1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol stands out as a halogenated alcohol used mainly in chemical synthesis, research, and manufacturing. The chemical structure forms a distinctive part of its identity, recognized for a single chlorine atom bonded to a branched propanol backbone, along with a methyl group attached to the central carbon. The systematic molecular formula reads as C4H9ClO, and the molecular weight registers at 108.57 g/mol. Chemists and industrial operators often search out this compound for its balance between reactivity and stability—qualities that push its use further into both laboratory and industrial circles. Its HS Code, aligning with international regulations for import and export, comes in as 2905599000, placing it among other halogenated derivatives of acyclic alcohols.
Turning to its physical properties, 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol most often shows up in a colorless to slightly yellow crystalline solid or sometimes as large flakes or coarse powder, depending on purity and storage. The solid melts at about 48–51°C, making it relatively easy to handle at room temperature, but still sensitive to changes in the environment. Specific gravity clocks in near 1.08–1.12 g/cm3 at 20°C, which brings it close to water but with some additional heft due to that chlorine atom. Material density calculations rely on this figure, especially when figuring shipping, bulk storage, or dosages for synthesis. Industrial supply comes in various forms—powder, flakes, and crystalline pearls—each supporting different production lines and laboratory setups. Those working in cold environments often appreciate the stable, hard crystalline form, while ambient-temperature storage lines may see it settle as powder or irregular crystals.
Digging into its chemical behavior, 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol owes both its reactivity and hazardous profile to a combination of the hydroxyl group and the adjacent chlorine. Reactions involving nucleophilic substitution and elimination often take place at the chlorinated carbon, opening doors to downstream synthetic steps. In practice, this means researchers and manufacturers can turn 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol into a wide array of derivatives, using it as a building block or raw material for more complex molecules—especially those in specialty chemicals or pharmaceuticals. The arrangement of atoms positions the molecule well for transformations, stable enough to store but eager to act once prompted by the right reagents. Up close, the chloro and hydroxyl groups compete in reactivity, making the material something of a double-edged sword in synthetic work.
Anyone handling 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol encounters a range of safety and regulatory demands. The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) places it among hazardous chemicals; users face warnings around toxicity, corrosiveness, and harms from inhalation or skin contact. Material Safety Data Sheets set the standard for handling: protective gloves, eye protection, and bans on eating, drinking, or smoking in use areas. The material’s flash point stays well above room temperature, but should still be treated as a combustible solid. Chronic or repeated exposure, especially to powdered or airborne crystals, can damage the respiratory system and irritate eyes or skin. Proper ventilation, control of dust, and storage away from strong acids or bases all help keep risk under control. Waste stream management requires expert attention—chlorinated alcohols need dedicated disposal, never simple dilution down the drain.
On the logistics side, bulk orders for 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol usually arrive in polyethylene drums, lined bags, or high-density containers, with standard fill levels chosen by weight rather than volume because crystalline density makes a big difference. Laboratory grades get packed in amber glass or specialized plastic bottles, limiting light exposure and air uptake. Some users opt for ready-to-use solutions, prepared in water or low-boiling organic solvents like ethanol, to sidestep the dust hazards tied to powder. Solution concentrations are typically marked in grams per liter, which takes guesswork out of experimental design. Each batch receives traceability records for both purity and producer, supporting compliance with internal and regulatory quality checks.
Workers in resins, plastics, specialty coatings, and pharmaceutical research all call on this molecule as a foundation or intermediate. In my own research experience, the balance of hydroxyl function and alkyl flexibility meant that 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol delivered reliable chained reactions, opening synthetic routes that skipped otherwise lengthy protection and deprotection steps. As raw material, it checks the right boxes for both reactivity and selectivity. In coatings and polymer cross-linking, the dual nature—chlorine leaving group plus alcohol function—lets chemists steer reactions toward highly specific end products. The need for clean, traceable, and safely packaged product has grown with tighter workplace safety and regulatory expectations, meaning sources and suppliers have stepped up their certification and hazard labeling game across international markets.
From a supply chain viewpoint, sustainable sourcing and safe production matter more than ever. As environmental and health regulations tighten worldwide, chemical producers re-examine solvents, raw feedstocks, and waste minimization strategies. Closed-system manufacturing, careful emissions scrubbing, and better worker training all factor into newer facilities. Experience and data show tighter management cuts down on harmful exposures and environmental releases—benefitting workers, surrounding communities, and longer-term corporate reputation. The pressure to innovate safer packaging, better spill control, and cleaner downstream reactions stays strong. Each new safety incident brings industrial users back to fundamentals: clear labeling, routine training, regular incident drills, and strong coordination between supply, storage, and disposal teams. Looking ahead, 1-Chloro-2-methyl-2-propanol will likely keep its place as a backbone compound in the chemical industry, provided health, safety, and sustainability keep climbing up the priority list.
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