol stood out thanks to its simplicity and reactivity. The (S)-enantiomer, in particular, caught attention for precise applications in synthesis routes where handedness matters. The compound’s entry into fine chemical catalogs echoed growing demand for chiral building blocks in everything from medicine to synthetic materials.
(S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol turns up as a clear liquid, sometimes with a faint odor not unlike other small organochlorine compounds. As a chiral alcohol, it exists as one half of a mirror image pair, but the (S)-enantiomer stands apart since reactions involving it deliver precise outcomes for follow-up chemistry. This compound’s appeal lies in its reactive chlorohydrin group, a foot in both the alcohol and alkyl halide camps. Fine chemical suppliers stock it in small bottles, often alongside certificates showing enantiomeric excess. Laboratories value this kind of transparency since tiny changes in stereochemistry can make or break a multi-step synthesis.
Take a look at its physical and chemical traits to see why (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol grabs so much attention. At room temperature, it presents as a mobile liquid, showing a boiling point in the neighborhood of 120°C under atmospheric pressure. Its density sits close to 1.1 g/cm³, giving it a heft slightly above water. Storing this compound away from heat and moisture preserves its quality, as it tends to absorb water and degrade with extended exposure. That hydroxyl next to the chloro group amps up its reactivity, letting it play both as a nucleophile and an electrophile. Its optical rotation can pin down the enantiomeric configuration and purity, essential for researchers following chiral pathways.
Whoever handles this material expects a data sheet loaded with practical information. Purity hovers at 98% or greater in research-grade batches, with the (S) configuration verified by chiral chromatography. Batch numbers and manufacturing dates back up traceability, which matters when confirming results across multiple shipments. The bottle bears standard pictograms that signal it as both harmful and irritant—warning to take care with gloves and eye protection. Concentration, storage guidelines, and disposal recommendations land front and center, since neglecting them can bring work in the lab to a quick halt.
Synthesizing (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol often starts with asymmetric epoxidation, followed by a regioselective ring opening. Chemists pick prochiral substrates like propylene oxide, adding hydrochloric acid or another chloride source to drive the reaction selectively toward the (S) enantiomer. Catalysts—sometimes enzymes, sometimes chiral organometallic complexes—play a crucial role, nipping off the formation of the unwanted mirror image. Variations in solvent, temperature, and concentration can swing the yield and selectivity, so researchers keep a close eye on these details. After the reaction, careful distillation and drying yield a product fit for advanced synthesis, leaving behind unreacted starting materials and side products.
In the lab, (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol steps up as a versatile intermediate. The chlorohydrin group makes it a candidate for substitution, elimination, and further oxidation. Swapping out the chlorine delivers epoxides, ethers, or amines, depending on the nucleophile at play. Under basic conditions, it forms the corresponding epoxide, which opens up more synthetic doors for ring-opening chemistry. Reductive conditions strip away the chlorine to reveal the pure alcohol, useful for assembling chiral building blocks. Its dual nature makes it attractive to chemists putting together fine-tuned molecules for pharmaceuticals or specialty materials, since controlling stereochemistry throughout that path is non-negotiable.
Catalogs list this molecule under varied headings, including (S)-(+)-2-Chloropropan-2-ol, (S)-2-Chloroisopropanol, and sometimes by its systematic IUPAC name, (S)-2-chloro-1-methylethanol. CAS numbers link back to regulatory records. Each synonym traces back to the same chiral backbone, though spelling and naming conventions can differ. Anyone sourcing this compound double-checks the catalog to avoid confusion with the (R) enantiomer or the racemic mixture, both of which can show up closely side-by-side in supplier listings.
Handling (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol requires more than just caution tape. Even at low concentrations, it acts as an irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory pathways. Fume hoods and gloves become nonnegotiable. Emergency eyewash stations should not be out of reach, since even a small splash can leave a lasting sting. Training for proper disposal cuts down the risk of environmental exposure, as halogenated organics often resist breakdown in standard treatment plants. Data from the Globally Harmonized System ranks this compound among those needing attentive stewardship from receipt through final waste streams.
