(S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-Propanol Hydrochloride: A Closer Look

Historical Development

Chemists often dig into the history of a compound to better grasp its importance and where its story fits within scientific progress. (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride traces its roots back to developments in organic synthesis during the early 20th century, driven by a growing interest in chiral amines and their influence on medicinal chemistry. Research into optically active amino alcohols exploded as scientists recognized their versatility. During these decades, the demand for pure enantiomers brought sharper techniques, in both synthesis and separation methods. The hydrochloride salt form emerged as a standard for ease of handling, extending its shelf life and making dosing more reliable for laboratory settings. Over time, the consistent need for highly pure chiral building blocks in the pharmaceutical sector kept this compound relevant not just for research, but also for direct use in drug development and asymmetric synthesis.

Product Overview

(S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride represents a class of chiral intermediates prized for their role in the synthesis of β-adrenergic agonists, chiral auxiliaries, and specialty chemicals. Increasing demand for specificity in drug molecules has turned attention to this compound’s ability to pass on its stereochemistry in synthetic pathways. Laboratories and manufacturers use the hydrochloride version to avoid issues with volatility and to simplify purification. Thanks to its unique properties, the compound holds value in pharmaceutical research, rare disease studies, and in the search for novel therapeutic agents. No one-size-fits-all solution exists here; this compound fills its niche because chemists have found it an effective stepping stone between basic raw materials and their targeted chiral products.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Handling a compound starts with knowing its properties on the bench. (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid, often showing good solubility in water and certain polar organic solvents. It tends to remain stable under standard lab conditions, resisting decomposition or significant degradation over reasonable timescales if stored away from excess moisture and strong bases. The presence of both an alcohol and an amine function paves the way for numerous transformations, giving chemists a starting point for reductive amination, esterification, and other reactions. Knowledge of its melting point and hygroscopic nature often simplifies storage practices and helps prevent unintentional sample loss during weighing and handling.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Detailed labeling plays a key role in lab safety and reproducibility. Products arrive labeled with concentration, enantiomeric purity, batch number, and storage guidance. Specifications often include optical rotation for verifying chirality and results from NMR, HPLC, or mass spectrometry for confirming identity and purity. Highly sensitive applications, such as pharmaceuticals, require explicit documentation on residual solvents and metals, all of which help flag trace contaminants that could complicate advanced uses. Responsible suppliers back their labels with certificates of analysis, providing essential details so chemists can confidently incorporate the chemical into their syntheses and scale-up efforts.

Preparation Method

Lab synthesis of (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride usually involves asymmetric reduction or amination routes, often using chiral catalysts or starting from chiral pool materials. Many chemists choose to convert the free base to the hydrochloride salt following isolation, due to its enhanced stability and measured easier handling. Precise control of reaction conditions becomes especially important, as trace amounts of the opposite enantiomer threaten yields and the quality of further derivatives. From personal experience in multi-step chiral synthesis, careful adjustment of temperature and pH in the salt formation step can avoid unwanted byproducts and crystallization difficulties. The process reflects a clear lesson: even minor adjustments in synthetic route have cascading effects, especially when scaling for preclinical work.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Practical applications rest on how easily chemists can modify a compound. (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride contains reactive sites that open up several reaction possibilities: the secondary amine lends itself to N-alkylation and reductive amination, while the primary alcohol can undergo esterification or tosylation, among others. Its chiral center can serve as a foundation for diastereoselective reactions, leading to the creation of more complicated molecules. Researchers working on analog screening often use this backbone to generate libraries of compounds by varying the N-substituent or modifying the alcohol. The possibility for derivatization grows even further through protection/deprotection strategies, an approach that anyone who has spent time in a synthetic organic laboratory will recognize as both a blessing and a challenge.

Synonyms & Product Names

Knowing alternate names helps navigate scientific literature and supply chains. (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride goes by several synonyms, including (S)-2-Methylamino-propan-1-ol hydrochloride, L-Ephedrine alcohol hydrochloride, and (S)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)propane hydrochloride. Brand names or catalog codes often populate supply listings, varying by manufacturer and region. Chemists keep these designations handy, especially during literature searches or while ensuring regulatory compliance with material procurement. This practice prevents misordering and helps track down relevant publications that use legacy naming conventions.

