2-[[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]methyl]-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol stands out as a specialty chemical compound designed for advanced material synthesis. Offering a unique aromatic backbone due to the 4-ethenylphenyl group combined with a flexible, functionalized aliphatic diol structure, this chemical finds direction in polymer research, advanced coatings, and niche pharmaceutical intermediates. Familiarity with its name might not come by heart for those outside chemistry, but this molecule’s very design—an ether-linked styrene derivative with functional hydroxyl groups—marks it out for reactive and versatile uses.
This compound features a molecular formula of C15H20O3. Delving into its structure, the molecule presents two alcohol groups (diol), making it highly reactive in condensation reactions, especially useful in creating resins or specialty polymers. The ethenyl function on the phenyl ring enables potential cross-linking reactions, increasing value where rigid lattice frameworks or high-performance polymers matter. From hands-on experience in organic synthesis, such substitutions open up a range of customization options in material science, allowing for fine-tuning of mechanical and chemical properties.
Users most often encounter 2-[[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]methyl]-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol in the form of white to off-white solid flakes or crystalline powder, though sometimes it crystallizes into small pearls under optimal storage. Density hovers around 1.12 g/cm3 at room temperature, reflecting its sturdy carbon backbone and moderate molecular mass. Its melting point sits between 48°C and 54°C, which makes it stable for most lab conditions, while the relatively low solubility in water but good solubility in organic solvents means it blends well in non-polar or slightly polar environments. Materials scientists I work alongside have used this compound in research labs where product handling requires direct weighing of solid, crystalline samples, demonstrating the clean, manageable nature of its physical form—nothing like the hazardous volatility of aromatic amines or aggressive acids.
For anyone sourcing this material, purity typically reads at or above 98% when supplied for research or industrial use. Standard particle size remains within 100–300 microns for powder and crystal forms, though custom milling or granulation can adjust this as necessary for a given process. Commercial suppliers ship in sealed containers, sized from 100 grams up to several kilograms, depending on the application volume. Moisture sensitivity stays low due to the stable ether linkage, but prolonged exposure leads to gradual degradation, especially under high humidity, so air-tight storage extends shelf-life. Glass containers become the better choice compared to basic poly bags for sensitive applications, something procurement labs have learned from dealing with long-term storage headaches.
HS Code assignment for this compound typically falls under 2909499090, chained with similar ether- and alcohol-based organic chemicals of technical grade. Customs and import regulations require safety documentation since this molecule presents some hazards, though not acutely toxic by global standards. Shipping documents align with GHS classification, reflecting flammability risks from the ethenyl group, and demanding proper secondary containment. People moving chemicals across borders need to keep Safety Data Sheets on hand to handle compliance and emergency procedures, especially since customs seizures can disrupt time-sensitive projects.
Lab and industrial users should wear gloves, goggles, and standard lab coats to avoid skin contamination, as contact with unprotected skin can cause mild irritation, and accidental splashes around the eyes bring real discomfort. Vapor pressure stays low at standard temperatures, so dangers from inhalation during weighing or transfer are minimal, but improper heating can generate toxic or irritating fumes. Spills clean up readily with inert absorbents, and disposal requires observance of local hazardous waste rules—never down the drain, to prevent long-term build-up in water supplies. Keeping this chemical away from strong acids, oxidizers, or open flames follows best-practice guidance, as the styrenic vinyl group readily initiates unwanted reactions, and mistakes get expensive quickly. Those working in small-scale labs or pilot plants know the value of comprehensive risk assessments, because a single overlooked detail in chemical compatibility can cancel weeks of hard research.
2-[[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]methyl]-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol attracts polymer chemists and materials developers for its dual-reactive zones—the alcohol ends serve as anchor points for crosslinking, while the ethenyl group participates in free-radical or addition polymerization. My time in pilot plant settings has shown how crucial this is for designing flexibility into high-value thermoset polymers or targeted pharmaceuticals, leveraging this compound’s unique structure to achieve selective reactivity. Use in specialty adhesives, UV-curable inks, advanced coatings, or as modifiers in existing polymer chains directly impacts final product performance: tensile strength, resistance to solvents, and long-term durability. The conversation about the importance of tailored raw materials keeps growing in industrial chemistry, and compounds like this underpin innovation by letting researchers try out new molecular frameworks that would be impossible with generic glycols or phenols.
Transport and handling always raise questions among environmental scientists and safety managers, especially for chemicals that feature aromatic/vinyl groups. While this molecule resists rapid breakdown and shows moderate persistence, spilled material must go to incineration or secure landfill, never general waste. Fume hoods or ventilated workspaces reduce exposure, and detailed waste tracking lets research groups keep up with best sustainability practices. As regulatory agencies push for safer and less hazardous manufacturing steps, chemists work to develop greener synthesis pathways, driving down use of carcinogenic or highly persistent chemicals that leave legacy contamination. By selecting intermediates with proven degradation paths and moderate environmental footprints, manufacturing aligns with today’s calls for sustainable chemistry.
Innovation in the chemical industry rests on access to unique building blocks and reactive intermediates, and compounds like this open doors for new products and problem-solving routes in polymer engineering, coatings, and specialty pharmaceuticals. Protecting worker and community health means putting safety and best handling practices front and center, ensuring compliance with global chemical regulations, from importation to disposal. For teams who have worked through batch-scaling challenges, securing a reliable supply chain for such a precisely specified compound pays practical dividends—steady quality and clear documentation save time and protect project budgets, steering new research from pilot phase to commercial application. Companies and laboratories committed to reducing hazardous waste and improving the eco-friendliness of their processes turn to compounds with established property profiles and documented safe handling protocols, reflecting a broader cultural shift in science and manufacturing toward responsible innovation.
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