1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol brings together elements that matter in both chemical manufacturing and real-world safety. This compound appears as a colorless or pale liquid, often used as a raw material or intermediate in the production of other chemicals. Structurally, its molecular formula is C3H6Cl2O, giving it a straightforward backbone that supports its reactivity. You might find it as a liquid at room temperature, sometimes crystallizing under certain conditions depending on storage and ambient temperature. Its density sits around 1.35 g/cm³, hinting at the heavier nature inherited from the two chlorine atoms in its skeleton. Looking at the physical form, 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol does not typically come in flakes, pearls, or powders—its most stable and commercial form stays as a clear, oily liquid. People dealing with industrial materials should learn early that the handling and storage of this chemical differ sharply from safer solvents or raw ingredients.
The product usually appears in drums or secure containers suitable for hazardous chemicals. Purity commonly exceeds 97%, but trace impurities must be reported and checked, especially for pharmaceutical applications. Its HS Code (Harmonized System Code) is generally recognized globally as 2903.19, tying it into international trade and regulatory frameworks for tracking and control. Bulk buyers, traders, or regulatory professionals need this detail to comply with customs, safety, and import/export documentation. For researchers and process engineers, knowing the density, physical state, and HS Code streamlines ordering, safe handling, and compliance checks. This isn’t just bureaucracy—it directly impacts your ability to move goods safely between countries, maintain workplace safety, and avoid delays that could halt production lines reliant on this chemical.
Molecularly, the structure places chlorine atoms at the first and third carbon positions, with the second carbon holding the hydroxyl group. This arrangement provides notable reactivity, particularly as a chlorinated alcohol. Such dual-function (both a halogen and alcohol) makes it ideal in certain syntheses, especially in the creation of epoxy resins, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other specialty chemicals. The boiling point hovers around 174°C, which means straightforward distillation without advanced cooling. Solubility in water is moderate—it mixes somewhat, forming layers depending on concentration. It dissolves better in organic solvents like acetone and ethanol, providing flexibility in lab and industrial settings. Flammability remains low compared to lighter hydrocarbons, but care is required to avoid inhaling vapors, especially in poorly ventilated spaces or enclosed labs. In my own experience with laboratory processes, strict procedures for fume extraction and effective ventilation always made a visible difference, limiting exposure and reducing the chance of workplace complaints or medical incidents.
Manufacturing takes advantage of the unique reactivity of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol. It plays a vital role in synthesizing epichlorohydrin, a key ingredient in producing various resins and polymers. These materials often end up in coatings, adhesives, water treatment systems, and even certain papers or textiles. Fine chemical synthesis uses this compound for introducing chlorine atoms into molecules, both for bulk and specialty production. Its ability to serve as a building block brings versatility, but also responsibility. Any supply chain disruptions or regulatory changes can trickle down quickly to finished-product manufacturing—neglecting this can spike costs or force substitutions that rarely match original performance or safety profiles. Quality managers and procurement officers will recognize the importance of predictable sources and the need to follow chemical sourcing laws closely.
This chemical falls solidly under the “hazardous” classification due to both its toxicity and its potential as a suspected carcinogen. People handling 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol must follow robust safety protocols. Direct skin contact irritates or damages tissues, inhalation can cause headaches, coughing, or worse respiratory symptoms, and ingestion brings serious health risks. Facilities must use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and, ideally, closed transfer systems. In many settings, local exhaust ventilation or fume hoods limit airborne exposure. Spills demand fast containment with absorbent materials suited for chlorinated solvents, and contaminated PPE needs prompt disposal according to hazardous waste guidelines. My time in chemical packaging taught me no shortcut ever compensates for negligence here; one accident brings inspections, lawsuits, or worse. Chemical safety training, clear Material Safety Data Sheets, and emergency response plans save more than regulations—they keep people on the job and companies running smoothly.
Environmental regulators watch this material carefully due to its persistence and toxicity. Waste streams and accidental discharges can pollute surface or groundwater, raising concern for fish, plants, and drinking supplies. In the regions I’ve worked, discharge permits require rigorous treatment, sometimes involving advanced oxidation or carbon adsorption before legal disposal. Environmental compliance isn’t a paperwork formality—every slip costs real money in fines, remediation costs, or reputation. Ongoing monitoring, spill drills, and regular inspections stay essential, especially as more countries harmonize environmental protections. The chemical’s presence on many international control lists increases the need for strict inventory, reporting, and removal of expired or unused stock.
Addressing these challenges starts with robust internal controls. Switch to automated handling where possible to limit worker risk. Use chemical detection technologies that alert teams to leaks or atmospheric contamination well before exposure levels rise. Substitute with less hazardous intermediates whenever the final product performance or cost profile allows. In my experience, most substitute work calls for weeks of pilot testing—not every functional group reacts the same way, so short-term inconvenience might mean gains in long-term safety and regulatory certainty. Recycling spent solvents and exploring closed-loop processing reduces both fresh raw material demand and waste. Staff training, audits, and strict personal protective equipment policies complete the cycle, reducing the odds of accidents and keeping insurance rates and compliance costs within reasonable bounds. Upgrading storage—better containment, temperature, and inventory tracking—fills in the last piece, closing gaps before they open. Every plant or laboratory has its war stories about near-misses or lessons learned the hard way—no one wants to see a repeat, especially with hazardous, harmful chemicals like 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol.
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