The roots of (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol stretch back to advances in asymmetric synthesis during the late twentieth century. Researchers started recognizing that chirally pure molecules play a major role in the development of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Societies saw a real shift once regulatory agencies pressed for clarity on the enantiomeric purity of ingredients. Labs pressed forward with research, unlocking ways of selectively making the (S)-isomer, which brought hope for safer, more effective therapeutics. I remember facing endless chromatograms in a university research group, learning firsthand how tough it was to pull apart enantiomers. This development of chiral alcohols marked a pivot toward better drug design and new applications across chemistry, changing the way institutions and companies think about molecular complexity.
(S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol stands out as a chiral building block with broad appeal. Its structure—a chlorine atom hugging one end, a phenyl group on the other—offers a starting point for crafting complex molecules. Its chirality adds value for those needing a single enantiomer, especially because biological systems respond differently to each mirror image. In the marketplace, demand comes not just from pharmaceutical synthesis but from agrochemical developers and fragrance chemists, all drawn by the structural flexibility and reactivity. My time collaborating with pharma startups showed that sourcing quality chiral intermediates never seemed easy, so when a compound like this appears in reliable supply, it makes a difference for whole sectors trying to build safe, active products.
In its pure form, (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid, with a faint aromatic scent tracing back to the phenyl ring. Its molecular formula is C9H11ClO, giving it a molar mass around 170.64 g/mol. The presence of both hydroxyl and chloro functional groups means the molecule offers hydrogen bonding potential and decent solubility in organic solvents like ether and dichloromethane. The melting and boiling points show sensitivity to purity and local conditions but typically track around standard ranges for compounds with similar size and polarity. The chemical stability is solid in room temperature settings, though the alcohol group attracts air oxidation over long periods—a regular headache in any chemistry lab. The chirality at the first carbon next to the phenyl group remains the distinguishing structural feature, dictating the biological activity in downstream drug development.
Any reputable supplier details enantiomeric excess, chemical purity, and water content in the product datasheet. Certificates of analysis usually confirm >98% ee, GC or HPLC purity above 98%, and low traces of common residual solvents. Labeling must include storage advice—cool, dry conditions—and clear hazard communication as mandated by OSHA or local equivalents. Lot numbers and traceability matter, and batch consignment supports robust quality systems for manufacturers needing to document their supply chain. I recall seeing batch inconsistencies lead to major complications for contract manufacturing organizations; anyone working with sensitive chirals will want explicit guarantees on both identity and purity from the outset. Storage at low temperatures, away from direct sunlight and moisture, stands as standard practice to help preserve shelf life and performance during use.
There are several ways experts produce (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol, but the asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones by chiral catalysts still forms much of the backbone in industrial contexts. Some processes use enzymatic approaches, where lipases or other biocatalysts steer the reaction toward the (S)-enantiomer with impressive selectivity. The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation route, combining transition metal catalysts like ruthenium complexes with chiral ligands, sits at the frontier for scalable manufacturing. I’ve watched R&D teams chase green chemistry options too, swapping toxic reagents for enzymes or safer solvents, sometimes at the cost of longer reaction times but with less waste. Afterward, purification usually leans on crystallization followed by chiral chromatography, given the strict purity required for medical applications. Each method reflects a balance between cost, yield, environmental impact, and the demand for unyielding chiral integrity.
Chemists prize (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol for its adaptability. The alcohol group enables classic substitution reactions: conversion to esters for fragrance molecules, oxidation to aldehydes or acids for intermediate synthesis, or coupling reactions that build more complex scaffolds. The adjacent chlorine serves as a reactive handle, ready for nucleophilic substitution to introduce a wide array of functional groups. In designing medicinal agents, this reactivity enables medicinal chemists to test analogues quickly, trying out different leaving groups or polarities. In lab experiments, I found that the combination of an activated halide with a nearby alcohol produced intermediates that could cycle through dozens of reaction conditions without losing stereochemistry—a key benefit in drug molecule design. Those handling this compound enjoy a toolkit for rapid prototyping, testing, and scaling chemical transformations.
