2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol stands out as a chemical compound used in research, industry, and specialty synthesis. Its structure features a phenyl group attached to a propanediol backbone, giving it both unique reactivity and certain challenges for handling. This compound appears in several forms, including solid flakes, powder, beads, and sometimes as a crystalline substance. The material has found interest as a building block for pharmaceuticals and specialty chemical formulations, thanks to its ability to fit into more complex molecular structures. If you break down its molecular formula, C9H12O2, you spot a moderate molecular weight of about 152.19 g/mol, which puts it among lighter specialty chemicals. Its density, often right around 1.09 g/cm³ at room temperature, means it sinks in water and handles more like other alcohol-based solids.
The structure of 2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol shows two primary alcohol groups—one on each end of a three-carbon propanediol chain—with a benzene ring sitting on the central carbon. This layout gives the molecule some interesting chemical properties that you don’t find in plain diols. Both ends can participate in chemical reactions, but the central linkage to the benzene ring changes how it behaves compared to other diols. In solid form, the powder or crystalline structure can range from fine to coarse, with color sometimes showing a faint off-white hue depending on purity. The solid melts at about 74–77°C. As a raw material, it's pretty stable under dry, dark conditions, but the presence of both phenyl and diol groups means you need to think about how it sits next to oxidizers or strong acids.
At room temperature, 2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol usually arrives as a granular solid or crystalline flakes. The surface can feel waxy, and under heat, it melts into a clear liquid. Water solubility isn't high, given the size of the benzene ring, but you can get some dissolved with enough stirring or blending into polar solvents like ethanol or acetone. Many sources report a slight sweet odor—not overwhelming, but enough to notice in close quarters. Flammability sits at moderate, comparable to other aromatic alcohols, with a flash point just above 100°C. The compound has low volatility and vapor pressure, so inhalation isn’t a main concern under ambient conditions. As with all organic powders, dust can pose issues—so dust control and good ventilation keep things on the safe side.
2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol often ships under HS Code 290629, which covers other phenolic alcohols and their derivatives. International shipments require appropriate chemical labeling with hazard warnings, even though this compound avoids the highest hazard classifications. Contact with skin or eyes—especially in concentrated or molten form—calls for prompt washing. Toxicity rates remain low compared to industrial solvents, but ingestion or prolonged exposure doesn’t do anyone any favors. Standard personal safety gear—gloves, goggles, and lab coats—reduce most exposure risks. Storage demands a cool, well-ventilated spot, away from incompatible substances like acid chlorides, oxidizing agents, or bases. It’s wise to avoid storing next to food or pharmaceuticals unless in sealed containers, since even trace contamination can cause processing problems. Fire response uses dry chemicals, foam, or carbon dioxide as water could spread molten or dissolved material. Industrial users often set up spill control with neutral absorbents, minimizing any environmental escape.
As a raw material, 2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol finds its way into labs working on custom synthesis, drug development, and design of specialty surfactants or intermediates. Its benzene-linked diol structure gives lab chemists an option for fine-tuning molecules, whether building blocks for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or adding niche performance features to chemicals used in lubricants or complex resins. Some research points to derivatives playing a role in making certain antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. The crystalline or powder form aids dosing and mixing, especially in controlled batch processes. Whether used straight up or as part of a solution, the compound’s flow and solubility play into how well it blends into larger production streams, with melting and solubility both influencing the process steps. Even for applications that don’t touch end consumers, labs track residue and trace amounts to prevent unwanted reactions. This level of care in chemical handling reflects the broader demand for raw materials that fit rigorous quality and safety standards, as any slip-up upstream can lead to big downstream costs.
Anyone handling 2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol should look over the MSDS and hazard symbols before starting work. Spills and dust generation show up as the two most common risks in storage and transport. Wearing gloves not only reduces direct chemical contact but also stops cross-contamination with more hazardous lab substances. Running a lab where solids, powders, and crystals fly around means consistent cleanup and avoiding secondary exposure. Monitoring any solution containing this compound for clarity or separation tells you if something else is going on—whether it’s hydrolysis, oxidation, or just temperature swings. Even though acute toxicity sits at the lower end among chemical intermediates, certain derivatives or impurities could raise the hazard level. Disposal means collection in labeled waste containers, treated as non-halogenated organics, with paperwork tracking each batch through the waste stream. Fire risks stay low in controlled settings, but loading docks and storage rooms sometimes generate static, so anti-static mats and grounding should not be overlooked. For bulk shipments—another story—containers must seal tightly and resist both shock and temperature swings, reducing product loss or safety events during transit.
Quality checks start with purity testing, since trace contaminants affect chemical performance—especially in applications targeting pharmaceutical development or fine-chemistry. Lots of suppliers run HPLC or NMR analysis, looking for percent purity above 98%. Packing typically uses plastic fiber drums or multi-layer bags for powder, and heavy-duty containers if molten. Labels show hazard classifications, HS Code, lot number, and date—essentials for tracing supply chain issues or regulatory questions. Buyers look for several forms—flakes, beads, powder—and count on consistent density and melting points across lots. Some plants ask for certificates of analysis or compliance paperwork to meet local or international standards, driving demand for consistent sourcing and quality control. In a competitive field where delays and complaints hit the bottom line, keeping this part of the workflow tight makes a difference.
With the global push for chemical safety, regulatory compliance stands front and center. National chemical inventories, such as REACH or TSCA, demand registration and reporting for imports and production. Waste streams, once an afterthought, now get scrutinized for both air and water emissions, and accidental spills prompt investigation. Recycling and reduction measures gain ground in plants that use phenyl diols, not just for green marketing but to answer tougher compliance checks. Local emergency responders need clear information on product hazards, fire fighting methods, and first aid in training drills, reducing risk—and costly mistakes—if an incident ever happens. Meeting environmental rules carries extra cost, but skipping these steps means recalls, lost business, or even sanctions for non-compliance. This ripple effect means even a specialty raw material like 2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol faces pressure to conform across quality, safety, and environmental lines.
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