2-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol is a chemical compound that carries the CAS number 126-11-4. Most people in the chemical industry know it as nitroaldol, but manufacturers and lab technicians often just call it by its main product name, Tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane. The raw material formula, C4H9NO5, lays out the structure: four carbons, one nitrogen, five oxygens, and nine hydrogens. At room temperature, solid white flakes or crystalline powder pack up in drums and bags, ready for transport or chemical reaction. For many, it is just another shelf staple, but these white crystals carry a story that stretches from resin manufacturing to antimicrobial preservatives.
A close look at its physical side, 2-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol forms large, slightly waxy crystals that feel cool and dense in the hand. The usual density hovers around 1.6 g/cm³, so it settles quickly in the beaker or storage bin. Solubility tells much about a chemical’s application range: this material dissolves easily in water but resists most organic solvents, so water-based solutions are common in research and production lines. Melting point sits above 100°C, which keeps handling safe below that threshold, but once things heat up, the compound flows and blends well in reactors. The pale appearance in powder, flake, or even pearl form may look harmless, but this is a chemical that deserves a careful approach. Some lots arrive as a dry, solid cake, chunks tightly packed after long trips in sealed containers, while others pour out like tiny pearls—each format depends on synthesis route and intended use, all aimed at the same base structure.
Many buyers want to know where it comes from. Most material ships from major chemical zones in China, the United States, and selected European plants. Production uses nitromethane mixed with formaldehyde under finely-tuned conditions, so the finished product carries that telltale nitro group at the center of its structure. The nitro group, attached to the propanediol backbone, defines many of its chemical reactivity properties. Chemists built this synthetic route back in the early 20th century, and it remains a reliable way to get high yields with minimal impurities.
International shipments clear customs under HS Code 29049090, which covers other organic chemicals not elsewhere specified. Customs declarations list this number for regular trade but always require proper documentation for hazardous materials transport since safety regulations keep evolving as new hazard data appears.
Spec sheets usually call for a minimum purity of 98%, recorded as HPLC or titration analysis. Some customers insist on even tighter ranges for electronic-grade or pharmaceutical-grade batches. Companies ship product by kilogram or ton—large drums, fiberboard barrels, or sealed polyethylene bags. Moisture below 0.5% keeps the powder fluffy and free-flowing. Many buyers check for fine granulation so the solid dissolves steadily, preventing clumps in mixing tanks. In my years of handling import logistics for mid-sized paint and resin makers, the best results always came from suppliers who could guarantee fresh, low-dust batches. Strong smells or yellow-brown tints mark off-grade inventory, so quality control at both ends matters.
2-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol’s standout feature is its ability to act as both a crosslinker and an antimicrobial agent. In alkyd resin manufacturing, it gives the network strength without dropping hazardous byproducts into the mix. Formaldehyde preservation remains a contested topic, but this molecule sidesteps some of the worst concerns by stabilizing materials and extending shelf life, especially in water-based paints and adhesives. Its relatively high boiling point makes it compatible with high-temperature industrial processes, so it holds up where less stable compounds fail. Its high molecular weight and multiple hydroxyl groups lend it a slow, predictable release profile in time-sensitive preservation applications, one reason it finds a home in oil and gas treatments and specialty coatings.
Solid nitro compounds demand respect, and this one is no exception. Dust in the air can irritate airways, so ventilation and masks remain standard for plant workers. The nitro group hints at potential toxicity, and toxicology studies show low acute toxicity, but chronic exposure at high levels could cause harm. Direct skin contact brings irritation risks, so gloves and eye protection form the safety line in every warehouse or lab. Transporters handle it as a hazardous chemical under the UN classification for organic substances—not because it’s explosive or flammable, but due to persistent environmental and health questions. Safe storage means cool, dry rooms with tight lids and no direct sunlight.
Anyone using chemicals on an industrial scale deals with the push toward safer, greener workflows. Alternatives like isothiazolinones and parabens offer similar antimicrobial effects but carry their own baggage—either toxicity or regulatory repression. More companies study hybrid preservatives that use low levels of 2-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol with other stabilizers to cut total chemical load. Waste treatment remains a sticking point. Most effluent guidelines call for bioreactors or advanced filtration to catch nitro derivatives before they reach the sewer. My old firm adopted a two-tank system: neutralization and carbon adsorption, which lowered waste output fast. Switching to this approach cut regulatory headaches, but costs run high. For companies handling tonnage, investment in on-site safety audits and staff training brings returns in both community trust and lower accident rates. Down the line, continued research into biodegradable preservatives could chip away at the need for persistent nitro compounds, but the market today remains rooted in reliability and proven track records.
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