What is 1,3-Propanediol, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-, (1R)-?

1,3-Propanediol, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-, (1R)- shows up as a specialty chemical compound that takes its name from both its structure and its origin. The backbone, three carbon atoms linked in a chain with hydroxyl groups attached, signals the compound’s membership among diols, a category known for versatility in chemical synthesis. The addition of a 3-chlorophenyl group on one end brings in a set of physical and chemical quirks, shaped further by the (1R) stereoisomeric form. Chemists working with diols and chlorinated aromatics recognize this structure as not just a functional building block for synthesis, but a site of investigation for both its reactivity and stability under real-world conditions. Understanding this compound means looking past basic definitions and getting into how it interacts within chemical processes, how it handles under pressure, heat, or mixing, and how it behaves in various states and environments.

Physical Properties and Appearance

In practical settings, 1,3-Propanediol, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-, (1R)- has to be handled with an eye on its solid state under room temperature, where it typically forms as crystalline powder or sometimes in small pearl-like granules. This form helps with measuring and transport, avoiding the spills and volatility that come with liquids. Users in lab coats see the density land around 1.2 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter, though this drifts with impurities and room conditions. Whether dissolved, melted, or crystallized, it holds its integrity across standard concentrations used in synthesis or analyses. The flakes, powder, and crystalline presentations all serve specific needs: powder for rapid dissolution or reaction, flakes for measured addition, and pearls for storage and weighing out. Its color leans to white or off-white, with minimal odor, and in clean environments, it keeps its granularity and doesn’t clump easily unless exposed to ambient moisture. Once dissolved in compatible solvents, it may turn clear, but concentration and temperature play roles in its visibility—or in high concentration, you might see slight cloudiness, depending on solubility limits.

Structure and Chemical Features

At the molecular level, the chemical formula of C9H11ClO2 lays out the elemental makeup. The 1,3-diol means hydroxyl groups anchor the first and third carbon atoms, making the chain reactive at both ends. The 3-chlorophenyl group pulls electron density, tweaking how the rest of the molecule behaves in many reactions—a major reason chemists appreciate this configuration for designing more complex molecules. The (1R) chirality holds real value in the world of synthesis: stereoisomers don’t always act the same way, especially in biological or catalytic systems. Projects targeting pharmaceuticals or advanced materials keep an eye on such differences, because one hand of a molecule might fit the lock, while the other doesn’t. Density, melting points, and boiling points all line up with its structure, and so do solubility and stability under heat or light. Most batches avoid hazardous breakdown if stored dry and protected from sunlight and reactive metals.

Hazardous, Safe, and Raw Material Considerations

Working with 1,3-Propanediol, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-, (1R)- means respecting its chemical class. Safety data sheets flag potential hazards like skin and eye irritation and urge gloves, eye protection, and fume ventilation. Unlike many low-molecular diols, the chlorinated aromatic group introduces risks if heated or combusted—think of choking smoke or risky byproducts—so this compound stays far from open flames and oxidizing agents. As a raw material, it’s not explosive or acutely toxic at small scale, but chronic exposure remains a big question mark that science continues to track. Disposal means following chemical waste rules—never pour it down a standard drain. In fires, responders use foam or dry chemicals rather than water because of the potential for dangerous decomposition. Handlers notice that dust from fine powder can irritate airways. On the safe side, industry experience shows that with gloves, goggles, and a careful workflow, the compound gets used daily in small to medium-scale batches with manageable risk.

HS Code and Detailed Specifications

Customs, shippers, and import/export folks classify this compound with an HS Code usually falling under aromatic halogenated derivatives, often grouped with other specialty organics rather than bulk feedstock. Paperwork needs purity, batch number, net and gross weight, and hazard classification. Labs and production floors call out melting point—typically hovering between 70°C and 90°C—plus water and ash content for those sourcing high-purity material. Analytical techs provide certificate of analysis with each batch, checking not just for the main compound but also for trace residual solvents or byproducts, a must for pharmaceutical and fine chemical jobs. Sometimes storage instructions specify dry, cool, and avoid direct sunlight, with a shelf life that stretches if these rules stick. Solution preparation goes best with alcohols and selected organic solvents, while high water solubility isn’t a guaranteed feature here, pushing users toward alternatives when prepping for certain reactions.

Molecular Formula, Property, and Commercial Relevance

C9H11ClO2 packs nine carbons, eleven hydrogens, one chlorine, and two oxygens into a compact molecule that serves both as an end product and a snap-together piece for advanced chemistry. Stereochemistry means reactions need careful orchestration, and some synthesis routes start from related glycols, halogenated benzenes, or protected intermediates. The blend of linked properties brings increased interest from those developing new catalysts or trauma-resistant materials, as small modifications to the base structure can swing properties toward flexibility, strength, or bioactivity. Experience shows that well-purified batches keep side reactions low, while off-spec grades may inject enough uncertainty to tank weeks of lab work. Every tech sheet and batch spec tells a story: dryness, particle size, absence of visible foreign matter, and matching melting points all tie back to both lab and commercial demands. It’s not just a number—each parameter spells out whether the material’s fit for a pharma path, a material science breakthrough, or basic research into new reaction pathways.