2-[(Acetyloxy)methoxy]-1,3-propanediol Diacetate: Detailed Product Description

What is 2-[(Acetyloxy)methoxy]-1,3-propanediol Diacetate?

2-[(Acetyloxy)methoxy]-1,3-propanediol diacetate comes from a family of organic chemicals called acetates that often influence everything from pharmaceuticals and coatings to cleaners. This compound houses a core built from a 1,3-propanediol backbone, paired with two acetoxy groups and a methoxy substituent. Its synthesis relies on acetic anhydride and specialized catalysts, giving a clear example of organic chemistry’s knack for tweaking functional groups to unlock new behaviors. The International Harmonized System (HS) Code manages its trade across borders, usually landing in categories covering fine chemicals or organic intermediates.

Structure and Molecular Formula

Looking at the structural makeup, the diacetate consists of a glycerol-derived diol core with modifications at the terminal positions. The molecular formula stands at C9H16O7. Each molecule lines up three carbons at the core, with oxygen atoms branching off to handle acetyl and methoxy groups. This sort of arrangement can make a molecule flexible and reactive, a plus for manufacturers seeking adaptable building blocks for synthesis. Key elements—carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen—factor into its overall reactivity. In the lab, you can often spot the white to off-white flakes, crystalline solids, or thin, waxy pearls depending on purity, processing, and storage conditions.

Properties

The physical form changes based on temperature and environment. At standard room conditions, it may appear as a solid, often breaking down into flakes or fine powder after grinding. Densities swing depending on the crystalline packing, but most samples fall close to 1.2 g/cm3. The melting range often starts around 65°C and runs up above 90°C, which offers reliability in storage and transport. The compound dissolves smoothly into alcohols or acetone, though it resists water. That behavior traces back to its acetoxy groups, which shield the structure from uncontrolled hydrolysis. For industrial labs and production floors, this means it leaves liquids clean after dissolving without forming troublesome precipitates.

Handling and Safety

Storage guidance recommends sealed containers, kept cool and dry, with vents as acetates can release vapors if agitated or exposed to acids. Standard personal protective equipment—gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats—plays a big part when handling this chemical. Like many acetates, the health hazards relate to its capacity as an irritant and its risk of ingestive harm. Exposure through the skin or accidental inhalation can result in respiratory and dermal effects, so fume hoods remain the tool of choice. According to safety data, the compound gets flagged as harmful if swallowed and can provoke discomfort in the eyes or upper respiratory tract. Emergency procedures rely on classic spill response: absorb with inert materials, ventilate the space, and avoid direct contact.

Applications and Raw Materials

Chemists and formulators seek out 2-[(Acetyloxy)methoxy]-1,3-propanediol diacetate as a raw material in processes demanding precise control of reactivity. It traces its popularity back to the ease of acetyl group transfer for synthesizing complex esters, functionalized ethers, and specialized resins. In polymer science, the compound might be used to alter crystallinity or tune melting points in specialty plastics. Some pharmaceutical experiments pick it for its biochemistry, testing derivatives as intermediates in medicinal chemistry programs. Raw materials for the compound—acetic anhydride, methoxy alcohols, and 1,3-propanediol—land on procurement lists for chemical plants across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Specifics and Industry Perspective

Real-life experience in production lines underlines the importance of monitoring density and phase for each batch. Minor deviations alter downstream processing, especially where purity controls or regulatory requirements inform export and import decisions. Solid-state forms ease transportation, and the flake or pearl varieties slide directly into feeders and hoppers in automated plants. Batch records routinely measure solution concentrations in grams per liter to avoid bottlenecks during scaling-up for industrial orders. Typical lots ship in sealed drums or lined bags, complete with hazard labeling in accordance with GHS rules. The HS code system streamlines customs checks, planting the right paperwork into hands at each country’s border.

Environmental and Safety Actions

Efforts keep going to cut waste, recycle solvents used during synthesis and reuse acetylating agents when possible. Nitrocellulose filters and activated carbon can trap emissions, lowering environmental impact. Emergency planners in the chemical industry prepare for spills with neutralizing powders and clear evacuation protocols. Overall, maintaining a focus on ventilation, safe transport, and rapid response underpins ongoing safety. Responsible producers provide comprehensive safety data sheets and track adverse events in handling or disposal. Modern guidelines stress secure containment for hazardous materials with potential to cause long-term harm.