1,3-Propanediol di-p-toluenesulfonate shows up in specialty chemical markets as a versatile raw material. This organic compound holds value in synthesis work, often used for creating more complex molecules in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or specialty polymers. Strong bonds in its structure make it a reliable choice for chemists managing reactions that require dependable stability. What stands out is how 1,3-Propanediol di-p-toluenesulfonate carries two p-toluenesulfonate groups linked to the ends of a 1,3-propanediol backbone. This structure shapes both its reactivity and handling. Its precise molecular formula—C17H22O6S2—backs up these features. Under the Harmonized System (HS) Code, it usually falls under 2904.19.90, specific to sulfonated organic chemicals.
You will not find a single, standardized form in the chemical supply catalogs for this compound. It can appear as a solid—either crystal, flakes, or powder—and rarely, in more processed contexts, as pearls or dissolved in liquid to prepare a solution. Density often sits around 1.32 g/cm³, a middle ground for molecules in this size range, meaning it weighs just a bit more than water. Its pure crystalline or powder version pours smoothly and often looks white to faintly off-white. Material safety data highlights its solubility in polar organic solvents, often ethanol or acetonitrile, which makes lab handling easier and helps with blending in chemical mixtures. Shelf stability allows for storage at room temperature when kept dry, but, like most organosulfonates, exposure to moisture reduces its effectiveness and longevity.
Chemists look at this compound and see its two sulfonate groups as reactive leaving groups. The molecule contains 17 carbon, 22 hydrogen, 6 oxygen, and 2 sulfur atoms, arranged so that each sulfonate attaches to either end of a straight-chain propanediol. This setup gives it its specific density, reactivity, and flexibility for chemical synthesis. Detailed specifications often include high purity—most commercial samples hit above 98% on chromatographic analysis. This kind of reliability appeals not just to researchers but to industrial formulators who need exact results batch after batch. If you weigh out a liter of its solution or a 100-gram bag of crystal, what you get matches what the data says: a material that behaves predictably in demanding applications.
1,3-Propanediol di-p-toluenesulfonate—while useful—demands respect in the workplace. Even as a solid, it poses chemical risks. Absorption through skin, inhalation of dust, or contact with eyes can trigger irritation; safety data points to potential harm, especially to the lungs and mucous membranes. Gloves, lab coats, and chemical goggles are standard, yet even experienced workers sometimes overlook proper ventilation. As a chemist, I have seen fine dust from similar sulfonates drift from open vials, highlighting the risk to unprotected eyes or airways. Immediate area cleanup and safe storage inside sealed, labeled containers mean less risk of accidental exposure. Disposal, too, requires more than a casual toss—the sulfonate groups, if released into groundwater, hold potential for long-lasting harm, so treating waste through approved chemical incineration keeps communities and landscapes protected.
Raw materials like 1,3-Propanediol di-p-toluenesulfonate stay in demand in industries that demand exact control over chemical transformation. Laboratories use it as a key intermediate in multi-step synthesis—especially alkylation or coupling reactions. The stability of its crystalline or powder form helps in measured dosing and reliable results, which reflects the needs of research teams and industrial reactors alike. In pharmaceuticals, selectivity in reactions supports drug discovery work. Polymer makers appreciate the balance of reactivity and control in forming specialty plastics. It is not just a technical filler—it's a chosen step in the pathway from raw material to finished product.
Companies that handle 1,3-Propanediol di-p-toluenesulfonate look for suppliers committed to transparency and rigorous quality testing. Given its role in technical applications and the risk profile described above, traceability and proven purity in each batch matter more than ever. Taking the time to verify hazard ratings, storage conditions, and even sourcing practices benefits downstream users just as much as the environment. Some chemical distributors now provide fully digitized safety audits and proactive risk management plans, helping support better stewardship up and down the supply chain. Innovation in packaging—shifting to tamper-resistant, resealable containers—offers practical barriers against spills and helps reduce waste.
1,3-Propanediol di-p-toluenesulfonate may be just one item in the long catalog of specialty chemicals, but the way it is handled, purified, and used demonstrates the importance of respecting every link in the chemical supply chain. Having seen the difference good preparation and proper communication make, I believe putting care into every shipment, every reaction, and every bit of waste disposal moves the industry in the right direction. For users, that means making good choices, using protective gear, verifying suppliers, and keeping safety—in lab or on the plant floor—at the top of the list. The next round of innovation in this field will come not only from new molecules but from smarter ways of managing the classics, making sure science and industry both serve the needs of real people in real communities.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
