1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((phosphonooxy)methyl)-1,3-bis(dihydrogen phosphate) is a specialized compound that stands out because of its rich phosphate groups and backbone structure built upon propanediol. This molecule—sometimes shown as C7H18O16P4—comes with a hefty amount of phosphorus, making it highly relevant in fields demanding flame retardancy and advanced chelating abilities. The formula, with its heavy phosphate presence, gives it physical and chemical traits not shared by simpler diols or organic phosphates. Researchers see its full name, formula, and HS Code—often listed under 2919.00.90—on paperwork shipping it around labs and manufacturers. Many chemical companies use raw materials like propanediol and phosphorus-containing reactants to assemble this compound, usually under controlled temperature and pH conditions that limit byproduct formation.
Manufacturers process this compound into multiple forms—solid, flakes, powder, pearls, solutions, and sometimes even crystalline. In its pure crystal or solid phase, it tends toward a white finish, free-flowing if powdered but prone to clumping as humidity rises. By contrast, the liquid solution appears clear to slightly hazy, depending on concentration and purity. Inside a beaker, solid pearls remain non-tacky and stable, which helps in dosing and transport. This phosphate-heavy backbone ensures the molecule can neutralize acidic environments and catch free metal ions, which is why buyers hunt for it in raw material lists for specialty chemicals and flame-retardant plastics. Analytical chemists check samples for exact phosphorus content by molecular analysis, since this reflects the product’s true value. Structure-wise, the compound displays repeating phosphate ester bonds and terminal hydroxyl groups that line up efficiently and resist breakdown under moderate heat.
The density of the solid form runs between 1.8 and 2.2 g/cm³, depending on particle size and the amount of trapped moisture. Flakes, for example, might show lower apparent density compared to poured powder, yet both dissolve steadily in water—yielding acidic, phosphate-rich solutions. Those handling the material by the liter notice its high solubility, making it valuable for making stock solutions in lab settings. As a raw chemical, 1,3-Propanediol 2,2-bis((phosphonooxy)methyl)-1,3-bis(dihydrogen phosphate) holds its own against moderate temperature shifts, so long as humidity stays controlled and no alkali is added to the mix. Chemically, it doesn’t combust easily because of its phosphate backbone, increasing demand in applications needing safer additives than some old organics. The property that gets most attention is its phosphate group density—the molecule packs enough phosphorus to make low-percentage solutions work for corrosion inhibition, chain modification in plastics, and even select water treatment uses.
In the logistics and trade world, buyers and customs use the HS Code 2919.00.90 to classify this compound for global shipping and regulatory compliance. Importers check dense specification sheets, which often detail purity above 98%, loss on drying below 5%, and bulk density within a narrow range. Dealers and lab staff both focus on these numbers since trace impurities can alter reactivity and skew formulation results. For practical use, the molecule’s bulk density and aqueous pH—ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 in a standard 10% solution—matter when scaling for tank mixing or dissolving in reactors. These specifications end up printed on drum labels and digital product catalogs, signaling batch-to-batch consistency and traceability from the first metric ton to the last gram.
Many downstream users eye the safety data on this compound, as phosphates draw attention for both environmental and personal health issues. In solid, flake, or pearl form, the powder rarely gives off noticeable vapors, but it can irritate eyes and mucous membranes if handled carelessly. Gloves and splash goggles become standard, especially during drum transfers or solution makings. Those preparing large batches work in ventilated spaces to minimize air dust and humidity, since caking can lead to uneven dosing and frustration under production deadlines. From what safety teams report, this phosphate isn’t flammable and doesn’t trigger severe acute toxicity through casual skin exposure, yet prolonged contact still calls for washing and good hygiene. Hazard labels highlight risks as “harmful if swallowed,” plus warnings about generating acidic solutions that should not contact reactive metals—doing so may cause hydrogen gas. Disposal routines echo those for other inorganic phosphates: dilution, neutralization, and avoidance of direct release into streams or lakes due to risks of algal bloom.
Raw materials for this compound run back to refined propanediol and reagents such as phosphorus pentachloride or polyphosphoric acid, often obtained from trusted suppliers with full audit trails. Manufacturing hinges on clean reactors, controlled addition rates, and post-reaction purification, since shortcuts build up byproducts and drop product yield. Labs and factories using this phosphate point to flame retardancy additives for engineering plastics, antiscalants for water systems, and even special polymer modifiers in detergent blends. Operators like that it brings both phosphorus and a flexible organic backbone, letting it perform across different industrial roles without raising overall hazardous material stocks. Compared to old-generation phosphate compounds, users appreciate detailed certificates of analysis confirming batch purity before signing off on the next shipment.
Handling this phosphate means taking its moderate hazards seriously, since long-term dust inhalation still raises risk for respiratory discomfort and repeat skin contact exerts mild corrosiveness. Chemical supply teams and factory auditors set clear rules around dry storage, quick spill management, and use of personal protective equipment. Environmental teams gauge runoff and effluent, since unchecked phosphate discharge can disrupt local aquatic systems. Many countries keep regulatory limits on both import and use, prompting facilities to invest in closed-system transfer and periodic safety training. Engineers and scientists keep one eye on research to find greener substitutes or blend in lower-phosphate alternatives, but the distinct combination of chemical reactivity, flame resistance, and chelation keeps users coming back to this compound. In my years working alongside process engineers, clear training and easy access to up-to-date SDS sheets made the difference in safe, confident handling of bulk chemicals, and this phosphate is no exception.
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