2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (s)-3-benzoyl-alpha-methylbenzeneacetate fills a rather specific niche in the world of specialty chemicals. Most people who see its name might feel overwhelmed, but this compound finds itself useful in research labs and industry settings because of its unique blend of solubility, reactivity, and stability. The molecule incorporates a propanediol backbone with an amino and hydroxymethyl group, and attaches a chiral (s)-3-benzoyl-alpha-methylbenzeneacetate unit, giving it properties that interest both chemists working on peptide coupling reactions and technical folks exploring novel raw materials.
You’ll see this material turn up as a white or off-white solid. Sometimes it arrives as powder, occasionally as irregular flakes or crystals. Labs buying in smaller batches often get it in tightly sealed bottles, sometimes packed under argon for longer shelf life. The stuff offers a density right around 1.23 g/cm3, based on its structure and purity, whether as neat powder or crystalline solid. Physical form can influence the way end-users handle and measure doses, and it matters for folks scaling up from benchwork to pilot plant. Some factories offer pre-made solutions, typically in water or mild alcohols, catering to research outfits that want reliable starting concentrations without the hassle of dissolving raw powder. Pellets and semi-granular pearls exist but see less regular use, largely because specific purity or reactivity requirements drive most buyers back to solid crystalline or fine powder forms.
Chemists always care about structure, because the layout of atoms dictates how a compound acts. In this case, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol brings three hydroxyl units alongside a primary amino group, which can form hydrogen bonds easily and shows moderate solubility in water and alcohol. The (s)-3-benzoyl-alpha-methylbenzeneacetate moiety cranks up the molecular weight and brings aromatic stability. The molecular formula clocks in at C20H23NO5, with a molar mass around 357.4 g/mol. This size lands it in the sweet spot for many synthetic and separation processes.
Procurement and logistics teams check product purity, which typically sits at >98% for research or synthetic grades. Trace water or minor organic impurities sometimes sneak in, so quality control runs regular HPLC and NMR checks. The HS Code for shipping usually falls under 2922.49, which more broadly covers organic derivatives containing oxygen and nitrogen. This code simplifies global import-export while alerting customs to its status as a reactive organic chemical. Warehouse teams like to know if the material ships as flakes or dense crystals for storage compatibility. This stuff stays solid well above room temperature and doesn’t melt until it hits 123°C. In my own experience, the compound rarely absorbs much moisture, but if kept open too long, surface clumping develops. Store it in cool, dry places well away from oxidizing agents and acids.
Safety always matters more than flashy marketing or lab bragging rights. This compound doesn’t explode or burn easily. Most data pegs its flash point at >150°C, which puts it well into the category of stable solids over most lab conditions. Direct contact can still irritate. Gloves and lab goggles beat skipping protection, and local fume extraction stops accidental inhalation of dust. Swallowing even a small amount brings risks, especially because aromatic esters sometimes set off allergic responses. Chemists know not to eat or drink near clear powder, so a bit of discipline sorts most safety worries. Environmental hazard sits low, and most disposal rules follow general organic waste handling. Still, chemical waste firms want detailed reporting if large-scale disposal happens. My advice: treat it with a healthy respect common for all reagents featuring amines and aromatic esters.
Building a complex molecule like this one starts upstream, with basic components like propanediol, benzoyl chloride, and protected amino acids. Sourcing relies on stable suppliers offering consistent batch quality, because any slip in chiral purity or moisture wrecks the building process downstream. Pharmaceutical and peptide producers sometimes see this compound as a linker or coupling agent, drawn by the dual solubility of its structure. For a while, I worked with a group testing new esterification catalysts, and this compound’s reliable behavior outperformed several old-school standards. Researchers still explore uses in novel polymer designs and sometimes try it out as a solubilizing surfactant in fine materials processing.
Every new specialty material shows up on scientists’ radar with questions swirling—what can it do, where does it fail, and how much does it cost to source or make at scale? This one covers its bases well, delivering reliable performance in wet synthesis, not breaking the safety bank, and showing resilience under basic storage. Future improvements might target greener synthesis or shelf-stable solutions for less experienced users. Vendors focusing on clear documentation, transparent purity analysis, and honest safety updates keep the confidence of advanced and emerging labs alike. For people inside the raw materials business or looking for a robust ester with amine and polyol functionality, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (s)-3-benzoyl-alpha-methylbenzeneacetate stacks up as solid and dependable.
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