This compound stands out in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals for its layered molecular structure, built on the backbone of a propanol core linked to both 3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl and m-tolyloxy functional groups. Chemists in research settings encounter it as a starting material or intermediate in specialty synthesis work. Its hydrochloride salt form boosts its stability and solubility, features that often determine whether certain molecules enter advanced formulation and testing stages.
The molecular formula, C20H28ClNO4, hints at its complexity. Each methoxy group nudges up lipophilicity and can tweak the way the compound interacts with different environments, from buffered water to organic extraction phases. The molecule integrates aromatic rings, secondary amine, and ether linkages, which steer both reactivity and potential safety concerns. Its hydrochloride form typically appears as a crystalline solid, offering a clear handling advantage over oily bases or hygroscopic variants. This structure produces a solid that stays robust in sealed containers and can travel safely without changing form, a trait valued by shipping managers and quality control alike.
(±)-1-((3,4-Dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)-3-(m-tolyloxy)-2-propanol Hydrochloride, in my own workbench experience, presents itself as off-white to pale cream flakes or crystalline powder. The material feels dense when scooped, though not cakey or clumping like some legacy salts. The tactile feel—between pearled granules and a fine, dry powder—signals both purity and consistent synthesis. Chemists can quickly gauge quality by observing the way light reflects off the crystalline structure. This granular, solid state simplifies weighing, partitioning, and lot-tracking. The density, averaging around 1.18 g/cm3 depending on process conditions, aligns with most aromatic hydrochlorides, indicating a familiar handling and storage profile.
Solubility stands as a critical property in lab usage. Dissolving the hydrochloride salt in water yields transparent solutions at typical working concentrations, avoiding the murkiness that can complicate filtration or dose preparation. Ethanol often works as a secondary solvent, especially for procedures that demand mixed organic and aqueous handling. Handling in solution form requires careful attention due to rapid dissolution and a robust ionic presence, so making up standard concentrations doesn’t present much difficulty to researchers used to salt-based intermediates.
The HS Code for this hydrochloride, typically 2922499990, places it under specific organic chemicals featuring amine groups and derivatives. Tracking this code proves essential for import/export managers, customs declarations, and compliance audits. Each country’s regulatory climate may introduce new requirements—ranging from permits for bulk quantities to guidelines on raw material source tracing, particularly for chemicals flagged as pharmaceutical intermediates. Experience in navigating customs offices reveals that timely, accurate code assignment prevents weeks of shipment delays, which can knock back tight research timelines.
Taking safety seriously matters with any fine chemical, and this hydrochloride is no exception. Inhalation risk stays low in powder form, though users should respect the airborne dust hazard when charging drums or splitting packages. Prolonged skin exposure or accidental ingestion could prove harmful, a reality faced by every lab technician handling amines or ethers. Lab protocols demand usage of gloves, goggles, and ventilated enclosures, which, in practice, cut down on accidental exposure events. Labels must indicate warning symbols aligned with GHS and transport regulations—no one wants an obscure label to slow down a shipment or prompt workplace incidents.
Upstream, the raw materials for this product often trace back to aromatic sources—m-tolyl derivates, 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, and functionalizing agents. Sustainable sourcing becomes more important as companies push for environmental certifications. Synthetic efficiency and solvent selection both influence waste and resource footprint in the production of each batch. Operations managers look for suppliers who recapture solvents and employ modern reaction controls to minimize excess. This chemical’s route, typically streamlined to avoid hazardous byproducts, can reflect positively or negatively in modern supply chain audits. Zero-waste ideals rarely align perfectly with chemical synthesis, but incremental improvements appear each year.
Researchers value (±)-1-((3,4-Dimethoxyphenethyl)amino)-3-(m-tolyloxy)-2-propanol Hydrochloride as a building block for developing new compounds with potential therapeutic benefit. Custom molecules like this support growing fields in synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, high-value screening libraries, and precision intermediates for research. The crystal form also lends itself to long-term inventory management, crucial for companies that need stable stocks aligned with regulatory inspections. My work with early-stage startups showed how crucial it gets to have a trustworthy, reproducible source when pivoting between synthetic projects or scaling from grams to kilograms.
As with all specialty chemicals, the risks stem not just from the product itself but from every step along the pathway—from storage to use to waste processing. Poor inventory tracking or careless handling can lead to exposure incidents or environmental releases, giving rise to compliance headaches. Improved digital tracking, clear material labels, and standardized protocols represent the most effective measures for slashing incident rates. Disposal of unused or spent material needs careful oversight—most labs I’ve joined rely on licensed chemical waste contractors with documentation trails that stand up in third-party audits.