1,1,1-Trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol hemihydrate stands out as a specialty chemical, sought after in research and industrial sectors for its specific molecular behavior and reactivity. Chemists often refer to it by its molecular formula, C4H7Cl3O·0.5H2O, which reveals both its core structure and the presence of water of hydration. Unmistakable in identity, the HS Code attributed to this compound reflects international trade classification standards and guides customs documentation, ensuring safe and regulated handling across borders.
Industries value this compound as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially when chlorine functionality or controlled reactivity is required. Laboratories use it for producing novel materials, reagents, or studying chlorinated alcohol behaviors under various conditions. Some manufacturers handle it as a raw material, creating specialized polymers, additives, or other chemicals integral to their product lines. Its utility often roots back to its chemical stability and versatility, which reveals practical value in both academic and commercial spheres.
1,1,1-Trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol hemihydrate presents distinct physical appearances: it might be seen as crystalline flakes, powders, pearls, or sometimes as a solid block, depending on storage and shipment methods. True to its class, the compound's density gives users an indication of how it disperses or dissolves in liquids, while the specific physical form influences its manipulation in lab or plant settings. An approximate density value, such as 1.6 g/cm³ at ambient conditions, gives chemists a practical starting point for measuring or reacting with other substances.
Detailed molecular insight comes through structural diagrams and empirical formulas. For this compound, a central carbon links to three chlorine atoms and a methyl group, with a hydroxyl group branching off, capped by a hydrated water molecule. This arrangement defines not only its physicochemical properties but also governs how it interacts with other substances, reacts under heat, and responds during storage or mixing. The presence of a hemihydrate signals a penchant for atmospheric moisture, affecting both stability and storage recommendations.
Suppliers provide specifications covering purity, water content, melting range, and appearance—a full datasheet entry might list “solid white to off-white crystals; melting point around 90°C; solubility in water and polar solvents varies moderately.” These details underpin purchasing decisions, feedback from prior batches, and preparative strategies in both small-scale research and larger industrial applications. Users often find that specifications identify not just quality but also any potential impurities that could affect end-use or downstream reactions.
Its crystalline lattice incorporates water, which changes both mass and thermal properties. In solution, the behavior may shift as hydration layers interact with solvents, sometimes leading to separation or crystallization upon concentration or cooling. People handling the substance take note, as shifts in environmental humidity or temperature influence not only performance in reactions but also potential for clumping or dissolution during storage or use.
Toxicological assessments classify 1,1,1-Trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol hemihydrate as potentially hazardous if mishandled. Its chlorinated structure suggests risks typical of organochlorines: skin and eye irritation may result from direct contact, and inhalation of dust or fine powder calls for proper mask use and adequate ventilation. The chemical can be harmful if swallowed, so protocols call for secure storage, labeled containers, and appropriate training for all personnel. Disposal of waste or contaminated materials happens only under guidance from hazardous waste management regulations, not with common trash or washing down drains. This reflects real stakes in safeguarding both human health and the wider environment.
Production relies on the availability and quality of starting chlorinated hydrocarbons, clean reaction environments, and rigorous purification techniques. Suppliers face regulatory requirements rooted in environmental stewardship and occupational safety, so procurement teams check country-of-origin documents, analyze trace impurities, and often consult regulatory watchlists to maintain compliance. This attention to detail aligns with both quality assurance and legal obligations, ensuring each batch meets end-user needs without cutting corners on safety or environmental impact.
Minimizing exposure forms the foundation of responsible chemical management. Facilities handling this compound dedicate well-ventilated areas for weighing and dispensing, outfit storage rooms with spill containment measures, and keep safety data sheets close at hand. My own time working in a small-sample synthesis lab showed how personal protective equipment—nitrile gloves, lab goggles, reinforced lab coats—should never become optional, even after handling hundreds of chemicals. Staff education, regular safety reviews, and investment in monitoring tools go a long way in preventing incidents that could make headlines for the wrong reasons. Such proactive habits reflect the high standards that responsible organizations bring to handling every raw material, no matter its appearance or market value.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
