1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((acetyloxy)methyl)- diacetate is a multifaceted organic compound that features several acetoxy groups attached to a propanediol core. Its chemical formula is C13H20O8 and it shows up in a range of material forms, making it a practical and adaptable building block for chemical synthesis and material processes. I have noticed that people working in polymer chemistry, resin modification, and specialty chemical manufacturing value compounds like this for their reliable functionality and versatility. Its structure integrates two primary acetoxy side chains on the methyl groups positioned on the second carbon, alongside terminal acetoxy groups, which introduces complexity and unique reactivity in the lab or in industrial settings.
In my own lab work, encountering 1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((acetyloxy)methyl)- diacetate often means handling a material that can arrive as a solid, powder, or crystalline substance, depending on storage temperature and humidity. Some suppliers offer it in flakes or even pearls. It typically appears white to off-white with a density that clusters around 1.23 g/cm³, though small variations can occur based on purity and exact form. The melting point usually sits between 90–110°C, which makes it workable for processing but also means it’s easy to unintentionally overheat during scale-up.
A closer look at the molecule easily shows why it’s so valuable for certain applications. The backbone of propanediol grants flexibility, while the acetyloxy groups crank up the polarity and reactivity. I’ve seen its molecular structure presented in educational workshops: three carbon atoms create the core, while four acetate groups stick to the backbone, producing a structure with high ester content and rich chemical reactivity. This acetoxy-rich framework gives rise to properties like increased solubility in polar organic solvents, making it simple to dissolve in standard formulations or reaction mixtures. The molecular weight lands close to 308.29 g/mol, a factor that influences dosing calculations for synthesis and formulation.
Producers of specialty chemicals often grade this material as a technical or reagent-grade substance, depending on batch handling and purity after synthesis. Quality control teams usually reference specifications around purity (often above 98% by HPLC), water content (less than 0.5%), and residual solvents well below detection limits. In the chemical trade, it’s tracked using the HS Code 2915.39, which covers acetic acid and its derivatives. This classification guides international trade, customs, and tariffs, reinforcing the need to manage documentation accurately.
You’ll find this compound used heavily as a raw material for producing advanced resins, especially for coatings and adhesives that need high flexibility and chemical resistance. Some colleagues use it for developing biodegradable plastics and specialty coatings where the acetoxy groups foster crosslinking or increase compatibility with other additives. Its role extends to making intermediates for pharmaceuticals, where the high ester content sometimes gets leveraged to fine-tune solubility and reactivity. In the paint and coatings sector, it’s often blended in for improved flow and finish.
Working hands-on with 1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((acetyloxy)methyl)- diacetate means understanding its health and safety aspects. It qualifies as a chemical that should not be inhaled or ingested and requires standard personal protective equipment during handling. Prolonged or repeated skin contact sometimes causes irritation, and direct eye contact brings a risk of redness or discomfort. SDS documents recommend ventilation in processing areas and immediate clean-up of spills to minimize slip hazards and inhalation risk. Although not considered highly flammable or acutely toxic, it earns a precautionary label due to its ester content. Disposal takes place through chemical waste streams in accordance with local regulations, another reason why familiarity with environmental controls and chemical hygiene helps keep workspaces safe.
Density clocks in at about 1.23 g/cm³, which is moderately high for an acetoxy-containing organic compound. This makes storage straightforward in steel or HDPE drums without concerns over settling or significant compaction in storage. For large-batch operations, the bulk density of flakes or crystals means planning for conveyance or flow in hoppers and feeders. Molecular considerations guide every formulation decision—from mixture ratios to reactivity profiles—so familiarity with its properties helps chemists and engineers anticipate how it influences melt or flow in process equipment.
Suppliers ship 1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((acetyloxy)methyl)- diacetate in different physical forms to match customer requirements, with some offering a stable powder or finely divided flakes for easy weighing and blending. Purchasers can sometimes request pellets or pearls if they plan to dissolve or melt the material in bulk. On rare occasions—especially in very pure forms for synthesis in pharmaceuticals—it may come as a single crystal, often for research or reactivity testing. In all forms, proper labeling and container compatibility are critical due to the risk of slow hydrolysis if exposed to moisture.
Manufacturers start with basic building blocks—most commonly 1,3-propanediol and acetic anhydride—in a well-controlled esterification process. The raw material purity and reaction conditions define the overall product quality. This chemistry links renewable feedstock programs to advanced materials—some 1,3-propanediol even comes from fermentation routes, providing an alternative to petrochemical feedstocks in certain markets. This matters in sustainability programs where carbon accounting tracks environmental impact, and buyers in Europe and North America sometimes demand proof of renewable sourcing or traceability in raw material supply chains.
The chemical industry faces an increasingly complex regulatory environment, especially concerning hazardous materials and chemical safety data reporting. In practice, users must balance the practical value of compounds like 1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((acetyloxy)methyl)- diacetate with responsible handling and environmental controls. For example, waste streams from resin production often get monitored for trace esters to protect waterways from contamination. Professional networks and trade groups are pushing for more robust safety protocols and the adoption of green chemistry alternatives when possible. Since regulations continue to evolve, companies and individual users alike invest in training and compliance systems, so knowledge about these materials becomes more important each year.
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