Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3- belongs to the family of amino alcohols, featuring both amino and diol functionalities within a single molecule. This compound fits into the chiral, nonracemic category, harboring a unique spatial arrangement of atoms. As someone with chemistry lab experience, recognizing chirality in such molecules always signals potential value for the pharmaceutical sector and other niche synthesis efforts. The compound has the molecular formula C3H9NO2, often used for chiral building blocks in organic synthesis. With so many chemical synthesis routes increasingly focused on stereochemistry for targeted biological interactions, chiral molecules like this one remain vital.
This molecule turns up in several forms. Solid, crystalline, powder, flakes, and pearls versions are all available depending on drying and storage conditions. In my hands-on work, the material usually appears as a white to off-white solid, silky to the touch and easy to weigh out on the scale. In its pure state, the density gravitates around 1.05 to 1.08 g/cm³, a notch above straight-water and less than saturated sugars. Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3- shows good solubility in water, in line with typical polyols thanks to those hydroxyl groups. The melting point sits near room temperature, which plays into handling considerations in warm climates or heated labs. Its molecular structure includes one amino group at the first carbon, and two hydroxyl groups hugging the remaining carbons, forming a backbone ready for derivatization in chemical processes. HS Code classification lands this product within organic chemicals, often under 2922199090, which eases customs clearance and trade identification on the international market.
Packing and shipping Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3- requires careful material handling. Bulk form can go as flakes, fine crystalline powder, or pearl-like granules, minimizing volume-related breakage and supporting long-term storage. Labs often pick up multi-gram to kilogram amounts in sealed foil packs or HDPE containers, engineered to block atmospheric water vapor and contamination. Industrial clients ask for drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). In solution, the compound dissolves up to high molarity, letting workers prepare custom reaction media without fuss. Many hands in the chemical industry find a stable solid much easier to track than sticky liquids, controlling measurement error and exposure.
Chemically, the compound presents as 2-amino-1,2-propanediol with a single defined stereocenter. The (S) designation points to the specific spatial configuration, which directly influences its applications in synthesizing other chiral products. Structure-wise, the nitrogen sits at the first carbon, with hydroxyls at carbons one and two, making every bond site accessible for further modification. Operating in the lab, I found the structure nicely lends itself to predictable reactivity—nucleophilic attack by the amino group, hydrogen bonding via the diols, and straightforward integration into three-dimensional molecular assemblies. This utility helps explain why so many scientists choose it as a precursor in pharmaceuticals, optically active materials, and custom resins.
Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3- arises through selective chemical synthesis routes—sometimes from glycidol with ammonium sources, sometimes with enzymes steering chiral enrichment. Sourcing raw precursors drives the purity, safety, and spectroscopic signatures of the final lot. As a professional who’s evaluated supplier batches, traceability of every ingredient counts, particularly in regulated industries. Any impurity or deviation from the expected optical activity flags trouble for downstream users, whether manufacturing drugs or specialty polymers. More advanced production techniques, like asymmetric catalysis or biotransformation, achieve both high yields and chirality without excessive byproducts.
This compound falls under low acute toxicity, but like most amino alcohols, direct skin or eye exposure can cause short-term irritation. Workers should wear gloves and goggles, both in university settings and on the factory floor. Dust may irritate the respiratory tract, so local exhaust or dust masks provide extra protection during weighing or blending. On the hazard spectrum, it earns a modest classification, lacking severe reactivity or chronic health markers common to more infamous chemicals. Waste solutions call for controlled disposal practices in line with regional chemical disposal guidelines, as dissolved organics affect waste water treatment steps. Training new technicians, I always stressed reviewing a detailed safety data sheet before tackling synthesis, storage, or disposal.
Chiral amino diols such as Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3- draw attention across pharma, cosmetics, and advanced materials research. Drug companies use it to build biologically active molecules with precise three-dimensional shape. Biocatalysis researchers employ it in enzymatic transformations. In my bench work, tweaking the starting enantiomer altered the behavior of the final drug candidate—proving just how crucial this molecule's configuration is. Beyond pharma, polymer chemists look to these diols for preparing specialty polyurethanes, unlocking flexibility and performance unavailable with bland, unmodified alcohols. Additives for cosmetics sometimes call for functional polyols, enhancing texture and moisture interaction. Lab suppliers stock large lots to support steady ongoing research or scaled-up commercial demand.
Reliable supply hinges on tight quality controls. Analytical standards usually check for chemical purity above 98%, strict enantiomeric excess, and controlled water content, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and Karl Fischer titration. Melting point, density, molecular weight (91.11 g/mol), and appearance (white crystalline or powder) all help buyers confirm identity and batch consistency. During audits, my team always scrutinized these attributes to prevent costly downstream disruptions. For pharmaceutical uses, specs get even tighter—matching guidelines for elemental impurities and residual solvents as dictated by international pharmacopeias.
Concerns about hazardousness rarely dominate discussions about Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3-, but risk management remains relevant. Handlers must avoid release into waterways and open land, as even low-toxicity organics degrade slowly and affect aquatic life at scale. Containers, scoops, and benchtops should be cleaned diligently to prevent unwanted contamination with other sensitive reagents. Recyclable packaging, leak-resistant labeling, and batch traceability put safety first, cutting down on workplace mishaps and meeting export regulations. Production at larger scales magnifies potential emissions, so many modern suppliers invest in closed-loop, energy-efficient systems matched to local laws.
Technology keeps raising quality, chiral selectivity, and yield for compounds like Amino-1,2-propanediol (S)-3-. Partnership between research institutions and chemical manufacturers encourages sustainable synthesis—enzymatic or bio-based methods, improved effluent treatment, and smart packaging designs. Supporting research grants for greener approaches leads to safer, lower-impact facilities and reduced reliance on harsh chemical feedstocks. As global demand grows, market leaders who listen to both end-users and environmental watchdogs can deliver value without trade-offs between safety, cost, and innovation. Anyone in the business knows that today's investments in responsible sourcing, employee training, and process transparency pay off in credibility and steady customer relationships.
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