Safety & Operational Standards

Working safely with (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride means considering both its chemical reactivity and physiological effects. It’s best to avoid contact with skin or eyes, using gloves and goggles during handling. Good ventilation, reliable storage containers, and careful waste management all reduce hazards. On large-scale operations, spill management and monitoring of airborne concentrations with personal protective equipment set a professional baseline. Safety data sheets often emphasize irritant properties and guides for accidental exposure. Anyone running extended projects with this material knows the value of regular risk reviews and compliance checks, making sure that short-cuts don’t lead to incidents down the line.

Application Area

This compound finds its way into several important sectors, with the pharmaceutical industry taking a prime role. Medicinal chemists use it to build β-adrenergic compounds, synthesize chiral auxiliaries, and produce active pharmaceutical ingredients. Academic groups employ the compound for mechanistic studies and as a test bed for new catalysts in enantioselective synthesis. Beyond medicine, chemical suppliers use it as a stepping stone to agrochemicals and specialty materials. These applications create value by granting access to increasingly specific chiral targets, which matter more today as personalized and precision therapies grow.

Research & Development

Academic and industrial groups keep looking for better, greener ways to prepare chiral amines like (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride. Advances in biocatalysis, flow chemistry, and asymmetric hydrogenation technologies all play a role in making production both more efficient and less resource-intensive. Research efforts often focus on catalyst development, scaling processes while minimizing waste and avoiding toxic reagents. Teams searching for new β-adrenergic ligands regularly turn to this intermediate, adjusting substitution patterns to chase greater potency or fewer side effects. Years of lab work have proven that each incremental yield improvement and shortcut in purification can have outsize impact on project timelines and budgets.

Toxicity Research

Toxicological studies keep chemists aware of risks when scaling reactions or working with analogues. Reports on related chiral amines show that acute toxicity can be moderate, but chronic exposure tends to raise concerns about central nervous system effects or cardiovascular impacts. Animal studies often guide safety thresholds, though most routine lab work stays well below these levels. Regulatory agencies regularly review available data, updating handling practices based on new findings. My own lab group learned the value of slow, thorough risk assessments after seeing unexpected results in cell assays—confirming that no chemical, no matter how familiar, should get automatic trust in new contexts.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, (S)-2-(Methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride stands to gain wider traction as drug development pushes into new directions, trodding especially in the zone of chiral specificity and receptor selectivity. Growth in asymmetric synthesis research and the push for greener production practices keep this compound relevant, as more teams hunt for efficient building blocks that meet tough environmental and purity standards. As chemical manufacturing embraces automation and data-driven optimization, expect to see not only better yields but smarter, safer protocols. For young researchers stepping into this field, mastering these building blocks opens up a pathway to faster, more purposeful discovery and development in a competitive global market.



What is (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride used for?

Understanding the Basics

Chemicals with long names tend to create confusion for people who don’t work in a lab. (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride fits that description, but behind the name lies a story worth talking about. This compound belongs to a group of chemicals known as amino alcohols. Its main claim to fame is rooted in pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially in the early stages of creating and modifying drugs.

Application in Drug Synthesis

(S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride acts as a building block for various medications. Chemists use it when they want to construct molecules in a way that mimics the natural versions found in the body. Chirality—or molecular handedness—matters a lot in drug production, since one version of a molecule might help people, but its mirror version can do nothing or even harm. With the “S” configuration, this compound slots into synthesis routes where the direction matters, like in the creation of beta-blockers or certain asthma drugs.

Drug companies chase consistency to pass strict regulatory checks. (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride gives them a way to start from a pure, predictable spot. Even a slight difference in the molecular setup could make a drug less effective or spark side effects nobody wants. Getting this part right leads to safer, more predictable medicines.

Beyond Pharmaceuticals

Leaving medicine aside for a moment, specialty chemicals like this often show up in research settings. Biochemists use it to prepare new compounds for lab studies. Its specific shape helps researchers test hypotheses about how molecules fit together, especially in the search for better therapies.

If you walk through a university chemistry lab, you might see this compound in experiments that have nothing to do with inventing a new pill—think catalysts, enzyme studies, or mapping out how molecules interact in living systems.

Safety and Responsible Use

Dealing with chemicals like (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride calls for respect. It’s not something you’ll see in stores for obvious safety reasons. Handling demands lab-grade ventilation, gloves, and eye protection. Mistakes can lead to exposure or contamination—a risk chemists minimize with careful protocols.

