L(+)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-PHENYL-1,3-PROPANEDIOL goes by several names in academic and technical fields, but chemists recognize it instantly for its unique position as a chiral building block, often involved in complex organic synthesis. This compound sits among raw materials essential in pharmaceutical development, serving as an intermediate for active ingredients that require rigid stereochemistry. Structure gives it purpose: A phenyl ring connects to a three-carbon backbone, anchoring two hydroxyl groups and an amino group, creating a scaffold that can be tailored into valuable pharmaceuticals or specialized research tools.
Talking about its appearance, it usually presents as a solid at room temperature. In a laboratory vial, one might watch it crystallize into colorless flakes, a sign of high purity. Some batches may turn up as a fine powder, while others are pressed into pearls for easier handling or transport. Melting points hover in the moderate range, reflecting molecular stability. Chemically, the molecular formula stands as C9H13NO2, and weighing it gives a molecular mass close to 167.21 g/mol. Density measurements put it at around 1.18 g/cm3 in the solid state, making it heavier than many common organics but easy to measure and ship. Its solubility finds favor in polar solvents; water and alcohol help in mixing it for reactions or when working on solution-based research. As a crystal, the compound often offers clean, sharp boundaries—no waxy residue sticking to the glassware—making cleanup manageable.
Its chemical backbone lets it serve as a versatile intermediate or as a core subunit for further modification. The phenyl group delivers aromatic stability and a handle for future substitutions, while the amino and diol moieties encourage hydrogen bonding—useful in synthesis routes needing controlled reactivity. Hydrogen bonding also affects its crystal lattice, translating into thermal properties that synthetic chemists can count on during scale-up. The stereo configuration—L(+), specifically threo—is vital when selectivity can make the difference between a potent medicine and an inactive isomer. Specifying chirality always matters to pharmaceutical quality and safety. Its reactivity shows up under standard lab reactions: hydrogenation, protection-deprotection schemes, and coupling. Whether working at small, analytical scales or larger quantities, handling doesn’t introduce surprises, provided moisture and extreme pH are kept at bay.
Classification through the Harmonized System (HS) Code places L(+)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-PHENYL-1,3-PROPANEDIOL under chemical raw materials, typically in the code range for amino alcohols or derivatives. From personal experience, anyone importing or exporting this compound expects scrutiny on purity and end-use, especially in regulated jurisdictions. Customs documentation needs accuracy: full chemical name, concentration, weight, and intended application. Missing details can lock a shipment in customs, threatening research timelines or production contracts. Regulatory bodies across North America, Europe, and Asia often require full safety documentation and up-to-date material safety data sheets (MSDS).
This compound finds a home in early-stage synthesis, where structure matters more than volume. Large pharma companies and boutique research labs both value its ability to act as a chiral starting material—a crucial trait for asymmetric synthesis. Small metric tons can outfit an entire research campaign on enzyme analogs, HIV inhibitors, or rare disease drug candidates. On a personal note, suppliers charge premium rates for enantiomerically pure material because cheaper racemates require tedious separation and waste both time and reagent. Documented yields, isolation protocols, and storage capabilities form the backbone of reliable supply chains. Anyone with experience in custom synthesis will tell you that robust analytical data—NMR spectra, HPLC chiral purity, and IR fingerprints—keeps procurement and quality assurance departments confident.
Chemical safety comes down to preparation and respect. L(+)-THREO-2-AMINO-1-PHENYL-1,3-PROPANEDIOL doesn’t act dramatically compared to the worst lab hazards, but risks exist. Powdered forms can disperse and become inhalation hazards if left uncovered, so fume hood use pairs with common sense. Glove use minimizes skin exposure, and if a spill occurs, solid state eases the cleanup process—scrape, sweep, dispose as per hazardous waste protocols. The material doesn’t ignite easily, but strong oxidizers and acids trigger reactions. Eyewash stations and spill kits still earn their keep. Long-term exposure data remains limited, but standard protocols suggest minimizing direct contact, adequate ventilation, and safe storage conditions—dry, cool, and in tightly sealed containers. When scaling from gram to kilogram, risk grows, so trained staff and detailed procedures reduce accident rates. I recall a colleague learning the importance of meticulous weighing—not because the chemical rushed out of the container, but because careless habits can build over time. Repeated tiny spills stain benchtops and stretch cleanup duties from seconds to hours.
Toxicological studies point to mild to moderate acute effects on direct exposure—skin or eye irritation on contact, gastrointestinal distress from accidental ingestion. Data on chronic effects are scarce, so safety officers lean toward conservative measures in disposal. Environmental regulations treat it as a controlled chemical waste: No pouring down drains, no landfill disposal without neutralization. Proper incineration or accredited chemical waste companies handle disposal responsibly. Any accidental release in water systems risks bioaccumulation or toxicity events, though large-scale incidents remain rare. Labs working near schools or food production see extra scrutiny, rightly so; risk management always beats damage control. Documentation and transparency build trust with regulators and neighboring communities alike.
Efficiency and safety rise with diligent labeling, storage, and staff training. Vendors offering batch-level documentation, certificates of analysis, and cold-room shipping win contracts. Open communication between supplier, handler, and end user reduces delivery mistakes and storage errors. Investing in digital inventory management cuts loss and helps with compliance. Research staff and junior chemists benefit from in-house workshops on safe handling, proper weighing, and emergency response. Good habits at the bench ripple through an organization, turning rare incidents into vanishingly rare events. Integrating sustainability—choosing greener routes, recycling solvents, minimizing waste—pleases both regulators and stakeholders. In my own time spent coordinating chemical logistics, proactive planning and staff empowerment always paid off more than after-the-fact fixes.
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