3-[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]-1,2-propanediol comes across as a specialty chemical recognized for its distinctive structure and its set of physical properties. The backbone features a propanediol group merged with a methoxy bridge, leading to a para-substituted ethenylphenyl segment. This detailed structure impacts how the molecule behaves, right down to how it dissolves, how it's stored, and what kind of roles it plays in chemical manufacturing. From my perspective, understanding these concrete details beats guessing from general chemical family traits. This compound doesn't blend into backgrounds—making every bit of its data matter, especially for those thinking of using it as a raw material.
The makeup of this compound demonstrates how a single change at the molecular level alters everything. Carrying a molecular formula of C12H16O3, with a molar mass hovering close to 208.26 g/mol, this molecule brings together a benzene ring with an ethenyl group sticking off at the para position, linked through a methoxy oxygen, then joined to a propanediol segment. This arrangement isn't just an academic point—it shapes its interaction with water, solvents, and other chemicals. Benzene rings and ethenyl handles often increase reactivity, so using this material means more than just ticking a box for a supplier. Its structural features open up potential for further reactions or incorporation into advanced materials, especially in fields pressing for innovation.
I’ve handled chemicals like this, both in research labs and industry settings, and what jumps out each time is how a batch’s texture and phase dictate everything from weighing to dispensing. 3-[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]-1,2-propanediol usually presents itself as a solid at room temperature. Most suppliers note appearances ranging from white to off-white flakes or fine powder, and sometimes it shows up as small pearls or even a crystalline solid, depending on storage and synthesis conditions. Density locks in at about 1.17 g/cm³—so that tells you, this isn’t a lightweight, airy powder, nor does it slump into the heavy, syrupy liquid range. For storage, those solid forms matter. Powders risk airborne spread, flakes clump, pearls store easily in bulk. Each form affects safe handling, shipping, and even pricing.
Propanediols are known for their solubility in water, and the methoxy- and phenyl-modified versions extend that to more polar organic solvents. The ethenyl group attached to the phenyl ring offers avenues for further polymerization; this opens doors for use as an intermediate in specialty polymers, coatings, or resins. From direct experience in synthesis work, these molecules resist decomposition at standard temperatures, but prolonged exposure to light or heat may drive unwanted reactions—notably, crosslinking at the ethenyl site. This needs clear labeling and thoughtful lab storage. Chemicals with dual alcohol groups plus this kind of aromatic tail can turn up useful in pharmaceuticals, custom resins, or even as reactive diluents.
Every lab veteran knows a chemical is more than a formula—safety and health impact tell the rest of the story. 3-[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]-1,2-propanediol requires handling with standard gloves, goggles, and well-ventilated lab spaces. Skin or eye contact may produce irritation, while inhaling fine powder can bother respiratory systems—a fact too easy to forget until a sample mishandles on a dry day. Data sheets usually flag it as a material for professional use, not something for open classroom work. Larger quantities must be stored in containers resistant to moisture, out of direct sunlight, away from strong oxidizers. Spills need swift cleanup, and disposal asks for local chemical waste handling rules. No one gains from shortcuts here.
Any buyer or sourcing agent cares about purity, batch consistency, and regulatory numbers. Material on the market often features purity levels above 97%, checked by HPLC or NMR data, and packed in drums, fiber bottles, or bags—choices depend on physical form and order size. Bulk orders want solid, granular, or crystalline variants for easy mass transfer and weighing. Speaking of customs, 3-[(4-Ethenylphenyl)methoxy]-1,2-propanediol tracks under HS Code 290949 for ether-alcohol-phenol derivatives. This number guides tariffs, import paperwork, and flags the compound anywhere it moves between countries. I have seen deals stall because of a missing or misclassified HS Code. Accurate product spec sheets stop confusion before it starts.
This chemical appears in research, in plastics, in coatings, sometimes even in pharmaceutical intermediates. The reactive ethenyl-phenyl group draws the interest from R&D teams who need new building blocks for synthetic pathways. Raw materials with this much versatility don’t stay niche for long. Material scientists see its functional groups as launching points for branching out in product formulation—especially for makers of adhesives, specialty polymers, and advanced composites. Handling requirements and awareness of reactivity guide its use in processes where specific molecular designs are necessary, especially with regulatory oversight in place. One thing remains clear: for those producing high-value or high-performance products, access to detailed, honest property data and up-to-date safety info make a world of difference.
Disposing or releasing any specialty chemical leads to questions about long-term health and environmental footprint. While not the most notorious when compared to legacy industrial toxics, benzene-containing compounds still urge caution. Waste handling must limit environmental release, as aromatic chemicals have shown persistence and potential impact on water sources. Workers exposed daily need regular safety training, routine monitoring, and quick response plans for spills. Lab air handling and industrial scrubbing systems must be up-to-date. In my experience, small lapses in chemical hygiene echo for years, especially with less obvious compounds like this.
Proper chemical use starts with training and ends with thorough follow-through. Keeping updated safety sheets, regular staff education, and investing in dedicated protective gear all matter more than the latest product brochure. For process managers, tracking every batch for purity and byproduct risk helps prevent production upsets and downstream contamination. Labs and factories investing in local exhaust ventilation see fewer worker complaints and stronger safety records. Source only from trusted vendors, demand lot-specific data, and keep audit trails for regulatory checks. Making this molecule work for industry—while protecting health and the environment—depends not just on what it can do, but how thoughtfully it enters real-world routines.
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