1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-difluoro- stands out as a specialty chemical with two fluorine atoms bonded to the second carbon of a three-carbon diol backbone. Chemists and professionals dealing with performance materials see it as an example of the value that fluorination can bring to organic molecules used in both industrial and research settings. Official records and customs use the HS Code to track and regulate its movement; 1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-difluoro- normally falls under HS Code 290539 as an aliphatic diol, a standard classification that supports international trade and safety documentation.
Most handlers encounter this compound in research labs or facilities working on high-performance polymers, fluorinated coatings, or pharmaceutical intermediates. The presence of fluorine often signals high resistance to thermal degradation, oxidation, and interactions with many aggressive chemicals. My time working with specialty chemicals taught me that fluorinated diols like this one find roles where ordinary glycols fall short. They help improve weatherability and strength of plastics, offer unique compatibility for certain paints or adhesives, and sometimes show up in prototyping or electronics manufacturing. Market demand remains niche but persistent, driven by industries with exacting standards for physical and chemical properties.
This molecule’s structure delivers unique benefits. Structurally, it looks like HOCH2-CF2-CH2OH, which makes it both a diol and a difluoroalkane. Its molecular formula is C3H6F2O2, with a molecular weight around 116.08 g/mol. The inclusion of two fluorine atoms reduces the compound’s reactivity toward electrophiles but enhances thermal stability and influences solubility in polar and non-polar solvents. This simple change in the backbone can be the difference between a stable raw material for engineered plastics and an ordinary diol with no special temperature or chemical resistance.
The form taken by 1,3-Propanediol, 2,2-difluoro- depends a lot on purity, temperature, storage, and supplier. You can find it supplied as a liquid, especially in high-purity grades in sealed bottles, and occasionally as a low-melting solid or crystalline powder. Density usually sits in the area of 1.25–1.35 g/cm³, due to the presence of fluorine. Some suppliers offer flakes, pearls, or crystalline forms depending on intended use and available processing lines. Bulk material stays easy to weigh and portion, dissolving well in most organic solvents and showing modest solubility in water, which makes it handy for preparing both concentrated and dilute solutions for research or industrial use. In my hands-on work, handling small volumes in a fume hood went smoothly, with the principal concern being the avoidance of skin or eye contact due to the unknowns of long-term exposure.
It’s always smart to view any fluorinated organic compound with respect, not least because of the health and environmental debates that swirl around persistent organofluorines. Safety data sheets warn of irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if vapors or liquid are mishandled. The compound itself doesn’t burn easily, but decomposition at high temperatures may release corrosive gases, including hydrogen fluoride. Personal protective equipment matters. Spills need prompt cleanup and ventilation plays a big role in safe use. There’s some debate within chemical safety communities about whether these small-molecule diols build up in the environment like some other fluorochemicals; still, responsible disposal in line with hazardous waste guidelines protects both handlers and the ecosystem. My experience echoes industry guidance: treat it as hazardous, use minimal quantities, and always double-check labeling.
Synthesis often begins with fluorinated intermediates such as 2,2-difluoropropionaldehyde, reacting through reduction or hydration processes. This adds cost and complexity compared to making non-fluorinated glycols. The raw materials used to make fluorinated diols have to meet strict specifications themselves, or byproducts and impurities stick around in the final product—an issue for sensitive electronics or coatings. Sourcing in small lots via specialty chemical suppliers often works for research but scaling up can face bottlenecks or supply chain volatility. Producers located in North America, Europe, and Asia each offer distinct levels of documentation and purity grades; users must examine quality certificates at length and routinely verify identity and concentration by analytical methods like NMR or GC-MS. I’ve dealt with suppliers across Europe and China, and the regional price differences and shipping requirements always made traceability and certificates a priority.
Fluorinated diols like 1,3-propanediol, 2,2-difluoro- sit in an important spot for enabling high-performance consumer and industrial goods, often unseen by end users. The challenges around health, safety, and environmental sustainability mirror the larger conversation in specialty chemicals: balancing innovation and material science with responsible sourcing, disposal, and exhaustive documentation. Future solutions revolve around improved green synthesis, biomonitoring programs, and safer alternatives for downstream uses when possible. Laboratories and manufacturers would do well to test water and air around their facilities for potential release of organofluorines and commit to transparent disclosure in all supply chain steps. My own practice consistently comes back to thorough reading of data sheets, respect for the potential risks, and pushing for both product innovation and ethical oversight in sourcing and processing these specialty chemicals.
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