1-Propanol, 3-chloro-, with the molecular formula C3H7ClO and a molar mass around 94.54 g/mol, shows up in the chemical industry as a colorless to faintly yellow liquid. Its structure features a propanol group with a chlorine atom attached to the third carbon, and this difference in structure gives it unique chemical properties compared to straight 1-propanol. The CAS number for 1-Propanol, 3-chloro- is 627-30-5, and it typically appears under the HS code 29053990 for international shipping and trade. As with most organochlorine compounds, handling, storage, and disposal demand care due to its potential human and environmental impact. Labs and factories use it as a raw material or intermediate, making it an important building block in synthesis, especially in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. At room temperature, this liquid maintains a moderate vapor pressure, giving it a volatility that requires mindful containment.
The density of 1-Propanol, 3-chloro- settles close to 1.06 g/cm³ at 20°C, slightly heavier than water, making separation in mixtures easier by decanting. You won’t find it in solid, pearl, or flake form at normal conditions since it remains a clear or faintly yellow liquid, but freezing or extreme refrigeration can push it into a solid crystalline phase. Its boiling point lands around 156-157°C, so it doesn’t evaporate rapidly at room temperature, but enough vapor can accumulate in a confined space to pose inhalation risks. The material dissolves well in water, alcohol, and ether, supporting its use as a solvent and reactant in chemical syntheses. Its reactivity centers on the chlorine group, supporting nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, which sparks a wide range of downstream chemical transformations. The molecular structure, with its 3-carbon backbone and single chlorinated position, gives chemists plenty of options for modification, offering a versatile raw material for creating more complex molecules.
From direct experience in the lab, exposure demands attention: contact with skin or eyes can irritate, and inhalation of vapor causes discomfort and possible respiratory irritation. The compound carries harmful and hazardous classifications. Flammability remains moderate, with a flashpoint near 57°C, so sources of ignition like open flames and hot equipment must stay clear. Storage should take place in tightly sealed, properly labeled containers, away from oxidizing agents and strong acids. Spill management requires chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and ventilation, with rapid containment using inert absorbers to avoid wider contamination. Fire departments recognize the dangers of burning organochlorines, which can emit corrosive and toxic gases, mainly hydrochloric acid fumes and carbon monoxide, so firefighters deploy breathing apparatus and chemical-rated protective gear. Proper training and personal protective equipment matter, as accidental exposure can lead to chemical burns or respiratory problems, meaning personnel must understand the properties and risks involved before use.
1-Propanol, 3-chloro- acts as a key intermediate for further chemical processing, especially where a selectively reactive alcohol is needed in combination with a leaving group like chlorine. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it enters reaction schemes as a building block for producing specialty active ingredients or intermediates, and small tweaks at the molecular level can bring major changes in end product function. For agrochemicals, it serves as a backbone for herbicides or insecticides that require a specific configuration or substituent pattern. This compound’s role doesn’t stop at synthesis; it also operates as a solvent for resins and polymer chemistry, sometimes making its way into laboratory-scale cleaning or extraction steps. Being careful to control release and exposure through air, water, and waste means working under closed systems or with air handling fitted with proper scrubbers, especially where heavier industrial use introduces larger volumes and a higher potential for leaks.
Commercial-grade 1-Propanol, 3-chloro- usually comes with a purity above 97%, minimal water content, and specified impurity limits reported by supplier analysis certificates. Storage involves dark, cool, dry, well-ventilated areas in chemically compatible containers—preferably glass, HDPE, or stainless steel—away from heat or sunlight. Transfer using grounded pumps limits static buildup and the risk of ignition, and all lines remain tightly sealed to keep vapors from escaping. Safety data sheets (SDS) thoroughly outline first-aid steps, environmental precautions, and disposal requirements. Waste collection must follow hazardous chemical protocols, and any mixing with other waste streams invites risk due to possible energetic or toxic byproducts. Local regulations and international shipping laws label this material as regulated both for workplace safety and transport, requiring proper labeling, documentation, and emergency reporting if incidents occur.
Accidental releases of 1-Propanol, 3-chloro- need immediate attention, both to guard workplace safety and to prevent environmental contamination. This compound doesn’t break down rapidly in nature, and concentrated spills can persist in soil or water sources. Industrial users must provide secondary containment and regularly inspect tanks or piping for leaks, with documented routine checks to maintain compliance. Where waste generation occurs, incineration in licensed hazardous waste facilities follows strict guidelines, ensuring that combustion converts contaminants fully and prevents dioxin or furan generation. As regulators tighten oversight on chlorinated solvents, companies have to reconsider their supply chains and invest in safer handling strategies or alternative chemistry routes where possible. The European REACH regulation, the US EPA TSCA rules, and similar frameworks worldwide list 1-Propanol, 3-chloro- for monitoring and reporting, so users in every country track supplies closely, document usage, and keep full transparency for regulatory review.
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