Benzenepropanol, β-amino-4-hydroxy-, (betaS)-, hydrochloride (1:1) stands out as a specialized organic compound in the chemical world. This material belongs to the family of phenethylamines—its backbone comprised of a benzene ring directly attached to a three-carbon propanol chain, with key functional groups including a β-amino group and a 4-hydroxy substitution. These modifications carve out a space for it in research, particularly in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Through years spent consulting for pharmaceutical labs, I’ve learned that compounds with such functional diversity often end up as vital intermediates in drug development, owing to their ability to form hydrogen bonds and participate in varied reactions. The hydrochloride salt form grants it greater stability and solubility in water, streamlining storage and handling requirements, which is critical in any industrial environment.
This compound does not follow a “one-size-fits-all” model. It turns up across a handful of physical presentations, shaped by both processing methods and end-use scenarios. Most often, you will come across it as a white to off-white powder—this texture results from precise crystallization and purification steps. Bulk suppliers may offer it pressed into small pearls or flakes, with solid blockier crystals on occasion, especially when purity and ease of measurement matter. Some specialty catalogs even list it dissolved in water or organic solvents, in concentrations tailored for laboratory synthesis or scale-up. Having handled both the powder and crystalline forms, I can say that personal protective equipment feels essential—the material’s small particles travel easily in air, carrying potential risk for inhalation.
Structurally, this material rests on a benzene ring fixed with a propanol side chain, a signature β-amino group at the second carbon, and a hydroxy group at the para position. This arrangement reflects in its physical traits—expect a molecular weight suited for mid-sized organic molecules and a formula aligning with C9H13NO2 for the base, with hydrochloride adding to the mass. Its melting point lands in a moderate range, neither the fragile volatility of low-weight organics nor the stubbornness of polymeric materials. The density sits comfortably above 1 g/cm³, much like many crystalline pharmaceutical intermediates. Chemically, this hydrochloride salt dissolves well in water, simplifying preparation of stock solutions in R&D settings. Experience tells me this pays dividends during high-throughput screening, where consistency makes or breaks data quality. Crystals, when viewed under a microscope, appear as colorless monoclinic or orthorhombic forms, which offers clues to purity and batch consistency.
Technical data for this compound typically outlines a purity threshold of at least 98%, with lower water content and stringent limits on both heavy metals and residual solvents. Molecular formula is C9H13NO2·HCl, and a molar mass sits near 203.67 g/mol including the hydrochloride. The structure, with its well-defined chiral center (the “betaS” indicator in the name), means that specific rotation and stereochemical purity are both watched closely. This matters if the end-use touches pharmaceutical assembly lines where enantiomers behave differently in the body. Specification sheets include parameters for melting range, bulk density, particle size, and tests for appearance, solubility, and stability under light and temperature swings. Based on time spent overseeing chemical QC checks, I know that lot-to-lot consistency isn’t just a paperwork requirement—it underpins reliable performance in production and safe use downstream.
Shipping and global trade require the correct harmonized system (HS) code. For benzenepropanol derivatives like this, codes typically align with “Aromatic Monocarboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives”—for reference, numbers often fall in the 2922.50 series, although exact figures come from customs or regulatory authorities. Possession and shipping can involve regulatory filings, especially where the compound could serve as a pharmaceutical precursor or industrial catalyst, bringing oversight from drug enforcement or chemical control bodies in many countries. Veterans in customs brokerage often highlight the importance of matching product labeling to HS code declarations, not only for tax and duty calculations but to stay compliant with regulations targeting controlled substances and hazardous materials.
Safety never comes as an afterthought with chemicals of this class. Both the β-amino group and the hydrochloride salt nature call for a close look at handling instructions. Inhalation of powder dust, as with many low-mass amine salts, risks irritation to airways, and contact with eyes or skin leads to discomfort or, over sustained exposure, more severe reactions. Gloves, protective goggles, and reliable ventilation become essentials, not just check-the-box items, in any lab or plant dealing with this compound in bulk. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information flags risks for acute toxicity, though this material does not rank with the most dangerous industrial chemicals. Customers and users must pay attention to long-term exposure data, occupational sensitivity, and proper disposal—spent material needs secure containment and certified destruction to avoid environmental release. Past incidents traceable to carelessness or mislabeling highlight the importance of continuous training and robust incident response plans, which save both lives and reputations.
This compound’s chemical activity can pose harmful outcomes if used or disposed of without care. Storage calls for cool, dry, and well-ventilated spots—moisture or heat may degrade material or promote hazardous byproducts. Waste streams, especially those involving cleaning liquids, belong in professional chemical waste management cycles, not standard municipal drains. Spillage risk feels tangible during weighing between beakers or during repackaging from drums to laboratory vessels. In regulated markets, its use as a raw material attracts registration and tracking—particularly wherever misuse might feed into the synthesis of pharmaceuticals or chemical intermediates subject to export control. Overlooking local or national regulations can carry stiff penalties, underlining the necessity for up-to-date record keeping and communication with authorities in the jurisdictions where the compound moves or gets used.
Safe and productive use begins with rigorous education of everyone involved—new employees deserve hands-on safety demonstrations, not just slide decks. Real-world drills in spill containment, waste management, and first aid prepare teams for the unlikely, not just the everyday. Suppliers can support responsible use by offering lower-dust forms, tamper-evident packaging, and in-line documentation to trace product movement through the supply chain. On-site audits to check storage and handling protocols make for good neighbor relations as much as regulatory compliance. Eyes on sustainable practices, such as solvent recovery and closed-loop packaging systems, shrink a facility’s environmental footprint. Simple improvements—like tailored PPE kits, ergonomic containers, clearly labeled secondary containment, and improved SOPs—collectively build a culture where misuse or accidents become more rare. From years chatting with colleagues in specialty chemicals, these steps pay off in reduced injuries, higher product yields, and an easier time passing external audits or gaining customer trust.
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