This compound appears in literature and trade catalogs under a handful of names. Common synonyms include (S)-3-chloro-1-phenylpropan-1-ol, (S)-3-chloro-1-phenylpropanol, and (S)-3-chloro-alpha-phenyl-1-propanol. Some chemical wholesalers reference its stereochemistry for clarity, using names like (−)-3-chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol. Tracking synonyms matters for procurement, as regional differences and catalog numbers sometimes hide identical compounds under different banners. Anyone buying or specifying this product benefits from confirming CAS numbers and supplier-specific product codes to sidestep mix-ups, especially where traceability and regulatory paperwork are concerned.
Handling (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol calls for practical lab safety. It may cause skin or eye irritation due to the combined effects of the alcohol and chloride groups. Industry standards call for gloves, eye protection, and fume extraction, particularly during large-scale synthesis or prolonged exposure. Proper disposal procedures avoid aquatic contamination, since aromatic chlorides don’t break down as quickly in the environment as simple organics. Industrial hygiene practices also demand close attention because inhalation or accidental ingestion risks acute toxicity. My memory goes back to a safety briefing where a single splash led to an evacuation—real vigilance pays dividends. Following OSHA or EU Chemical Agents Directive requirements isn’t just bureaucracy; it means teams work confidently and avoid costly accidents.
The reach of (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol extends into pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials. Drug makers see it as a scaffold for β-adrenergic receptor modulators and related chiral drugs. Its chiral purity improves drug safety and performance by reducing off-target effects. Agrochemical research groups use it to develop herbicides and insecticides with better selectivity for target species. In flavors and fragrances, its derivatives bring nuanced aromatic notes owing to their chirality. Chemical biology teams, like those I worked alongside, value it as a template for tagging and probing enzyme mechanisms, taking advantage of the unique way the chiral center interacts with protein surfaces. The compound has become almost a staple for any R&D-driven pipeline embracing molecular design with an eye on regulatory trends.
Research attention now leans into sustainable manufacture and broader applications of (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol. Biotechnological biosynthesis lines, using genetically engineered microbial strains, offer a low-waste roadmap for the future, as reliance on rare metals and harsh chemicals comes under scrutiny. Explorations into automation and continuous flow chemistry have already pushed yields higher while trimming down operational risks. Teams worldwide report expanded screens of this intermediate for new therapeutic and agrochemical activity, probing the roles of small structural changes in biological systems. These research drives stem not just from regulatory pressure, but also growing public awareness of the environmental impact from traditional chemical methods. From my own stretch in academic labs, the hunt for better, greener chiral syntheses was a constant puzzle—one that new talent entering the field is eager to solve, using machine learning, data sharing, and new catalytic approaches.
Thorough assessment of (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol’s toxicity remains essential as applications grow. Acute exposure typically leads to local irritation rather than systemic toxicity in small amounts. Chronic effects, especially those associated with metabolites or byproducts produced in the environment, still need deeper study. Environmental scientists take care to track persistence and breakdown in soil and water, since aromatic chlorides sometimes accumulate in local ecosystems. The pharmaceutical sector needs solid data not just on the parent compound, but also on chiral impurities that can cause unexpected off-target activity. A recent industry audit triggered by a minor impurity led to a costly recall; it only reinforced the importance of monitoring all stereoisomers involved. In the lab, the emphasis remains on minimizing direct contact, using precisely calibrated analytical methods, and recording all observations linked to safety or health changes.
The future of (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol seems tied to rising demand for single-enantiomer compounds across sectors. The pharmaceutical industry’s thirst for higher selectivity and lower side-effect profiles shows no sign of slowing. Greater automation in the chemical industry promises more consistent access to pure, well-characterized intermediates like this one. Moves toward greener, more energy-efficient synthesis build on a foundation that values atom economy, renewable feedstocks, and reduced waste. Broader applications in diagnostics, imaging, and even renewable polymers hint at new life for this molecule outside classical small-molecule chemistry. From the ground level, clear collaboration between academic groups, industry, and regulators holds the real key to unlocking the next set of advancements. Problems of today will shape the success stories of the next decade—and compounds like (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol will keep offering paths forward for smart, responsible chemical innovation.
(S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol belongs to a class of organic chemicals that scientists and industry folks lean on for a reason. With a structure that includes a chlorine atom and a chiral center, this compound grabs attention in pharmaceutical labs everywhere. If you’ve spent time around a chemistry bench or peeked behind the scenes at how new medicines come to be, chemicals like (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol feature regularly in the story.