I saw first-hand how easy it can be to underestimate chemical safety early in my research career. A colleague didn’t tighten a container all the way. The smell alone sent us rushing for fresh air, and the cleanup cut into the rest of our project. These experiences leave a mark, shaping attitudes toward proper storage and disposal. Every lab that works with this compound follows strict rules, not just to avoid regulatory trouble, but because nobody wants to endanger coworkers or waste valuable materials.

Perspectives on Supply and Research Innovation

Innovation relies on dependable suppliers and steady access to precise chemicals like this one. Production sits in the hands of specialized manufacturers. Disruptions—whether from transportation delays or supply chain hiccups—can slow research and delay breakthroughs. Plenty of companies and labs rely on their supply arriving on time.

Looking ahead, pushing for greener chemistry stands out as one solution for the risks and barriers tied to specialty chemicals. Sustainable sourcing, better waste management, and improved purification methods all play a part. Universities, producers, and regulators have started working together to reduce hazards and costs. Investment in these areas helps medicines reach people faster, safer, and at a lower cost, which matters to patients and researchers alike.

Conclusion

(S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride may rarely appear in news headlines, but its contribution to science, health, and innovation leaves a mark. Pharmaceuticals, research, and safety culture all connect in the journey from this compound’s bottle to a patient’s medicine cabinet. By focusing on smart regulation, responsible handling, and future-friendly sourcing, society pushes chemistry—and healthcare—forward.

What is the purity and quality specification of (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride?

Understanding Purity in Research and Manufacturing

Purity stands front and center in every lab I’ve worked. With (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride, the mission isn’t just to hit high numbers on a certificate—it’s about knowing what’s in your bottle, down to the last decimal. Researchers expect to see purity at or above 98%, measured by HPLC or GC. This isn’t negotiable. Lower grades usually come with warnings and caveats, since trace contaminants can throw off downstream reactions and analytics. Anything less than high purity introduces risk, which adds cost and uncertainty for those pushing boundaries in pharmaceutical, chemical, or biotech fields.

For me, holding a vial isn’t just about what’s listed on the label. I look at the batch data, and if the supplier doesn’t readily provide a full chromatogram or NMR data, there’s a trust gap. In every regulated lab I’ve been, the QC analyst goes further than just reading a spec; tests for enantiomeric excess (ee) hit the spotlight, since many applications only tolerate the desired S-isomer. Racemic mixtures? Not acceptable for target-specific syntheses.

Quality Beyond the Numbers

Quality covers more than purity. Think about the appearance: fine white to off-white crystalline powder usually signals a clean product. But if the substance appears tacky or shows odd coloration, flags go up. Loss on drying should fall below 0.5%, since excess moisture can quickly change reaction yields. Chloride content, not just as part of the salt but also as free chloride, enters the picture—high levels could hint at incomplete synthesis or post-production issues.

Impurities have names and faces: residual solvents, unreacted starting materials, and heavy metals. Regulations like ICH Q3C push for solvent levels to stay well beneath 0.5%. Familiar solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and dichloromethane must fall within tight PPT levels. For heavy metals—think lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic—the bar drops to the microgram per kilogram scale, if not outright Not Detected. Companies serious about their quality post full impurity profiles, not vague “conforms to standard” lines.

Why All This Matters for Real-World Research

A few years ago, I watched a promising project stumble on an unexplained side signal in the final product. After weeks of troubleshooting, the culprit turned out to be a tiny contaminant from an upstream batch of an amine salt. It’s hard to put a price on the hours lost, or on the missed windows for filing patent claims. This isn’t just about regulatory red tape—impurities can mimic, mask, or inhibit the target reaction, especially in stereospecific processes.

For me, specification sheets act as a lab’s roadmap. Each time a lab checks for melting point (usually 187-191°C for this compound), or works up a Karl Fischer titration for water content, it’s a step to avoid roadblocks down the line. Researchers don’t just skim for the top-line purity percentage—they drill into residual solvent logs, microbial counts for GMP work, and any batch-to-batch variation.

Ways to Raise the Bar

Full transparency from suppliers helps the field. Reputable sources include batch-specific COAs covering not just purity but optical rotation, heavy metals, and known process-related impurities. Automated tracking of batches in-house, using LIMS, minimizes mix-ups. For me, a direct call or request for technical support from a supplier is a test—on-the-fly answers signal real expertise.