Industry and academia find value in (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol, especially as interest in chiral synthesis grows. Pharmaceutical labs reach for it to build active ingredients, where the difference between (S) and (R) could mean the gap between therapy and toxicity. Agrochemical firms look to chiral precursors to create compounds that behave predictably in nature, avoiding problems linked to nonselective agents. Materials scientists recognize that chiral intermediates like this produce polymers with unique physical and chemical traits. Because this compound bridges both alcohol and halide chemistry, it finds roles in multiple branches of synthetic design, making it a staple for researchers hunting efficiency and precision.
Chemists keep looking for greener, cleaner ways to make and use (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol. Enzymatic catalysis has seen a surge, as biocatalysts offer greater selectivity and fewer byproducts. Labs dive into process intensification—miniaturized flow reactors, for example—that let users ramp up control while reducing waste. Analytical chemists refine chiral separation techniques, hoping to make purity analysis nearly foolproof. Each success not only expands potential synthetic pathways but also trims the environmental footprint of fine chemical production. Meeting tighter regulations and higher internal standards, developmental work with this chiral alcohol shapes trends for the next generation of organic synthesis.
Toxicologists study (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol with care, knowing organochlorine compounds can linger and accumulate. Short-term exposures irritate the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes, leading workers to take personal protection seriously. Animal studies have traced the compound’s movement and breakdown in the body, with scientists watching for neurotoxicity and organ-specific effects. Research points to metabolic conversion as a primary factor—how quickly the body can transform and clear this alcohol matters. Regular updates to workplace exposure limits reflect new findings, as regulators try to keep risks in check while enabling responsible research and use.
Looking ahead, (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol stands to benefit from advances in chiral synthesis and green chemistry. As new catalytic systems shrink the energy and material footprint, producing this chiral intermediate could get both cheaper and cleaner. Diverse industries will keep turning to stereochemically pure starting materials, especially as biologics and smart materials move into the spotlight. Governments and industry groups keep tightening the rules around organohalogens, so safer handling and improved designs for both processes and product life cycles will become more important. Expect this small but significant compound to keep making waves in labs and factories, as teams work to unlock new reactions and applications—safely, reliably, and with a watchful eye on both workers and the world outside.
(S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-propanol finds itself in the toolkit of researchers, pharmaceutical developers, and synthetic chemists. Often, people walk right past long chemical names, but this one actually carves out a niche for itself in the world of chiral synthesis. From my own time around chemical labs, any molecule with a "chiral center," like this one, gets serious attention. The difference between the right- and left-handed versions of a molecule might sound esoteric, but in fields such as drug development or material science, that distinction can decide the difference between a miracle cure and a total flop.
Anyone looking to synthesize enantiomerically pure compounds—those that exist in only one of their optical forms—will look at (S)-(+)-2-chloro-2-propanol as a starting point or a building block. This isn’t just for academic curiosity. For example, chiral building blocks make new pharmaceuticals safer because our bodies react to different versions of a molecule in different ways. I remember stories during my time with pharmaceutical teams: a single chiral mistake could mean hundreds of hours wasted in testing or even serious side effects for patients. So a chiral reagent like this one brings more predictability into the process.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, it also gets used in agrochemicals and sometimes even in the creation of certain flavors or fragrances. Plenty of specialty chemicals come about through routes that start with a chiral alcohol or a substituted chlorinated alcohol. Once, I sat with a process team that had to choose between dozens of possible routes to make an intermediate needed for a crop-protection product. Price, safety, and chiral purity all played roles, and our meetings kept coming back to compounds like (S)-(+)-2-chloro-2-propanol because they checked more than one box.