This compound matters most in the creation of drug molecules. Its value shows up in asymmetric synthesis, where having just the right arrangement of atoms spells the difference between a working medicine and a useless (or even harmful) one. Many active drug ingredients need to fit into receptors in the human body with an exact 3D shape. (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol becomes one of those building blocks that helps chemists stitch together larger, more complex molecules.
From my own experience helping researchers piece together chiral intermediates, I’ve seen the struggle first-hand: sometimes a seemingly small molecule nudges a whole process along. For example, beta-blockers or certain antidepressant drug syntheses often require these specialized intermediates. A pure enantiomer—like the “(S)” in this compound—keeps unwanted side effects in check and gets the right response from the body.
Beyond big pharma, this chemical forms part of the toolkit for those tinkering with new reactions or for companies producing small-batch chemicals on demand. Teaching labs focus on these compounds to help students understand chirality, reactivity, and how one functional group can change an entire outcome. The presence of chlorine and the specific orientation of the molecule simplify the production of analogs—variations of chemicals being tested for improved properties.
Data shows that global spending on chiral intermediates in pharmaceuticals keeps climbing as more targeted therapies—think cancer drugs and antivirals—reach development. With patents running out on major drugs, generics manufacturers also look for cost-effective, reliable ways to reproduce these key compounds.
Lab safety and purity come up every time (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol goes into use. Trace impurities or a mix-up in enantiomeric purity have real consequences—ineffective medicine or regulatory hurdles. This leads companies to check certifications, batch analysis, and supplier reliability closely. After a contaminated chemical shipment disrupted a drug trial I worked with, those details stopped seeming fussy. Each synthesis step, each gram weighed and dissolved gets double-checked.
Environmental and worker safety get consideration too. Chlorinated compounds, when handled poorly, can cause dangerous byproducts. Labs invest in fume hoods, waste capture, and thorough training, since no one wants an accident or investigation shutting a project down.
With sustainable chemistry on everyone’s mind, researchers are developing greener synthesis routes and cleaner production processes for intermediates like (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol. More companies are turning to biocatalysis, using engineered enzymes to create chiral molecules under milder conditions rather than harsh, waste-producing traditional methods. Sourcing, process audits, and transparency—these matter as companies work to both innovate and protect public health.
(S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol keeps finding new relevance. In the quest for safer and more effective drugs, its role as a chiral building block isn't going anywhere.
Many people outside chemistry circles see purity numbers as fancy statistics. In synthetic chemistry, small digits stamp every batch with trust. (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol shows up on plenty of synthetic workbenches, especially in pharma research. Its role in chiral drug development puts a spotlight on purity. Why is that single number—say, above 98%—so critical for real projects?
Cutting corners with chemical quality cuts deeper than the wallet. On one early project during my grad school years, we ordered a chiral alcohol at 95% purity. We shrugged off 5% "unknowns" thinking the reaction could handle it. The small compromise crept into months of work. A minor impurity threw off analytical readings. We chased our tails, adjusting chromatography settings, running more controls, never suspecting the core material.
Most producers sell (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol at >98% purity, often HPLC validated. USP or Ph. Eur.-level quality usually stays above 99%. Commercial catalogs—like Sigma-Aldrich, TCI, or Alfa Aesar—advertise purity in that upper range. That missing 1–2% matters in more ways than technical graphs show. In chiral synthesis, that trace impurity can ruin an enantiomeric ratio, render a catalyst useless, or plant the seed for failed scale-up.
The tricky part—chemical purity isn’t just about the percent sign. Two batches, both claiming 98% purity by HPLC, can act totally different in the next reaction step. I've handled cases where vendors didn’t specify if “98%” reflected chiral purity, overall material purity, or both. One batch ran through NMR, IR, and chiral HPLC. The “clean” spectrum hid a chiral impurity no basic assay spotted.
Adding to the confusion, legal guidelines for pharmaceutical precursors push every researcher to check these details. The FDA’s good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidance sets out how even background levels of trace impurities can scramble a drug’s efficacy or spark regulatory issues. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) runs on the same logic, listing enantiomeric purity as a must-track detail for any active pharmaceutical ingredient. Skipping this step risks more than bad data; it can mean legal liability or forced product recalls.