High purity, trusted documentation, and disclosed impurity profiles drive progress in drug synthesis, specialty chemicals, and academic labs. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes—it means future breakthroughs build on solid ground.

How should (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride be stored?

Reliable Storage: Why It Makes a Difference

Keeping chemicals like (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride safe isn’t just about ticking a box for compliance. It’s about protecting people in the lab, preserving expensive materials, and avoiding headaches that come from spoiled or contaminated stock. Anyone dealing with chemical inventory, even on a small scale, has probably seen what happens when these basics get ignored: clumped powders, mystery moisture in the jar, or worse, irritated eyes and breathing trouble. Safety starts with where and how each substance gets stored.

Dry, Cool, Dark: The Core of Stability

This compound, like many hydrochloride salts, attracts moisture easily because it pulls water from the air—a behavior chemists call “hygroscopic.” If you leave it on an open shelf, exposed to humid air, it turns sticky over time. Bring it out again months later, and there’s often a world of difference in texture and quality. Cabinets with built-in dehumidifiers or desiccators become practical allies here, because they keep the environment dry without much work.

Heat can shorten a compound’s shelf life or even cause decomposition. Standard room temperature might work fine in many seasons, but hot summers in an untended lab can sneak up fast. Refrigerators add an extra layer of protection by keeping things stable and reducing unexpected reactions. Still, it doesn’t belong in a standard kitchen fridge—chemical-grade refrigeration prevents cross-contamination and avoids accidental mixing with food. I saw a situation years ago where using the office fridge led to a ruined batch and a very awkward conversation with lab managers.

Containers Matter More Than Most Think

Original packaging usually beats makeshift solutions. Amber glass bottles shield contents from light, which can change the chemistry of sensitive compounds, even if only after months or years. Polyethylene caps stop most moisture, but adding a silica gel pouch inside the tightly sealed jar grabs any stray drops that sneak inside.

Labels can seem a little dull until someone grabs the wrong bottle in a rush, so clear labeling really helps avoid costly or dangerous mistakes. Listing the chemical’s name, date received, and expiration (if known) pays off, especially in shared labs. I once spent hours tracing the source of an unexpected reaction, only to find an unlabeled secondary container that had picked up moisture long before.

Legal Rules and Responsible Practice

Laws don’t just exist on paper—they keep labs running safely and protect workers’ health. Agencies like OSHA and the CDC provide detailed handling requirements for chemicals that can irritate, poison, or ignite. (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride fits more than one of these risk categories. Employing fume hoods, keeping compatible chemicals apart, and training staff all play a part in preventing slips. If local guidelines suggest extra fireproof storage or special disposal steps, it’s not overkill. That diligence prevents accidents and hefty fines down the road.

Making Storage Work Day to Day

Walking into a well-organized chemical storage area always brings a sense of calm. Dry air, working thermometers, plenty of space, up-to-date labels—these things come from attention to detail, not luck. Taking five minutes after a shipment to store new stock properly saves far more time resolving issues later. Practicing good storage doesn’t demand fancy technology; it requires care, consistency, and a bit of respect for both the chemicals and the people handling them.

Is (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride hazardous or does it require special handling?

What It Means to Work with Chemical Substances

Lab experience drills into you the importance of learning a chemical’s profile before handling it. It’s not just about academic information. If you’re working with (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride, there’s a real need to check its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This step isn’t a ritual — it offers practical know-how for staying safe. The name might sound obscure, but anyone who’s ever dealt with reagents knows: unfamiliar compounds can hide surprises.

Hazards Linked with This Compound

(S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride isn’t listed among the most notorious hazardous chemicals, yet it doesn’t belong in the “harmless” category either. Research labs follow a careful approach with these types of compounds. Based on structural similarity to other methylamino alcohols, this substance can cause irritation if it gets on your skin or in your eyes. Breathing in the dust or letting it enter your body through the skin comes with potential health risks. Hydrochloride salts sometimes raise extra flags because they can be hygroscopic, meaning they pull water from the air and turn sticky, making them a pain to weigh out and handle safely. You aren’t just fighting nuisance; it messes with the accuracy of your measurements and the reliability of experiment results.

