3-Amino-1-propanol hydrochloride comes as an organic chemical compound that many industrial chemists recognize for its direct use in pharmaceutical research and synthesis. In its pure form, the compound shows up as a white crystalline solid, sometimes appearing as a fine powder or in flakes. Its chemical formula is C3H10ClNO, with a molar mass of 111.57 g/mol, putting it in a class of raw materials suited for further downstream processes. The substance can act as a starting material for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and specialty chemicals. Its standard form in the lab is as a stable, safe material if handled appropriately, with its hydrochloride salt making the amine more manageable compared with the free base.
The structure features a propanol backbone with an amino group at the 3-position and is neutralized to the hydrochloride salt. The amino nitrogen can participate in hydrogen bonding, so its reactivity profile supports a variety of synthetic pathways. The hydrochloride version means the molecule is positively charged at the amino group and paired with a chloride anion—providing greater water solubility and easier handling in solution. In crystal form, the material visibly takes on a fine, granular, and sometimes pearl-like appearance under laboratory lighting.
This compound has a density close to 1.05 g/cm³ under standard conditions, with good solubility in water. Chemists notice a clear melting point in the range that makes the substance easy to purify through recrystallization, which remains essential for producing pharmaceutical-grade reagents. The powder or flakes flow well, so technicians find it straightforward to weigh and dissolve without clumping, lending itself to consistent mixing in reaction vessels or analytical setups. Being hygroscopic, it can absorb moisture from the air, so diligent storage in a tightly sealed container is necessary. Standard packaging comes in sealed bottles or bags of solid material, with shelf life dependent on keeping the product dry and free from contamination.
Quality specifications typically highlight a purity of 98% or higher for synthetic and pharmaceutical use, with the remainder being trace water or chloride. Color ranges from white to off-white, with a crystalline or fine powder texture. The substance delivers a neutral odor, so there are no overwhelming fumes or volatility. It's important for quality control laboratories to confirm exact molecular weight through titration or spectroscopic means. Analytical data, including IR and NMR spectra, help confirm batch identity. Density is provided as an accurate measure for solution preparation at both small and industrial scales, enabling easy calculation of liter-to-mole conversions for batch processing. Particle size standards may specify a range to ensure uniform dissolution.
For customs and international transport, 3-Amino-1-propanol hydrochloride falls under HS Code 2922199090, in the category for organic chemicals with an amine function. Handlers in shipping departments need this classification for import and export documents, as customs offices track both the movement and legal compliance of all raw materials under this heading. Transporters should reference the code on all labels and paperwork, ensuring the chain of custody follows legal protocols, especially for pharmaceutical or fine chemical markets. Governments sometimes ask for extra documentation where chemical restrictions apply.
Anybody managing this compound pays attention to routine chemical safety: 3-Amino-1-propanol hydrochloride brings an irritation risk to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract if handled carelessly. Preparation rooms should run standard fume extraction and offer nitrile gloves, protective eyewear, and lab coats. Accidental spillage can be swept up without water, as solid flakes or powder do not pose an inhalation hazard under normal room temperature. Upon dissolving into solution, technicians use dilution and proper waste streams for disposal. As the hydrochloride moiety keeps the free amine in check, violent reactivity becomes unlikely, though mixing with strong oxidizers or bases could yield gas and splashing events. Printed certificates of analysis flag any hazardous chemical notes for each lot.
This raw material turns up in both research and full-scale manufacturing. Synthetic chemists looking to produce beta-amino alcohols rely on its reactivity for building more complex molecules. Drug developers appreciate the low toxicity and ease of formulation for preclinical compound libraries. The substance also goes into resin or coating formulations as a functional amine, offering flexibility in end-products from medical reagents to specialty plastics. Its water solubility and compatibility with common solvents let process engineers feed it directly into automated liquid handling for pharmaceutical routes, tightening efficiency and cost savings on raw materials. Industrial-standard grade batches keep contaminant levels low, protecting product safety and performance all down the line.
Best practice starts with staff training: workers and lab technicians need up-to-date hazardous material handling instructions. Storage in airtight, non-metallic containers, with clear hazard labeling and material safety data sheets available on-site, eliminates confusion and helps respond quickly to any incidents. Chemical fume hoods and environmental systems keep air clean and personnel protected. In the event of exposure, standard emergency eyewash and showers should stand ready near handling stations. For regulated uses in pharmaceuticals and biotech, companies should invest in digital tracking of lot numbers and date of receipt, developing a full trace from supplier to end product, which keeps regulatory audits hassle-free.