Quality boils down to more than catalog copywriting. On my team, purity checks now involve asking for full analytical data—chiral HPLC, NMR, MS—never just a summary. I once caught a mis-labeled chiral batch with simple TLC, proving even small-scale labs can vet chemical quality beyond vendor certificates.
Reputable vendors publish technical sheets with enantiomeric excess data, method specifics, and impurity profiles. Open communication with suppliers cuts down problems before they start. Request a fresh COA before ordering. Ask for detailed spectra, especially for chiral reagents. For those without access to a suite of analytical tools, sending a sample to a trusted university or contract lab saves weeks of troubleshooting down the line.
From research bench to clinical trial, the purity of (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol forms the backbone of good science. I've found that stubborn attention to detail—questioning every label, tracking every data point, and insisting on clarity—serves as the best guarantee of reliable results. Precision starts with people willing to dig in and sweat the details. That habit has saved more projects than the fanciest equipment ever could.
Keeping chemicals in the right spot doesn’t just keep work organized—it keeps everyone safe and protects the integrity of research. (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol, with a structure that includes both a halogen and an alcohol group, needs a bit more attention than common solvents. Professionals who spend time around research chemicals know messing up storage isn’t just a nuisance. It costs money, puts results at risk, and can even spark emergencies.
This compound doesn’t get along with water. Leaving the cap loose or letting humid air inside a container can start reactions that lead to unwanted byproducts. Higher temperatures speed things up in the lab, but in storage, they spell trouble. Over time, heat encourages decomposition, which may release toxins you don’t want to breathe or handle. Even trace amounts of metals or oxidants, sometimes left behind by uses in other experiments, can trigger subtle changes in the product that sneak past a quick glance.
I’ve handled hundreds of small-molecule intermediates, and experience has taught me to trust glass—preferably amber glass—for anything with a halogen group. Plastics might seem sturdy, but certain solvents or sensitive intermediates eventually cause leaching or discoloration. Amber glass keeps light from accelerating decomposition. Pair that with a tight, inert-sealed cap rather than a standard screw-top, and contamination drops sharply. Don’t decant into random bottles—dedicated, clearly labeled glassware avoids cross-contamination and accidental mix-ups, which can have real consequences in a busy lab.
Most stable organic intermediates, including this one, fare best in cool, dry places. Regular fridges often fluctuate in temperature and humidity every time the door opens, making a dedicated chemical refrigerator a wiser choice. Common household fridges or freezers shouldn’t cross purposes with chemicals. It helps to keep a thermometer inside and record actual temperatures, not just rely on dials. Keeping containers upright in trays means fewer spills, even if someone bumps a shelf during a hectic day.
Label everything thoroughly, including structure, concentration, and the date received or opened. Tidy handwriting helps, but digital inventory systems prevent errors even when the lead chemist heads out for vacation. Tracking who handled a batch last reduces confusion during audits and helps trace any contamination problems quickly.
Good habits matter more than clever gadgets. I always take a second to check for leaks, cloudiness, or weird smells before opening a bottle, especially with chemicals that have both halogen and alcohol functionalities. Proper gloves and eye protection aren’t just for show. Even seasoned pros sometimes get careless after weeks in the same routine, but a moment of focus prevents accidents that could derail a project—or worse.
Labs often see turnover, with new team members joining and others moving on. A culture that makes proper storage part of everyday work, not an afterthought, improves everything. Simple checklists, safety training refreshers, and open communication help everyone—from students to supervisors—keep the chemical inventory safe and sustainable. With the right habits, (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol keeps its integrity for months, allowing research to progress without unnecessary setbacks.
Chemistry gets a reputation for long names and even longer formulas, but there's real meaning behind those chains of letters and numbers. Take (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol. The name feels like a mouthful, yet it tells an entire story for researchers, students, and professionals working in pharmaceuticals or chemical synthesis. The formula for this compound, C9H11ClO, isn't just a random string. It paints a picture of the atoms and their arrangement in a way that can influence reactions, safety, and even the effect a medication might have inside the body.
People sometimes brush off chemistry as academic, but I remember working in a university lab and running up against time limits for a synthesis project. Double-checking formulas—literally triple-checking them—spelled the difference between wasting a day and producing pure product. This happened because knowing the correct formula for every molecule wasn’t just about passing an exam. It impacted ordering the right starting materials, predicting solubility, and setting up chromatography columns. A simple error in something like proton or chlorine count caused batches to fail or reactions to stall, wasting both time and money.