Personal Stories from the Bench

My own mistakes have taught me more than textbook warnings ever did. Forgetting to wear gloves during a rushed afternoon session in the lab led to days of irritation after contact with a similar methylamino compound. Washing hands later doesn’t erase what sinks in right at the bench. Goggles, gloves, and a clean workspace seem excessive at times, but whenever you skip one, you remember why they matter. Safety routines aren’t about paranoia — they are a response to chemical unpredictability. Stories shared among chemists aren’t cautionary tales for nothing. One drop in the wrong place or a puff of dust at the wrong time, and work grinds to a halt while you jump into first aid mode.

Making Safety Simple and Effective

For a compound like (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride, common sense and standard precautions provide a basic shield. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood. Don’t eat or drink where the compound might be handled — even small lapses build up over time. Storing this material in a properly labeled, tightly sealed container avoids spills and confusion. Those habits often seem tedious, but they save you both time and trouble in the long run.

If disposal becomes necessary, toss the idea of washing things down the sink. Chemical waste needs a designated container. Labs and institutions usually have specific protocols, but the simple habit of double-checking makes a difference for personal and environmental safety.

Importance of Clear Information and Continuous Learning

Safety in the laboratory world comes from practice and learning. Every new compound pushes you to ask new questions and dig into the science behind the handling instructions. For (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride, there’s no need to panic, but skipping safety steps doesn’t pay off. The right approach balances respect for chemicals with practical measures — not just for your sake, but for your colleagues and the environment too. Staying informed and keeping safety front and center turns routine work into a long, healthy career with far fewer unpleasant stories to share at the end of it.

What is the molecular weight and chemical formula of (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride?

Peeling Back the Science: What’s in the Name?

Looking at the name (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride, a lot jumps out about how chemists classify and talk about molecules. It breaks down into smaller details: “(S)” signifies the (S)-enantiomer, which marks the left-handed orientation—a detail that gives the compound its unique biological properties. “2-(methylamino)” points to a methyl-amino group attached to the second carbon, and “1-propanol” signals a three-carbon backbone ending in an alcohol group. Add “hydrochloride” at the end, which simply means there’s a hydrochloric acid partner, making the molecule a salt. This form pops up often in medicines, boosting both solubility and stability.

Getting Down to Chemistry: Formula and Numbers

The molecular formula spells out the core: C4H11NO · HCl. That is, four carbons, eleven hydrogens, one nitrogen, and one oxygen, paired with a hydrochloride (hydrogen chloride, HCl). Counting each atom and summing up atomic masses leads to the molecular weight: with a total of 137.6 g/mol (rounded to one decimal). These values give scientists a way to measure, synthesize, and talk predictably about the substance.

Molecular weight shows up in practice more than folks might expect. It shapes choices—like dosing when used in pharmaceutical settings, how much of a raw compound’s needed in manufacturing, and the way the substance gets handled or shipped. Undercutting or overshooting the math here can derail quality or even safety, so getting it right isn’t just trivia—it matters.

Why Does This Matter Outside the Lab?

Knowing and verifying chemical formulas and weights ties straight to human health. Take (S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride as an example: as a chiral substance, switching even a single group can flip its effect. This is not just chemistry for its own sake. In the wrong form or dose, a molecule can go from therapeutic to hazardous. Lab error or mislabeling ripples out in very real ways.

Clear records and accessible information become pillars of safety for researchers, medical providers, and anyone down the supply chain. Relying on trusted sources and double-checking numbers prevents costly mistakes. A study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that accuracy in chemical identity directly links to drug quality and patient safety. Another point, international organizations like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) keep updated data and guidelines, aiming to keep these mistakes out of the system.

Getting the Details Right—A Stepping Stone for Progress

Having worked alongside pharmacy teams, it’s clear that getting comfortable with the fine print opens the door to not just safer science, but stronger problem-solving. Clarity cuts down risk, whether mixing solutions in a pharmacy or teaching students the basics. Accessible, trustworthy chemical data doesn’t just keep labs running—it drives smarter decision-making across industries.

Efforts to promote open databases and encourage double-checks at every stage could go a long way. Peer discussion, robust supply chains, and ongoing education make a greater difference than any isolated fact sheet. In short, every good dose or reliable reaction begins with the often-overlooked details: a correct formula, an accurate count, one reliable number at a time.

(S)-2-(methylamino)-1-propanol hydrochloride