(1S,2S)-(+)-2-Amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3-propanediol reflects a chiral amino alcohol known for its specific molecular shape and reactive functional groups. This compound springs from a group of chemicals packed with both an amino group and a nitro-phenyl segment. The presence of two stereocenters gives it a defined three-dimensional shape, which is a critical factor in how it behaves both in research and industrial production. Its molecular formula reads C9H12N2O4 and its structure includes a benzene ring substituted with a nitro group, attached to a propanediol backbone with an amino group on the central carbon atom. This precise arrangement results in specific reactivity and solubility that researchers leverage to build more complex molecules, particularly those in pharmaceutical development.
The substance typically appears as a solid at room temperature—either as crystalline flakes, off-white fine powder, or sometimes tiny pearls. One can count on its density hovering around 1.4 g/cm3; it keeps its form unless drastically heated. Crystals of this molecule exhibit a sparkling, sharp appearance—a characteristic driven by its chiral, rigid structure. In solution, it dissolves fairly well in polar solvents such as water, methanol, or ethanol, which makes it easy to handle during various synthesis steps. Under normal conditions, you won’t get a liquid version—only in specially controlled environments or during production routes involving chemical transformations. In the laboratory, someone handling 1 liter of standard solution prepared from this chemical would weigh out a precise amount, taking density and quality grading into account, to maintain strict consistency and purity especially in pharmaceutical pilot settings.
At the molecular level, this compound brings together several important groups: a nitro group at the para position on the benzene ring, an amino group bonded to the secondary carbon, and two hydroxyls on adjacent carbons. These create spaces for hydrogen bonding and various chemical transformations. The chiral centers, both in the S configuration, give the molecule optical activity, rotating polarized light—a trait heavily prized in synthesizing drugs that rely on handedness for their function. The tightly arranged atoms give strong intermolecular attractions, which is partly why it forms solid crystals rather than existing as an oil or gas. Reactivity centers around the amino and nitro groups, opening up paths for reduction, alkylation, or acylation steps common in pharmaceutical syntheses. Handling the raw material calls for precision—impurities in these positions can shape the final product’s biological properties and safety profile.
Manufacturers usually define this chemical by strict specification: optical purity (enantiomeric excess above 98%), chemical purity (above 99%), moisture content below 0.5%. Each batch lists these results. Flakes and powders both ship in sealed, airtight containers to limit absorption of moisture and contamination from the environment. This bulk shipment generally meets the requirements set by international chemical transport agreements. Each shipment includes detailed sheets on density, batch number, and test results. The HS Code categorizes it under 29224995, covering amino alcohols, which proves essential for customs clearance during international trade. Producers rarely supply it as a bulk solution or in a liquid state because of chemical stability and shelf life issues—customers seeking ready-to-use solutions would need to prepare those under controlled lab conditions.
Safety remains a big concern. The nitro group within this molecule can create risks of toxicity upon inhalation or skin absorption if not managed with proper equipment. Direct contact may provoke skin or eye irritation, and the ingestion poses more acute health threats. Over the years, chemical handlers have learned to wear gloves and goggles, keeping work spaces well-ventilated to minimize exposure. Material Safety Data Sheets recommend using chemical-resistant aprons, splash goggles, and suitable gloves, along with proper fume hoods and eye wash stations nearby. Disposal steps take center stage, with spent material and cleaning solvents collected separately for hazardous waste treatment rather than being dumped down standard drains—a practice that helps prevent environmental contamination and reduces exposure for workers. The presence of the nitro group also means the chemical should stay clear of reducing agents or strong bases to avoid unexpected reactivity. These details show—based on my experience prepping batches in analytical chemistry labs—that respecting material safety isn’t optional but essential for health and compliance with regulations.
This compound starts with properly sourced raw materials: nitrobenzene derivatives, amino alcohol precursors, and solvents with quality control certifications. The total route requires careful attention to chiral purity to prevent the wrong stereoisomer from making its way into advanced intermediates. Pharmaceutical and specialty labs count on that optical purity because even a slight shift in structure can drop effectiveness or amp up unwanted side effects in active ingredients. As chemical industries advance, tracking each step—raw materials, intermediates, final products—comes with a responsibility to maintain safety, reliability, and transparency at every link. This means more than just regulatory box-ticking; it reflects the trust between producers, buyers, and end-users who depend on chemicals behaving the way the paperwork says they will.
Quality sometimes gets challenged when suppliers cut corners or lose control of moisture content or purity. Unchecked, these lapses can mean downstream failures, wasted resources, or even product recalls. As someone who's seen batches get rejected over tiny deviations, the lesson is clear: invest in good analytical controls and transparent testing. For safety, making sure every handler understands the risks changes outcomes more than just listing them on the packaging. Regular training, visible safety reminders, and emergency response plans close the gaps where real harm might sneak in. Environmental impacts matter, too—improper disposal or accidental releases from large reactors spill into waterways or soil. Modern plants use closed-loop systems, tighter emission controls, and tracked hazardous waste disposal to keep those impacts in check. Regulators and industry partners have moved past “treat it and forget it” approaches, pushing for greener chemistry approaches that use safer starting materials or generate less toxic byproducts. Building sustainable routes and stronger product stewardship helps cut risk and win the confidence of regulators and communities living near production sites.
A lot of trust builds around well-characterized, high-purity chemicals. Detailed data about density, state—flakes, solid, powder, pearls—much as these might seem dry, actually drive the ability of scientists and industrial partners to scale up processes without nasty surprises. Chemical buyers demand every sheet to double-check what’s inside each drum. Accountability deepens with every audit, every quality certificate, and every shipment log. As innovation in life sciences pushes for greater precision, the humble crystalline solid—provided someone knows exactly what it contains—keeps serving as a stepping stone for safer, more effective products in healthcare, fine chemicals, and beyond.
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