Anytime you're handling chlorinated compounds, you need to think about safety. (S)-(+)-2-chloro-2-propanol may offer benefits in synthesis, but it won’t win any prizes for being benign. Gloves, goggles, and fume hoods aren’t optional. From published safety data and conversations with plant operators, exposure causes irritation to eyes or skin and inhalation can be risky. Chronic health risks from long-term exposure aren’t as well documented as with more common solvents, but anyone who’s worked with organochlorines develops a healthy respect for their power. Companies using it have to train staff thoroughly, keep up with best practices, and work closely with environmental teams to manage waste and accidental releases. Regulators often keep a close eye on chemical manufacturers handling these compounds.
The world pushes for greener practices, and so does chemistry. Alternatives that avoid halogenated compounds gain more attention every year. Researchers keep searching for new syntheses that cut down on hazardous waste or switch to renewable feedstocks. I’ve watched labs switch over to greener solvents or rethink entire routes to cut out persistent or toxic options. Nonetheless, some reactions just don’t happen the same way, and until better answers show up, (S)-(+)-2-chloro-2-propanol has a place in industrial and research settings.
The field always evolves. Training, transparency, and safer processes matter just as much as an efficient synthesis. Companies that keep improving how they handle these specialized reagents help push the field in the right direction. From what I have seen, small steps—like robotics, better air monitoring, or decontamination technologies—add up, creating safer workplaces and more reliable products for everyone.
(S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol stands as a simple but practical chiral compound in chemistry. Its molecular formula is C3H7ClO, boiling down to three carbons, seven hydrogens, one chlorine, and an oxygen. The molecular weight clocks in at roughly 94.54 g/mol. The asymmetry introduced by its stereochemistry gives it more than just a textbook identity: it affects how the compound behaves and interacts, especially when paired with other chiral molecules or used in synthesis.
In any lab or production setup, the accuracy of both the chemical formula and the calculated molecular weight drives the quality of reactions. I remember a grad school afternoon when a miscalculation in molar mass led us to use the wrong amount of reagent—the entire batch failed, teaching us quickly that attention to such 'minor' details makes or breaks a project. Getting the numbers right for (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol isn't just about neat lab reports—it defines reaction yields and product purity.
This compound often pops up in organic syntheses, especially where enantioselective processes matter. Because it's a chiral building block, industries lean on its specific three-dimensional configuration for tasks like pharmaceutical synthesis. Pharmaceutical researchers trust this molecular weight during dosage calculations for active intermediates. A reliable source for this number is critical, as even marginal errors in molecular weight cascade into bigger issues downstream, including regulatory hurdles and therapeutic consistency.
Facts count for more than confidence in this field. Databases like PubChem, ChemSpider, and the Merck Index report the compound’s formula as C3H7ClO and support the cited molecular weight. In my experience, peer verification through multiple sources—especially for safety data sheets, purchasing, and lab calculations—proves worthwhile. These reference points also help confirm the chiral nature, which shapes its application potential far beyond an ordinary alcohol or halide.
Running across inconsistent or incomplete chemical data remains a real snag for chemists, students, and buying departments alike. Better indexing of correct chemical info on widely accessed platforms can help tackle this. Keeping up-to-date with trusted publishers and ensuring timely updates when new stereochemical or safety information emerges is a key fix. Professional organizations and journals should continue to push for clearer, standardized reporting to keep things accurate for everyone in the supply chain—from raw materials to finished pharmaceuticals.
Clear, vetted information about the molecular identity of (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol strengthens trust up and down the line. Chemists, buyers, and regulators all save time and avoid costly mistakes. Using robust, updated digital tools to double-check details safeguards against avoidable mishaps. Sharing personal stories of errors and near-misses adds real perspective—a pattern recognized across countless labs and classrooms. Whether you're measuring 10 mg or 10 kg, the correct molecular weight and formula guide decisions that shape industries and health outcomes alike.
