(1R,2R)-(-)-2-Amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol is a chiral organic compound valued across research labs and production facilities mainly for its selectivity and role as an intermediate. Chemically speaking, it falls into the amino alcohol family, built around a three-carbon backbone that holds both amine and alcohol functionalities. Its IUPAC name captures its structure: a phenyl ring bonded to the first carbon, while the second carbon features an amino group, and hydroxyl groups cling to both the first and third carbons. In practice, this compound frequently shows up where selective synthesis depends on stereochemistry, often in pharmaceutical or chemical industries that demand enantiopure raw materials. The compound arrives in different solid forms, from colorless crystals to white, flaky powders or sometimes as small, opaque pearls. These variations don’t change its chemical potential, but they can shape the specifics of handling, solubility, and storage.
A closer look at (1R,2R)-(-)-2-Amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol starts with its backbone. The molecular formula, C9H13NO2, sets the stage for a molar mass of roughly 167.21 g/mol. Its molecular structure includes a benzene ring—responsible for some of its hydrophobic interactions—tied to a propanediol framework that handles hydrogen bonding. The compound shows up in laboratories most often as a solid—thin, crystalline flakes or sometimes a fine powder. At room temperature, the material sticks to its solid phase, boasting a melting point in the realm of 128-132°C, though batches can show slight wiggle room depending on purity and production route. Its specific density clusters near 1.14 g/cm³, putting it within reach of most other organic crystalline intermediates. Water solubility varies: the amino group encourages dissolution under acidic conditions, but the aromatic ring bumps up the hydrophobic side, so it hangs in balance. Sometimes, folks use a mix of water and ethanol to coax it into solution for reactions or analysis.
In practice, buyers and users check several routine specifications on certificates of analysis to confirm quality. They focus on purity (aiming at or above 98%), specific optical rotation, residual solvent content, and particle shape or size, all driven by downstream needs. Most requests aim for a single enantiomer to avoid process headaches in pharmaceutical synthesis where regulatory boundaries demand clean chirality since racemates can throw off both efficacy and safety. The substance can show up as a fine crystal, bulk powder, or be pressed into pearls for safer and cleaner metering during larger production runs. Rare cases see it prepared as a dilute solution—usually in a water-ethanol pair—especially when batch reactors or analytical work require standard concentrations. Packing this material into drums or glass bottles, always with good labeling, avoids confusion and mishandling during hectic work in the plant or lab.
For international shipping and customs purposes, (1R,2R)-(-)-2-Amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol travels under harmonized system (HS) code 2922.50. Compounds under this code generally involve amino-alcohol functions not elsewhere specified or included, allowing customs officers and trade analysts to funnel regulatory controls and tax rates as chemical goods move from supplier to processor. Globally, trade partners review the HS code to check against lists from international conventions—sometimes scrutinizing such compounds for dual use or controlled precursor status depending on regional laws.
This compound’s main jobs are as an intermediate in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis, notably in drugs needing high enantiopurity for proper biological function. Stereochemistry here guides enzyme interactions in the body, so using (1R,2R)-(-)-2-Amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol can make or break a drug’s effectiveness. Chemists rely on its two chiral centers, since these give compound designers more tools for tailoring bioreactive agents. It also finds a niche in specialty chemical manufacturing: producers looking to craft advanced materials, ligands for asymmetric catalysis, or specialty polymers sometimes pick it for its dual alcohol and amine functionalities. Each endpoint brings its own documentation trail, from batch purity certificates to residual solvent declarations, because the downstream consequences of sloppy raw material sourcing can spook both regulators and end users.
A healthy respect for chemical safety is essential with (1R,2R)-(-)-2-Amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol. Safety data sheets point out that this compound may bring moderate acute toxicity if mishandled, especially when powders or flakes get airborne. Its amine group can irritate eyes and skin. Labs respond by fitting staff with gloves and goggles, ideally in a fume hood to limit inhalation risks. Chronic exposure data remains limited in the open literature, so risk management often borrows lessons from similar amino alcohols: avoid direct contact, keep bottles tightly sealed, and use tools or scoops for weighing. Fire isn’t a massive risk—melting point and volatility run low—but avoiding sources of ignition is still a good call in a setting packed with solvents or catalysts. Clean-up involves standard chemical spill kits because the solid doesn’t dissolve easily in the absence of solvents, and water or ethanol-based rinses usually handle the residue. On disposal, following local hazardous waste procedures is the norm, with clear labeling and documentation to prevent accidental mix-ups.
Working daily with similar raw materials reveals two central realities: purity counts more than ever, and even minor deviations in physical form can slow down process steps. Bulk flakes often clog metering equipment unless operators break the clumps by hand—a hassle that vanishes when suppliers deliver a consistent, free-flowing powder. The solid holds up well in storage if kept dry, with dessicants stashed in the bottle, but humidity can pull moisture right into the material and upset dosing precision. Mishaps with open containers spike error risk, so I always push for clear sign-off sheets and double checks every time a batch gets weighed out. Mistaking this compound for another white solid remains possible if teams get rushed, so process workflow needs color-coded containers and persistent training. All of these steps avoid not only cross-contamination, but also possible regulatory headaches—a lesson many in the industry learn after their first inspection by a sharp-eyed auditor.
Process improvements for this material begin with supply chain reliability. Regular audits of suppliers, plus clear standards for certificates, shut out most surprises. Onsite, planning material flows keeps the storage areas tidy—and cuts time spent hunting for a bottle mid-reaction. Introducing automated weighing stations and barcode systems marks every step and batch for traceability, a huge help when sorting through paperwork or, worse, tracing the source of an error after a failed batch. Continued staff training covers more than safe handling: teams review property data, know how to respond to accidental exposure, and keep up with regulatory changes that might affect labeling or waste procedures. All these reflect a robust, experience-driven culture that values both worker safety and consistent product quality. Looking ahead, improvements like smarter storage solutions, easier-to-handle forms of the compound, and updated hazard labels promise fewer mishaps and a tighter process from delivery to finished product.
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