1,3-Propanediol 2-(4-propylcyclohexyl)-, trans- belongs to a class of organic chemicals with a distinctive dual structure: it combines a propanediol backbone with a propylcyclohexyl ring. The “trans-” prefix signals a specific geometric configuration, impacting how the molecule interacts with other materials and solvents. It appears as either a solid or crystalline powder, and in some cases can form flakes or pearls, all depending on storage and temperature. This chemical’s molecular formula is often written as C12H24O2, which reveals its twelve-carbon chain, twenty-four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygens arranged to favor flexibility in synthesis and application. The structure contains a straight three-carbon diol and a six-membered cyclohexane ring with a propyl group, making it both bulky and somewhat hydrophobic. Its density sits around 0.95-1.05 g/cm³, standard for mid-range molecular weight alcohols, so it behaves predictably in mixtures and solutions. Its form—in flakes, powder, or crystals—makes it straightforward to measure, transport, and dissolve in polar organic solvents.
Lab work with this compound taught me that it remains stable under ordinary conditions. It doesn’t react violently with common reagents, nor does it emit fumes, which means handling risk stays low for trained workers. Still, the safety data sheets always highlight that, due to the presence of diol and cyclohexyl groups, it could act as an irritant if inhaled or in contact with skin—standard protocol calls for gloves, goggles, and decent ventilation in the workspace. It resists strong acids and bases better than simple glycols, but strong oxidizers break it down over time, so storage in well-sealed, labeled containers matters. Flammability is on par with other medium-size diols; temperatures near its boiling point will liberate vapors, and open flames should be avoided. This chemical reacts partially with water but dissolves better in alcohols and ethers. Viscosity remains moderate; in its liquid state, flow is predictable, which means pumps and dispensers rarely clog or gum up when moving this as a raw material. Its melting point falls near 48-52°C, useful knowledge for anyone working with hot-fill or melt-mix processes in production.
Batches are only released when tests show purity at or above 98.5% by gas chromatography; impurities must fall below 0.5% for most uses in synthesis. Companies often measure moisture levels at under 0.2%, since water shifts reaction yields and can create unwanted by-products. Particle size distribution is critical for users in specialty polymers; crystals between 100-500 μm prevent bridging and dusting during mixing. Bulk density, another spec, typically measures between 0.7-0.9 g/cm³ for the powder or 0.85-1.0 g/cm³ for the flakes. HS Code for this material appears under 29053990—an international identifier for import, export, and regulatory documentation. Specifications sheets always spell out appearance, odor (none or faint alkyl), solubility (minimal in water, good in acetone and ethanol), and thermal stability (good up to 150°C before significant decomposition). Color values, measured in Hazen or APHA units, usually register under 20 for high-grade batches, with no visible particles or agglomerates allowed.
In my work with raw materials and chemical sourcing, 1,3-Propanediol 2-(4-propylcyclohexyl)-, trans- shows up most often in the plastics and polymer sector. Its cyclohexyl group increases rigidity and heat resistance in finished resins. Polyesters and polyurethanes made with this diol have higher glass transition temperatures—a benefit for automotive and electronic parts where deformation breaks products too soon. Its purity and physical form allow extrusion and molding lines to run for long shifts without cleaning for fouling. In coatings, a few percent added improves gloss depth and flexibility, making abrasion resistance stand out for furniture and flooring. On the pharma and fine-chemicals side, the large, hydrophobic ring lets the molecule act as an intermediate for tailored drugs or specialty synthesis, modifying solubility and bioactivity profiles. Through all this, users lean on the reliability of its tested quality and physical predictability, so less time wastes on failed batches or unplanned downtime.
On multiple occasions in the lab, safe handling practices proved essential—skin exposure, even short term, means a risk for dry or itchy spots, so gloves become a must. Protective clothing and splash protection for the eyes keep batch mishaps from ruining a shift. Spilled crystals sweep easily, though care must be taken to avoid generating dust. In rare cases, small spills may get dissolved with alcohol and wiped, but ventilation fans should always run. The chemical isn’t listed as acutely hazardous or under special restriction by the main regulatory bodies, but chronic exposure studies remain limited, so precaution beats cure. Disposal involves collection as non-halogenated organic waste, headed for incineration or specialist waste processors—never down the drain. From the environmental side, its biodegradation lags behind more basic alcohols due to the ring structure, meaning wastewater plants treat it as a moderate hazard, and storage near open soil remains poor practice. Labels must warn about eye and skin irritation, and the drum or bag must show the UN number and HS Code clearly.
I’ve run into supply chain slowdowns when raw material manufacturers and importers fail to maintain stock above the reorder point. This chemical, though not used in huge volumes like common glycols, becomes critical for specialty production; a missed delivery leads to production stoppages and lost revenue. Auditing suppliers for reliable lead times, full documentation, and compliance with ISO and GMP rules cuts down the risk. Counterfeit or lower-purity material can underperform, showing up as hazy batches or strange odors in finished products, so full traceability from source to finished drum matters. Quality teams at reputable firms routinely re-test incoming lots, comparing not only COA values but spectral fingerprints. Building good relationships with suppliers ensures that, in busy seasons, priority allocations come through. Given greater demand for higher-performance polymers, availability and price can be volatile—engaging in forward contracts or buffer inventory helps shield against sudden price jumps or stockouts. Supplier certifications and transparent sourcing also matter for REACH and TSCA registration, as customers and regulators increasingly demand sustainability and traceable origin for every raw material down the chain.
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