Every lab worker knows the sting of chemical exposure, either firsthand or through colleagues' cautionary tales. (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-propanol comes as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a biting odor. The chemical’s nasty side reveals itself fast: irritating fumes, potential skin corrosion, and toxic effects on the central nervous system with heavy exposure. Too many smart people have learned the hard way that skipping protection means sore hands, irritated lungs, or worse. The liver and kidneys could suffer after extended or high-level exposure. One whiff after a spilled vial sends a clear message — respect this compound.
Effective storage means skipping shortcuts. A tightly sealed container — preferably amber — blocks air and UV. I’ve seen coworkers use generic plastic bottles for other solvents and pay later with cracked containers and dangerous leaks. (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-propanol belongs in a dedicated chemical safety cabinet, where nobody ignores the flammable and corrosive warning labels. Shelving near an eyewash station and not beside acids, bases, or food stashes prevents accidents before they start.
Temperature swings or sunlight can wreck this compound or build pressure inside bottles, risking an explosive burst. Room temperature stays safe, as does a shelf free from clutter and careless stacking. I once witnessed a stack of six solvent bottles crushed under an avalanche after a slight bump. Cool, quiet, and out of the sun works far better than a corner near a sunny window or a radiator.
Gloves, goggles, and a sturdy lab coat offer a reliable shield. Nitrile gloves rather than latex stop the chemical from seeping through. I watched a coworker complain about “sweaty hands” and switch to thin latex — that ended badly, with burning palms. Always double-glove if there’s any risk of a splash. Pouring even a milliliter inside a fume hood helps clear out irritating fumes before they drift across the entire workspace. I’ve found that using labeled transfer pipettes cuts down on confusion and cross-contamination, especially in rushed moments.
Any time a drop lands on a bench, a paper towel and a squirt of water handle it right away. Never leave a spill unattended, since vapors linger and the surface might quietly corrode. Proper protocols say alert everyone and use chemical spill kits, but even quick action with the right gear makes a difference in a home lab or a resource-tight setup.
Disposal can cause real headaches. Pouring leftover (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-propanol down the drain means sending harmful chemicals into water systems. Instead, closed waste containers marked for halogenated solvents make each weekly disposal run safe and legal. Experienced lab techs avoid mixing these wastes with other incompatible chemicals — even a trace of acid or base could trigger toxic fumes or unpredictable reactions.
Regular training sessions and signage help fresh hands avoid rookie mistakes. Sharing stories about what can go wrong grounds these lessons in reality. Digital chemical inventories help labs track expiry dates, so nobody grabs a degraded or reactive bottle by mistake.
Respect for (S)-(+)-2-chloro-2-propanol follows from real workplace hazards, not just rules. Tight storage, smart gear, and quick cleaning protect health and keep labs running smoothly. Frequent review of handling steps means new staff don’t repeat old accidents. Proper gear, careful disposal, and a healthy respect for chemistry save everyone from trouble — plain and simple.
Ask any chemist who deals with (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol and you'll get an earful about purity. Not just because the word itself comes up in safety documents, but because working with this compound means chasing the right purity for what you want to achieve. You’re not just buying a bottle off the shelf. You’re picking something that can swing a research result or botch a batch in a manufacturing line.
In labs, this chiral building block holds its own in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, especially where enantiomeric purity affects how a medicine will behave in the body. For research and industry, impurity isn’t just a small hiccup—it can scramble outcomes or even introduce toxic byproducts. That’s why the world pays attention to the available grades: technical, laboratory reagent, or dedicated high-purity selections for drug synthesis.
I’ve seen university labs use lower-purity versions when cost runs tight, only to hit snags during analysis. It happens so often that some departments keep logs on which brands or grades gave the cleanest NMR or HPLC readouts. Drug developers, on the other hand, rarely skimp. Regulatory standards demand high-purity (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol with detailed certificates of analysis, covering not just chemical purity but also enantiomeric excess, water content, and traces of related substances.