The molecular formula C9H11ClO clearly lays out the nine carbon atoms, eleven hydrogens, one chlorine, and one oxygen that make up (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol. Real-world meaning comes from how these pieces connect. The “phenyl” group signifies a ring structure (benzene) that most chemists can draw in their sleep. Three carbons in a row, a chlorine atom on the third, and a hydroxyl group on the first. Stereochemistry comes into play with that “S.” This configuration creates left-handed and right-handed forms (enantiomers) that act differently inside living organisms. That matters for drug action, as only one enantiomer may target the desired protein or enzyme without side effects.
There’s a big movement, especially in pharma and fine chemicals, toward reporting structures and formulas with pinpoint accuracy. Regulatory frameworks like those from the FDA or EMA don’t leave much room for imprecision. Lab techs need solid information. Publishing an incorrect formula can set off confusion across research groups and delay breakthroughs. I’ve seen groups wrangle over misreported data and spend months untangling supply chain headaches resulting from a single typo. Journals have tightened standards, and digital chemical databases—like PubChem or ChemSpider—flag discrepancies fast.
Molecular formulas matter, but so does access to solid information. Open-access databases and better chemical informatics make it easier to cross-check compounds before they hit the bench. Teaching students to think critically about molecular structure and formula from sophomore organic on up could save headaches down the line. Reviewing and verifying chemical data should be a team sport, not a solo act. Building up a community around transparent science, where accuracy gets rewarded, supports safer, faster drug discovery and greener industrial processing.
Researchers and manufacturers in pharmaceuticals often cross paths with niche compounds. (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol falls into that group. It shows up in literature as a chiral building block and intermediate, especially when tackling asymmetric synthesis or early-stage drug candidates. I remember years back searching for similar specialty alcohols and realizing the difference between a catalog item and an actual scalable solution. Most chemical suppliers, both global names and boutique catalogs, tend to focus on gram-to-gram-scale deliveries for researchers. They’ll happily ship a tiny, pricey bottle for a desk project or early-phase study. The real challenge starts when scale tips to kilograms and beyond.
Scaling up specialty compounds brings hidden challenges. Even if a catalog lists (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol, stock may run dry if a bigger pharma firm places a large order or if regulations shift. Not many catalog suppliers keep hundreds of kilos of such intermediates ready. Most chemical plants prioritize bulk stock for demand-heavy building blocks—think solvents and excipients like ethanol or acetone. If an intermediate like this chiral alcohol has limited industrial uses and strict purity requirements, only custom syntheses or made-to-order batches enter the conversation.
From experience, chemical supply deals in this territory demand supply chain clarity. Take chirality into account: the “S” enantiomer here isn’t just some mirror variant; it holds biological significance, with one hand fitting a protein pocket where the other can’t. European and US regulations grow tighter every year, restricting what can cross borders, especially in bulk. So, not only production capacity but also legal paperwork and regional compliance can slow down or cut off ready supply.
A researcher with enough budget might get a toll manufacturer on board—these are specialty chemical producers that adjust factory lines for a limited run. Sometimes, companies in China or India offer these services, and in many cases their track record is good, especially if they share documentation and allow for third-party quality audits. Still, problems arise if communication isn’t clear. One contaminated lot or off-spec batch could set a project back months.
Several regional suppliers advertise custom synthesis on their websites, but transparency fluctuates. Factoring in E-E-A-T, researchers and buyers benefit only if the supplier shares traceable batch records, full characterization data, and clear statements about GMP or ISO certifications. Without these, risk of batch variation or outright counterfeit climbs dramatically. One needs more than a quoted price and a COA scanned onto a PDF.
Anyone with limited options for bulk (S)-3-Chloro-1-phenyl-1-propanol might pivot to contract research organizations (CROs) instead of generic catalog houses. Another approach involves negotiating direct partnerships with synthetic labs at universities, depending on local regulation and available infrastructure. It’s important to maintain open communication and check for scalable routes before kicking off pilot production.
To meet growing demand for chiral intermediates, industry groups could push for more shared databases to track availability, supplier quality scores, and compliance info. Pooling resources helps smaller labs avoid repeating isolated struggles with supply. If putting years of work into a new chiral drug, reliable procurement chains and honest vendors save large sums and lost time.
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