2-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol, an intermediate used in the production of felbamate, is a small organic molecule known for its clear white crystalline appearance. As a raw material, its profile stands out in medicinal and industrial chemistry, mainly for its role in synthesizing anticonvulsant drugs. Chemically mapped as C9H12O2, molecular weight reaches 152.19 g/mol. A benzene ring fused to a three-carbon chain with two hydroxyl groups at each end gives this compound its distinct balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic character, making it both pivotal for further synthesis and stable enough for storage and transport.
You notice 2-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol takes form as off-white to white flakes or a fine powder, depending on the manufacturing process and conditions. Under standard laboratory conditions, it appears solid at room temperature, gradually transitioning into a melt at high temperatures. The melting point hovers around 74-78°C, while its density lands near 1.19 g/cm³. This tells you a lot about its application, with direct influence on storage practices, weighing, transport, and even safety equipment needed. Its limited solubility in water pairs with higher solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and ether—a property that isn’t lost when mixing batches or preparing solutions for reaction. Under the microscope, the crystals look clear and uniform, easy to measure, scoop, and dose precisely, which means quality assurance runs smoother and fewer worries about inconsistencies in pharmaceutical-grade syntheses.
Depending on who handles downstream processing, 2-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol shows up as dense powder, pearl-like granules, or flat crystalline layers. Every form carries its own perks. Flakes pack better for bulk shipment; powder simplifies blending with other reagents; pearl or bead forms resist static buildup. Process safety teams use gloves, dust masks, and chemical goggles in most operations; direct dust inhalation and skin contact bring risks of irritation if someone’s not careful. The physical form also determines how the material feeds into reaction vessels or reactors, impacting flow rates and automation systems that larger factories depend on.
On import and export papers, global trade identifies 2-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol with HS Code 29062900, which covers other dihydric alcohols with aromatic rings not named elsewhere. Its technical specification sheets require tight controls on purity—above 98% is the usual minimum for pharma work. Impurities, especially phenylpropanones or unreacted precursors, fall under strict thresholds. Safe handling practices matter. The material is not classed as a major hazardous chemical, but chronic exposure and careless spills lead to short-term irritation or longer-term health questions, as the body metabolizes aromatic compounds in complex ways. Workers wear nitrile gloves and goggles, use fume extraction when powdering or blending, and avoid ingesting or inhaling the dust. Waste disposal in most countries demands incineration or fully contained chemical waste channels, as groundwater contamination from reactive organic materials presents a real environmental concern.
2-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol forms a backbone in the stepwise synthesis of felbamate, a compound used to treat epilepsy. Its structure enables selective reactions at the diol sites, giving chemists precision over what bonds and what stays intact, which means higher yields and cleaner products. One challenge is price swings; benzene-based intermediates track global crude oil and demand cycles. Sourcing raw materials like this sometimes means price spikes or delays, which can slow down drug production and impact hospital pharmacies. Environmental and health regulations keep tightening up as more toxicology data hits the news, so manufacturing shifts toward greener solvents, smaller production lots, tighter recycling loops, and better personal protection routines. Companies that ignore these changes face lawsuits or lost business, especially when selling into US or European health systems.
In every setting, from pilot plant to the warehouse shelf, the real focus lands on safe storage, responsible handling, and responsive spill management. Facilities store it in sealed, labeled drums or high-density polyethylene containers, out of direct heat, away from strong acids, oxidizers, or open flames. Operational teams train on spill sweeps, with neutralizers and containment ready for small leaks. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) read like instruction manuals, not because rules are fun but because one small lapse, like a missed glove or misread label, brings big trouble. Safe practice means steady supply, healthy workers, and stable production.
Refining production—whether choosing greener solvents for synthesis, installing vapor scrubbers, or switching to robotic packing—cuts exposure risks and environmental footprint. As consumers and regulators demand cleaner chemistry, companies shift to recycle more process water, recover organic solvents, and design reactions that leave fewer toxic leftovers. On my last tour through an API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) facility, one glaring lesson stuck out: a clear chain of custody, transparent QC testing at every stage, and recordkeeping keep public trust high and downstream recalls rare. For 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol, that means not only knowing the chemistry but making every batch traceable, pure, and responsibly accounted for, inside and out.
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