1-Phenoxy-2,3-propanediol is a chemical compound recognized for its presence in raw material supply chains. Chemists and manufacturers working with specialty chemicals encounter this substance in projects that call for selectivity and reliability. It appears as solid flakes, powder, pearls, or a clear viscous liquid, depending on storage and preparation conditions. Its unique combination of phenoxy and propanediol motifs gives it characteristics valued in multiple industrial and research applications.
This compound incorporates a phenoxy group attached to a propane backbone, with two hydroxyl groups on the 2 and 3 positions. The molecular formula reads as C9H12O3, and the structure consists of a phenyl ring bonded through an oxygen bridge to a propanediol chain. The three-dimensional arrangement supports compatibility with a range of solvents and raw materials, which matters for folks looking to disperse or dissolve it in different reaction mixtures. Many in chemical procurement recognize its crystalline form, though handling conditions can shift its physical state across powder, flake, or pearl-like granules. Each of these forms demonstrates unique handling and measuring qualities, where the density might stand at around 1.14 g/cm³, helping laboratories calibrate their recipes accurately.
Specifics around 1-Phenoxy-2,3-propanediol often turn up in technical datasheets requested by procurement teams and regulatory authorities. Commonly accepted purity grades exceed 98%, keeping impurity levels low for sensitive industrial uses. As for logistics, the substance typically carries an HS Code in the 2909 category, which covers ethers, epoxides, and related derivatives. Accurate labeling ties into product traceability and cross-border compliance, factors that can derail a shipment quickly without due diligence. Safe transport, clear labeling, and up-to-date documentation help prevent headaches for logistics and customs teams.
On a molecular level, the compound’s structure enables reactivity with both acids and bases, but it resists mild environmental oxidation. In storage, the compound thrives in a dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight. Exposure to moisture can affect consistency, especially for powder and flake variants. Producers typically opt for airtight containers, using glass or compatible high-density plastics, to preserve quality and prevent accidental degradation. Dissolution is straightforward for most polar solvents, a reality that lets researchers and manufacturers craft solutions at varying concentrations, from milligram-per-liter ranges up to concentrated stock materials. Liquid and crystalline forms both carry their logistical nuances; liquids require secondary containment, while solids call for dust-minimizing handling techniques.
Across industries, 1-Phenoxy-2,3-propanediol serves as a raw material or intermediate. It finds use in the synthesis of specialty resins, coatings, and surfactants. Its dual hydroxyl groups participate in polymer modifications, and raw material buyers see value in its selective reactivity. In my own work with laboratory preparations, this chemical stands out for its balance: manageable hazard profile, reliable performance, and straightforward measuring whether working with small-scale projects or scaling up. Folks in R&D might see it as a platform molecule—adjusting formulation, viscosity, or chemical compatibility with minor tweaks. Reliable suppliers back their shipments with certification documents specifying molecular weight, batch purity, and recommended storage guidelines, so buyers know what they are getting with every consignment.
Product safety rests on clear understanding of potential hazards. 1-Phenoxy-2,3-propanediol presents limited harmful effects when handled with basic chemical safety routines in place, but routine exposure can lead to mild irritation of skin, eyes, or respiratory tract. Standard lab coats, eye protection, and gloves suffice for most handling scenarios, although spill kits and ventilation provisions should always be present. The chemical is not classified as highly flammable or explosive, yet attention to spill containment and secure packaging reduces workplace risk. Material Safety Data Sheets list long-term effects as minimal, though safe disposal through licensed chemical waste providers remains a must. Storage alongside oxidizing agents or strong acids should be avoided, since these incompatibilities increase reactivity hazards most folks in process safety have seen lead to near-misses.
Reliable performance of 1-Phenoxy-2,3-propanediol in industrial and research settings depends on supply quality, good documentation, and workforce training. Supply chain hiccups often revolve around inconsistent purity or mislabeling; ongoing supplier audits and transparent testing overcome these challenges. Training lab workers and industrial operators to respect even modestly hazardous chemicals makes a tangible difference in safety records. Moving toward barcoded inventory and regular chemical audits streamlines compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations—saving time, money, and reducing the risk of enforcement run-ins. Use of up-to-date Safety Data Sheets, clear batch records, and investing in better air handling for powder forms keeps workers safe and keeps the process running smoothly, based on years of experience with chemical operations big and small.
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