3-(2-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, known for its unique blend of chemical stability and useful physical form, presents itself as a key component in specialty chemical manufacturing. The compound’s structure—C10H14O4—incorporates a methoxy group attached to a phenoxy moiety, linked through a propanediol chain. Its arrangement brings both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties to the table, which opens the door to applications where controlling solubility and miscibility plays a crucial role. The molecular weight comes in at 198.22 g/mol, offering a manageable size for process chemists or formulation specialists seeking targeted chemical behavior.
Chemists recognize the importance of both structural and macroscopic characteristics in selecting materials. This compound often appears as white or off-white crystals, sometimes leaning toward a flake or powder form, based on how it’s processed. Under ambient conditions, the solid remains dry and stable, resisting clumping or degradation when kept away from heat and moisture. Its melting point hovers in the range of 68–72°C, and the density checks in around 1.18 g/cm3 at 25°C. With its low volatility, vapors don’t linger, so handling and storage create minimal atmosphere-borne risks.
Looking at industry grade, purity runs above 98%, minimizing the risk of contamination in downstream synthesis or formulation. The standard package size spans everything from 25 kg drums to custom bulk containers for scale-up or industrial users. Material remains consistent, whether the form is crystalline powder, flakes, or pearls. The compound dissolves well in polar solvents like ethanol, slightly less in water, opening up options for both aqueous and organic formulations when developing advanced chemical blends or pharmaceutical intermediates.
Products entering international markets always land under a harmonized system code; for 3-(2-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, authorities assign HS Code 2909.50.00, classifying it among ether-phenol derivatives. Regulations demand up-to-date safety data sheets, precise labeling and, when necessary, documentation on testing for residual solvents or impurities as per the latest REACH and GHS directives. Trade flows remain relatively straightforward, though buyers and sellers must keep an eye on changing customs requirements for hazardous chemicals.
Material safety comes up often in conversations among lab managers and supply chain coordinators. 3-(2-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, while not flagged as acutely toxic, still demands good handling practices. Dust generation during transfer, blending, or weigh-out poses inhalation risk; eye and skin contact calls for gloves and splash goggles. The compound breaks down slowly in the environment and should never reach water bodies untreated. While the substance doesn’t ignite easily, handling with open flames or strong oxidizers isn’t recommended. Waste streams containing this material go through appropriate chemical waste channels, never regular drains or landfill.
Originating from phenol etherification and subsequent glyceryl attachment, 3-(2-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol depends on a steady supply of high-purity phenol, methanol, and glycidol or propanediol derivatives as raw materials. Many facilities prefer suppliers with closed-loop processing, minimizing exposure and environmental emissions throughout synthesis and purification. Downstream, the product fits well into resin production, coating technologies, and as a niche building block in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis. The dual functional groups—the aromatic ether and vicinal diol—give researchers flexibility when designing new molecules for advanced material science or bioactive compounds.
Warehouses storing this chemical face fewer headaches than with volatile or highly hygroscopic substances. Standard ambient indoor storage, sealed in moisture-proof containers, keeps the product safe and effective for months, minimizing losses or need for continuous re-testing. As global regulation tightens around chemical manufacturing, plants focus on minimizing byproduct streams, recycling water, and optimizing formulations to reduce process waste altogether. Every batch ships with traceable documentation on provenance, ensuring quality from raw material through final delivery. Sustainable sourcing, backed by strong relationships with upstream providers, stands as a real differentiator in today’s market.
3-(2-Methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol bridges the gap between conventional petrochemical intermediates and new-generation specialty chemicals. The matched balance between hydrophobic aromatic ether and water-friendly diol keeps this molecule adaptable, whether facing formulation challenges in cosmetics, adhesives, pharmaceutical intermediates, or coatings. Industry partners see the benefit of its stable physical form—powder, crystal, flake, pearl—since it allows for easy dosing, consistent solubility, and manageable reactivity in complex systems. For developers, this compound offers a reliable backbone, supporting both mass-market and cutting-edge applications, while ongoing attention to safety data, sourcing, and process waste makes for a better fit in the modern chemical industry.