1,3-Propanediol, 2-pentyl- draws attention in both industrial and research circles thanks to a molecular structure that brings together flexibility and targeted utility. Its backbone features a propanediol core, meaning two alcohol groups appear on the first and third carbon atoms, with a distinct 2-pentyl chain branching off. The compound’s molecular formula, C8H18O2, sets up a framework that can host diverse chemical reactions or blend with specific solvents. Everywhere from specialty coatings to fine chemicals, people count on the unique structure for creating value in both raw and finished materials. The molecular weight reads at 146.23 g/mol, and its framework brings a balance between carbon-rich nonpolarity and the functional reactivity of diols.
Products labeled 1,3-Propanediol, 2-pentyl- often show as a clear, viscous liquid at room temperature. Its density hovers near 0.92 g/cm³ at ambient conditions, giving clues to handling requirements and blending behavior. Solid or crystalline forms turn up at lower temperatures, though the liquid format wins out in most processes for the flow and ease of dosing. Unlike powders or pearls, the liquid skips dust hazards and improves mixing in bulk batches or precise bench-scale operations. Flake or solid forms offer storage stability, but most users move to solution or liquid types for direct application. The melting point can dip below zero Celsius, so storage area needs stay practical for most warehouses. Strong, but not overpowering, molecular polarity means it can mix into both water and organics, building versatility in use cases from raw chemical feedstocks to intermediates for pharma or agriculture. Solubility depends on process needs, and in my experience, rapid wetting and solution preparation keep batch-makers happy.
This material lines up with clear chemical standards—minimum purity above 98%, very low water content, and limits for heavy metals ensure consistent results in downstream applications. Viscosity lies between syrupy and free-flowing depending on ambient temperature, setting up efficient weighing and transfer. Some batches show a pale yellow tint near the limits of spec, though high-purity types trend colorless for formulations where trace color matters. The boiling point lands over 250°C at atmospheric pressure, which keeps it intact through high-temperature processing steps or slow-evaporation situations. Neither flash point nor combustible character raise major red flags, but proper ventilation and PPE still rank high on the safety sheet. HS Code reads as 2905399090, settling tax and transport paperwork for customs and global trade. This code sits in the “polyhydric alcohols” family, lining up with industry tracking for bulk diols and similar building blocks.
The molecule grows more useful because of its chemical reactivity: those primary alcohol groups open doors to esterification, ether formation, and oxidation. The five-carbon side chain gives extra bulk, and that changes solubility as well as how the diol part interacts with catalysts or resins. From personal projects in surfactant chemistry, longer hydrocarbon tails often mean improved oil solubility, while the diol part can build hydrogen bonds for coating or adhesive recipes. Thermal stability tracks with similar diols—decomposition starts above 200 degrees Celsius in open air, though careful nitrogen handling avoids runaway reactions. In mixtures, watch for water pickup, since those alcohol groups love to grab humidity, and that can mess with downstream steps if it goes unchecked.
Manufacturing and research teams respect 1,3-Propanediol, 2-pentyl- as a chemical with standard hazards: goggles, gloves, and lab coats keep skin and eyes safe from splashes. The substance counts as harmful if swallowed and can irritate mucous membranes on direct contact, putting it in the “handle with care” bracket. Storage in tightly sealed drums or tanks, away from oxidizers and acids, prevents accidental degradation or contamination. Spill cleanup needs absorbents and prompt response, avoiding entry to floor drains because water systems don’t always catch every trace organic. Long-term exposure monitoring falls under standard occupational limits, with no evidence of acute toxicity or carcinogenic properties at normal exposure levels, but caution never hurts—especially in confined mixing rooms. Material Safety Data Sheets demand regular training, and waste disposal always fits local rules for organic intermediates. Larger-scale plants put in air scrubbers or closed transfer to cut releases and keep air quality up to code.
Bigger chemical workflows depend on a steady supply of 1,3-Propanediol, 2-pentyl- as a raw material. Producers work the synthetic route from 1,3-propanediol through targeted alkylation, using specialty catalysts and controlled conditions to achieve the targeted pentyl substitution. Raw material traceability and batch verification help users confirm product quality and meet regulatory targets, especially in sectors like food packaging or cosmetics. Downstream applications pick up on this chemistry: performance coatings, plasticizers, surfactants, and customized intermediates. Batch consistency matters—any drift in water or metal impurity shows up fast in sensitive synthesis steps. To push value further, suppliers stress on using high-purity feedstocks and robust purification steps before final packaging. Price and availability tie directly to the global chemical supply chain; disruptions or raw material spikes can ripple through cost structures in surprisingly short timeframes.
Using 1,3-Propanediol, 2-pentyl- safely means looking at every link in the chain—upstream sourcing, midstream blending, and end-use. Companies work through compliance paperwork, from material declarations to shipping manifests that flag flammability and spillage risks. Research teams keep standard bottles double-sealed in climate-controlled cabinets to minimize oxidation, and workers lean on personal experience to spot slow leaks or trace vapor that could signal a storage glitch. In manufacturing, simple physical barriers and good ventilation slow down vapor build-up and accidental skin exposure. Controlling environmental release ranks as a priority in any responsible operation: simple secondary containment and on-site treatment protections keep accidental spills isolated. Fact-driven policies on transport, storage, and waste close the loop, making sure the chemical delivers its value without sliding through safety cracks or regulatory gaps.
As new industries chase performance and tailored product features, 1,3-Propanediol, 2-pentyl- looks set to stay relevant both as a specialty intermediate and a flexible building block for custom synthesis. Investing in reliable sourcing, bulk handling, and well-trained process teams makes a difference—not just for compliance but for steady product quality and fewer interruptions. Anyone serious about specialty chemicals knows the value of deep product knowledge, clear labeling, and predictable property data. Solid data on structure, property, density, and hazards make for faster troubleshooting and better long-term relationships between suppliers and users.
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