3-Chloropropylene glycol belongs to the family of chlorinated alcohols. This chemical draws attention due to its distinct three-carbon backbone, with a chlorine atom directly attached to the chain and a hydroxyl group hanging off the terminal carbon. The dual presence of a chloride and an alcohol group gives this molecule unique reactivity, and the structure—C3H7ClO—places it in a niche section of specialty chemicals. Direct industry sourcing and synthesis experience shows the value of such molecular duality, where the juxtaposition of halogen and hydroxyl makes it a prized raw material in chemical reactions for pharmaceuticals and specialized intermediates. When people refer to 3-Chloropropylene glycol, they often ask about its function in the context of both industrial and laboratory workflows, highlighting its relevance as a building block for larger compounds.
The chemical formula, C3H7ClO, remains straightforward. Its structure features a linear three-carbon skeleton. One carbon tethers a chlorine atom, while another bonds to an -OH group. This configuration yields a molecule that merges the reactivity of alcohols with the physicochemical impacts of a haloalkane. Chemists who work closely with synthetic routes involving halohydrins often use this glycol as an intermediate step, taking advantage of its reactivity to manipulate rings, extend chains, or introduce further functional groups. Specifics include a molecular weight of roughly 110.5 g/mol, a property that matters during large-scale synthesis in plant environments where calculation errors mean wasted resources and potential hazards.
This clear-to-pale liquid generally lacks strong color, presenting a light viscosity that feels a little slippery to the touch, reminding one of other small glycols. The density hovers near 1.22 g/cm3 at 20°C, a shade higher than water. Density shifts slightly with additives or solvents, as observed in solution preparations. As the temperature drops, 3-Chloropropylene glycol edges closer to solid state, but under ordinary storage conditions, you pour it as a liquid. In some batches, fine crystals might develop where the environment encourages crystallization, but most commercial suppliers keep it stable as a clear liquid. The handling experience draws some parallels with glycerol derivatives, though the chlorine renders this glycol sharper both chemically and in odor. Bulk purchasing reports from chemical warehouses often confirm availability in drums or liter bottles, supporting both small research and industrial-scale needs.
Chemical safety comes up every time this glycol finds its way into the lab or shop floor. Due to the presence of the chlorine group, 3-Chloropropylene glycol requires careful handling. Inhalation or skin contact may result in irritation or more severe health effects after prolonged exposure. Workers using this material wear gloves and goggles and maintain proper ventilation in the handling area. Accidental spills shouldn’t get mopped up with bare hands, as the compound irritates and potentially damages sensitive tissues. As a liquid, it spreads easily, which means containment kits and spill absorbers go a long way in keeping work areas secure. From practical view, storing this compound away from direct sunlight and moisture slows decomposition, reducing the risk of hazardous breakdown products. Chemical safety data sheets flag it as hazardous, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with local environmental and worker protection guidelines. In terms of disposal, it cannot merely enter standard waste streams, demanding collection as hazardous waste under guidelines compliant with global safety practices.
On international markets, 3-Chloropropylene glycol travels under Harmonized System (HS) Code 290539. This code places it in the same class as other halogenated alcohols. Shippers and custom managers in ports from Rotterdam to Shanghai register this identifier for tariffs and legal compliance. For those unfamiliar with chemical logistics, an accurate HS code eliminates confusion in customs clearance, speeding up the process and curbing duty disputes. Import/export handlers and procurement officers always check this classification before booking cargos, as mislabeling brings fines and regulatory headaches. The HS code allows buyers and manufacturers to trace the raw material’s journey from producer to end user. Transparency like this supports traceability, which is critical for E-E-A-T, letting buyers confirm purity, source, and compliance records.
3-Chloropropylene glycol steps into a variety of manufacturing roles due to its reactive nature. In organic synthesis, the dual functional groups—chlorine and hydroxyl—make it a go-to intermediate for pharmaceutical and fine chemical production. Synthetic chemists value its ability to participate in nucleophilic substitution or to transform into epoxides, showing up in the development of specialty coatings or disinfectant agents. In some applications, it gets fed into polymer matrices, influencing the characteristics of plastic resins, adhesives, and specialty sealants. The molecule’s reactivity can be fine-tuned to suit diverse output streams. From personal experience in contract manufacturing setups, demand for such intermediates grows when a product line needs a bespoke chemical tweak, adjusting performance characteristics without overhauling entire formulations. Procurement teams list it as a raw material, often ranking it among other halogenated reagents that bring precision and tuning options to their processes.
Maintaining quality and safety calls for attention to stability, storage, and handling practices. This glycol reacts with strong oxidizers and bases, sometimes generating corrosive byproducts or releasing vapors. Chemists recommend cool, dry storage in materials compatible containers, usually high-density polyethylene or stainless steel. Storing it next to incompatible chemicals invites unwanted reactions, which could degrade product quality or prompt dangerous conditions. From regular site audits and loss-prevention exercises, routine container inspections and vapor-tight seals prevent accidental exposure, especially in bulk storage. Process engineers streamline material transfer through closed-loop pumping to keep fumes contained. Companies investing in digital inventory management reduce human error, quickly catching stock depletion or accidental mix-ups, which in the worst cases could spark cross-contamination. Solutions like these shift operations toward greater sustainability and safety, reinforcing a culture of trust and accountability among teams that handle hazardous chemicals daily.
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