3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol has carved a space for itself in the toolkit of chemists and manufacturers who need reliable raw materials. Its chemical formula, C3H9NO2, shows a small structure with significant versatility. As a derivative of amino alcohol, 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol straddles the line between amines and alcohols. There’s a reason it appears in so many different industrial supply lists: its molecular setup isn’t just interesting on paper, it’s practical in real-world processes. Unlike large or complex molecules, this one won’t crowd a reaction or bring loads of baggage. With three carbon atoms, a single amine, and two hydroxyl groups, it brings flexibility to synthesis without excessive hazard. Many chemical suppliers identify the product with the HS Code 2922199090, signaling its central place among organic chemical intermediates.
The appeal of 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol doesn’t rest on rarity, but on its clean traits. Its structure holds the amine group at the third carbon, while the first and second carbons carry hydroxyl groups. This arrangement means it interacts well with acids and bases, opening a path for further chemical modification. In practice, the substance appears as a solid, often in the form of white or off-white flakes, powder, or even pearls, depending on how it’s processed at the facility. Under ambient conditions, it maintains stability—it won’t start reacting with air or moisture—making long-term storage possible for manufacturers who don’t move inventory quickly. Specific density ranges from about 1.11 to 1.13 g/cm³ in solid form, ensuring it doesn’t pack tightly but stays manageable in bulk containers. Odor tends to be faint and chemical, rarely overpowering or dangerous when handled responsibly. When dissolved in water, it forms a clear solution, which plays well into applications needing high purity—whether for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or specialty resins. Its crystalline version is less common, but might surface in more refined laboratory environments.
Few chemicals wear as many hats as 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol. In the world of pharmaceuticals, it often serves as a building block for beta blockers, antiviral agents, and similar synthetic routines. My background working with industrial chemists taught me the value of reliability—no one wants unexpected variance in the properties of what goes into a medicine or specialty polymer. When the ingredient comes as a fine powder or a solid, it fits seamlessly into automated feeders and blenders. In resin manufacturing, the two alcohol groups enable easy linking with other molecules, critical for forming the long chains in resins, glues, and coatings. Many companies source it for use in dyes or as an intermediate for specialty surfactants. Its liquid solutions reach beyond chemical plants, sometimes entering research labs for biochemistry work, since its polarity and reactive amine support enzyme stabilization. Wherever accuracy and purity can’t be compromised—3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol gets the green light, especially from buyers who watch raw materials like a hawk due to regulatory needs.
3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol stands out for what it isn’t as much as for what it is. Unlike many amino alcohols, it doesn't release aggressive fumes or burn the skin at the touch, as long as users follow reasonable personal protective protocols—gloves, goggles, and standard lab attire. Classifications often list it as mildly harmful if swallowed in large quantities, and there’s always risk if someone fails to practice normal industrial hygiene. Still, its LD50 (dose lethal to 50% of test animals) is far above the rates that would cause immediate alarm, which matches my own experience using it on bench scale synthesis and pilot plant work. No chemical storage area is complete without proper ventilation and clear labeling, and 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol gets the same attention, but unlike volatile solvents or strong acids, it doesn’t force shutdown protocols for small spills. Still, manufacturers need thorough documentation and hazard training—material safety data sheets underline its mild irritation potential for the skin or respiratory tract. For disposal, standard organic waste routes work, provided authorities’ guidance is followed, and no chemical residue enters food or water sources. Responsible handling starts from receiving the raw material: containers need to remain sealed, and periodic checks keep moisture out of storage drums and prevent accidental release into work areas. As with many fine chemicals, the real issue comes from consistent housekeeping and respecting the boundaries defined by safety officers and regulatory bodies.
Producers list purity levels for 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol—often reaching 98% or higher. My experience shows that loose specs only bring unpredictable outcomes on the factory floor. Better vendors provide specs on melting point, moisture content, and sometimes specific optical activity, since the compound can show chirality. Most users stick to quality that exceeds 99% purity, especially in pharmaceutical and food-related applications, because just a trace of the wrong isomer or contaminant can translate into countless failed batches. Packaging might vary from 25 kg fiber drums to smaller, sealed polyethylene containers, depending on the customer’s order size. A truly reputable supplier keeps close watch over raw material traceability, labeling every lot with batch, production date, and a certificate of analysis. Regular audits and third-party lab checks form part of doing business with serious buyers, a lesson I’ve taken to heart after seeing the headaches caused by inferior shipments or missed quality checks. Each step of the specification process—from GC/MS verification to residue on ignition—matters as much as the price per kilogram, particularly for companies held captive by global Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
One can’t understand 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol without recognizing how its attributes mark it as more than just a formula in a catalog. In research settings, its clear interactions with acids, bases, and organic solvents remind chemists just how adaptable its structure really is. Its molecular weight sits at 91.11 g/mol, making calculations straightforward when scaling up recipes or balancing equations for theoretical yields. The substance remains solid at room temperature but liquefies above its melting point, which typically falls between 52°C and 56°C—a workable range for most bench or industrial setups. Its polarity allows it to dissolve well in water and other polar solvents, bringing flexibility to application design. In a world where environmental, health, and safety standards keep tightening, chemical engineers appreciate options that don’t raise alarms with every usage. 3-Amino-1,2-Propanediol doesn’t create a dust nuisance, doesn’t degrade explosively, and doesn’t emit a persistent bad odor. That reliability takes pressure off plant staff and keeps workflow moving, reinforcing its value far beyond the commodity price. When you’ve spent years chasing consistency from suppliers, these features matter almost as much as the core functionality in a formulation.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
