1,3-Propanediol 2-phenyl dicarbamate is a solid organic chemical compound, built on a core propanediol structure with phenyl and carbamate groups attached. Chemically, the molecular formula comes out as C12H16N2O4, with a molar mass just under 252 grams per mole. At first glance, this white crystalline or flaked solid looks like it belongs in any clean, controlled environment, but beneath that surface, the material has structural characteristics that drive its use in certain chemical and polymer industries. Some labs receive it as a powder, others as irregular pearls or granules, and in rarer instances, as a crystal mass. Each form signals a subtle shift in ease of measurement, solution making, or even how dust and spillage should be handled.
The most striking property in the lab is density—leaning close to 1.27 g/cm3, this means the chemical doesn't simply blow away like lighter organic powders. Whether handled as flakes, powder, or crystalline chunks, it tends not to compact under its own weight, which makes it safer from accidental compaction-based reactions. The melting point runs around 110°C–115°C, marking a stable window for processing and storage in non-tropical climates. In water, its solubility is minimal, so any cleanup usually involves brushing up the dry material or mixing with strong organic solvents. In polar solvents like methanol or acetone, it's a different story: the compound dissolves, opening the door to solution-based reactions and coatings work. If stored at standard room temperature, the material keeps its integrity, but above 45°C, it can start softening slowly, which chemists tend to avoid on the production floor.
On the molecular level, 1,3-propanediol 2-phenyl dicarbamate stands as an example of a carbamate ester, bringing together a propanediol backbone, two carbamate groups, and a single phenyl ring. This means it’s not just a bystander—it can participate in polymerization, work as a cross-linker, or serve as a chemical intermediate. Reactivity remains manageable under normal conditions, but exposure to strong acids or bases chips away at those carbamate bonds, releasing phenylamine or breaking down the integrity of the molecule. Ignition temperature sits high, cutting the risk of fire in standard storage, and if heated strongly, decomposition can release small amounts of nitrogen oxides and phenyl-related vapors.
Manufacturers sell 1,3-propanediol 2-phenyl dicarbamate by weight, often in 25 kg fiber drums or polyethylene-lined bags. Purity levels hit 98% or higher in most industrial grades, a measure essential for predictable performance in plastics, adhesives, or specialty coatings. Moisture content runs under 0.1%, tailored to keep clumping and hydrolysis to a minimum during shipping. Particle size can range from a rough powder up to 1–3 mm pearls, based on the customer’s need for ease of pouring or solution dissolving. Handling gets tracked under Harmonized System (HS) Code 2924.19.8090, covering carbamate derivatives in global trade. This code simplifies customs, taxation, and safety paperwork for cross-border shipments.
In chemical storage or usage, the form affects every step. The solid, in flake or pearl form, resists moisture from the air better than ultra-fine powders, so handling brings fewer inhalation concerns in the short term. Crystal masses risk chunking or bridging inside silos and hoppers, requiring knockers or vibration to keep flow even. Liquid form is rare, reserved only for solutions where temperature is controlled above the melting point, and even then, the need for stable storage limits widespread use. If dissolved into solvents, chemists refer to those mixtures as ‘solutions’, usually labeled by exact mass or molarity, especially for coating or reaction feedstock use. Per liter, concentrations up to 500 grams become possible, letting manufacturers blend the material quickly into larger batches or apply to surfaces at consistent thickness.
Raw materials feeding into the process include phenyl isocyanate and 1,3-propanediol. Synthesis takes place by reacting the diol with the isocyanate under controlled heat, often with minimal excess, in a closed reactor to cut down on isocyanate fumes—nobody wants those in the production air. The chemical reaction’s byproducts, especially traces of unreacted isocyanate or carbamate dust, are flagged as harmful, pushing manufacturers to use vacuum filtration and strict venting systems. By keeping these emissions and waste in check, companies can keep the environmental impact low, while still getting high yields of a consistent product.
Handling 1,3-propanediol 2-phenyl dicarbamate brings typical chemical care. Its dust is mildly irritating to mucous membranes, so wearing gloves, goggles, and dust masks goes without saying in most facilities. The material isn’t classified as acutely toxic, but long-term inhalation of concentrated dust can’t be ignored—lung irritation or even chemical sensitization could occur if basic protection gets skipped. Contact with skin doesn’t tend to cause burns, but sensitive users may see redness or itching after exposure. On the fire safety front, the compound holds up well under most conditions, but if burnt, decomposition gases do include traces of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, so fire responders use breathing gear and local extraction rather than relying on open ventilation. Disposal of spills or expired stock follows hazardous chemical waste protocols—material moves in sealed containers to approved treatment sites, either for incineration or controlled landfill.
1,3-Propanediol 2-phenyl dicarbamate finds its way into the formulation of specialty polyurethane resins, acrylic copolymers, and advanced adhesives. Its structural duality—rigid phenyl group and flexible diol—adds desired properties to end-use plastics, including resilience or tailored flexibility. If processing plants face bridging or buildup in feeder systems, shifting from powder to pellet or pearl form can reduce downtime and handling dust. In large scale dissolution, pre-wetting the solid in a low-boiling solvent like acetone leads to faster, more uniform solution making, lessening batch-to-batch variation. Labs concerned with worker exposure often invest in vacuum transfer systems and dust-tight containers, trading a small upfront cost for long-term reductions in health claims and cleanup hassles. The best practices learned through years of trial and error mean that every shipment opened today typically comes with clear labeling, batch numbers for traceability, and a tightly sealed liner to guard against humidity swings during shipment.
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