Minor contaminants can act like pebbles in gears. In the world of asymmetric synthesis, even tiny amounts of the (R)-enantiomer mean sanitation protocols run tighter and test cycles get longer. Some companies try to cut corners or turn to vague “laboratory grade,” but the price for that gamble could be an entire day of failed experiments.
What stands out is the dialogue between supplier and customer. Trust matters. Customers expect truthful and detailed chromatograms, not hand-waving about “meets typical industry standards.” Every time I’ve had to chase a supplier for detailed specs, I’ve ended up digging through regulatory filings and research papers just to confirm the actual composition of what’s in the bottle. This should never be the norm.
Common practice doesn’t always keep up with best practice. Some suppliers keep high-purity grades in short supply, and prices can swing depending on global demand for chiral drug intermediates. It makes sense for regulatory bodies and trade associations to clarify what’s acceptable for each use—be it academic, industrial, or pharmaceutical. Transparent reporting, frequent audits, and a customer-driven approach create solutions to these gaps.
Safety should never fade to the background. The byproducts and impurities in lower-grade (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol may introduce health risks, especially on a larger scale. Companies that adopt robust quality control and post clear documentation aren’t just protecting their customers—they’re building long-term trust.
From my experience, every step toward greater transparency improves outcomes. Whether you’re running a chemistry core or preparing for regulatory submission, building strong relationships with well-reviewed suppliers makes all the difference. Dig into the certificates. Don’t settle for one-line purity claims. And if specs seem too vague, keep looking. Your next experiment, and maybe a future medicine, depend on it.
Ask anyone who’s spent time in a lab about why chemicals have CAS numbers and you’ll probably hear a familiar answer: precision. CAS numbers help folks avoid costly mistakes. In a world where one letter—even a plus or minus sign—can change a chemical’s story entirely, a CAS number stands as a clear marker. For example, the CAS number for (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol is 563-47-3. Tucked away in that short string sits the power to unravel confusion between closely related compounds and keep research on track.
Working in chemical research, I’ve run into more than a few headaches caused by mix-ups. Suppliers might list a substance under a name with a slight spelling change, or use an old common name that only a few recognize. CAS numbers make life easier. Pulling up 563-47-3 on a trusted database, I see exactly what I need—no room for doubt between enantiomers or between similar-sounding molecules. If a project involves pharmaceuticals, this accuracy gets even more serious. Regulatory bodies like the FDA rely on CAS numbers to track substances and prevent dangerous mix-ups.
The (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol molecule looks almost the same as its mirror image but behaves pretty differently, especially inside living systems. Handedness, or chirality, can spell the difference between a helpful drug and a toxic one. Sometimes I hear stories in the news about drug recalls linked to a chiral mix-up. One letter—“S” or “R”—really counts for something. Using a CAS number gives another layer of security. Students and junior researchers spot this firsthand, double-checking every number before flipping the switch on a reaction. No one wants a runaway result or wasted budget because they picked the wrong side of a molecule.
Chemical names twist and turn based on language or tradition, so a lab in Tokyo, another in Houston, and a supplier in Frankfurt all use the same CAS label to talk about exactly the same substance. My old coworkers who moved overseas kept saying how valuable it was. Their notes stayed clear and their orders packed what they really needed. Without this system, scientific collaboration and safe trade would run into endless hurdles. In industrial and academic spaces, record-keeping lines up better, risk management improves, and training new staff becomes simpler.
Putting the CAS number in a prominent spot on labels, spreadsheets, and databases tightens up the workflow, minimizes downtime from miscommunication, and cuts out expensive surprises. It’s not some abstract standard cooked up for paperwork’s sake—there’s real money and peace of mind tied in. The next time a supplier catalog comes in, looking up 563-47-3 means ordering and stocking just the right batch of (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol. The science moves forward faster, the safety record stands tall, and research teams spend more time making discoveries instead of scrambling to fix mistakes.