2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol isn’t a common name in most households, but it pops up in quite a few industrial and research applications. Structurally, this compound shows up as a diol with two hydroxyl groups at each end of a three-carbon chain, while two fluorine atoms sit at the center carbon position. The molecular formula stands as C3H6F2O2. In plain terms, this simple – yet potent – structure leads to specific physical and chemical properties that make it attractive for work in fields like pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials manufacturing. Some see it as a raw material, others as an intermediate; either way, it plays its role.
Molecular weight comes in at about 112.08 g/mol, which isn’t too heavy compared to some other diols in the same class. This light but functional molecule lets researchers and manufacturers tailor-make derivatives, especially when seeking both alcohol and fluorinated features in a single product. The HS Code, usually tagged in customs and trade records, often falls under 2905399090 for organic compounds containing fluorine, so it’s worth keeping that reference handy for import and export documentation.
Handling 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol introduces several possibilities because it shows up in different forms, depending on how it gets stored and processed. Some vendors deliver it as a clear liquid, others as a white solid or crystalline powder, and there are grades that form small beads or pearls, mostly for ease of measurement in the lab. That reflects a melting point range around 42–46 °C and a boiling point near 174–180 °C under standard pressure, which places it right in the middle between substances that act volatile and those that stay stable in temperate conditions. In terms of density, the compound carries a value close to 1.322 g/cm³ at room temperature. Such density matters when measuring or mixing, especially since dilution in solvents like water or ethanol often features in preparations.
In terms of odor, it doesn’t give off much of a scent—one might describe it as slightly sweet, if anything. Crystallinity usually appears in finer powders, while pure solid blocks break off into flakes or pearl-sized bits thanks to its clean cleavage lines. Its solubility in water opens it up for reaction in aqueous environments, and even in ethanol or acetone, it keeps dissolving with little trouble. This flexibility in physical state really shapes how people use it from lab bench to pilot scale.
The standout feature in 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol is the presence of two fluorine atoms attached to the central carbon. This dual fluorination confers remarkable thermal and chemical stability compared to regular 1,3-propanediol. The presence of highly electronegative fluorine atoms changes how the whole molecule reacts in synthesis, making it handy for introducing fluorine moieties into larger compounds. That’s not just a technical detail: introducing fluorine in this fashion helps produce materials that resist degradation, heat, or microbial attack—a big plus in developing long-lasting pharmaceuticals or pesticide formulations.
Yet, even with this improved stability, the hydroxyl groups on either end mean it still acts as a reactive building block. It can be esterified, alkylated, or used in polymerization reactions to build more complex molecules. This flexibility isn’t just a theoretical advantage; it shapes decisions in the lab every day, guiding chemists as they hunt for better ways to tweak reactivity and tailor properties for new end uses.
Anyone who’s handled specialty chemicals knows that two things matter most: safety and reliability. While 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol doesn’t rank among the notoriously dangerous compounds, it brings some risks that demand attention. Contact with skin or eyes generates irritation, and inhaling dust or mist can bother the respiratory tract. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) recommend using gloves, goggles, and working under a fume hood during handling. Ingestion or significant exposure leads to toxic effects that require medical attention. Disposal should align with hazardous waste regulations—flushing into the drain isn’t an option.
Environmental persistence builds in, thanks to the fluorinated component. Once in the environment, breaking down this chemical takes real effort, so spills and runoff should catch immediate attention. Storing the material in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place helps reduce exposure and degradation risk. In many workplaces, routine monitoring with proper labeling keeps everyone safe. In the end, awareness and clear information flow between supplier, handler, and end-user like lifelines for workplace health.
Across chemical synthesis, 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol steps up as a proven intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. As companies look for new actives that mix water solubility with metabolic stability, fluorinated diols like this one deliver a key balance. Some researchers craft specialty polymers, aiming for properties like increased chemical resistance or improved surface tension. In each of those sectors, the push for more effective, longer-lasting materials finds this compound indispensable among raw materials.
It also shows up in research as a reagent for introducing difluoromethyl or fluorinated segments into larger molecules, pushing boundaries in molecular design. Academic labs and industry development teams both reach for this diol during discovery or production campaigns aimed at unique bioactive compounds. Each application leans on the same fundamentals: the blend of stability, modest reactivity, and adaptability aids product innovation, whether that focuses on medicine formulations or specialty coatings.
The pace of chemical innovation relies on building blocks like 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol. Tracking its physical and chemical properties, understanding safe use, and recognizing technical potential pave the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable manufacturing. From HS Code compliance to material safety, details shape every stage of using this compound. As researchers and producers integrate this diol into daily work, clear communication and careful stewardship ensure advances continue to build on a solid and responsible foundation.
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