(R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol belongs to the family of halogenated alcohols and carries importance in both research and industrial fields because of its unique chemical makeup. The compound features a chiral center, which splits it into (R)- and (S)- enantiomers, and the (R)- configuration draws special attention due to its applications in stereoselective synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its systematic IUPAC name is (R)-1-chloropropan-2-ol, with a molecular formula of C3H7ClO and a molar mass of about 94.54 g/mol. HS Code for import and export typically falls under 2905.39, which covers halogenated derivatives of acyclic alcohols.
The structure of (R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol comprises a three-carbon backbone, with a chlorine atom attached to the terminal carbon and a hydroxyl on the central carbon. This arrangement provides both nucleophilic and electrophilic character, enabling the molecule to take part in a broad set of reactions. The presence of the chiral center not only affects its reactivity but also influences physical and biological behaviors. In laboratory and technical literature, handling chirality is not just academic; it controls the outcomes of entire reaction series, especially when developing pharmaceutical intermediates and chiral building blocks. Spectral analysis consistently confirms the compound’s identity—proton NMR shows distinct splitting due to asymmetric hydrogen atoms, while infrared spectra line up with expected alcohol and haloalkane vibrations.
(R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol usually appears as a colorless to very pale yellow liquid under standard temperature and pressure. Its density measures around 1.17 g/cm³, which sits higher than water because of the chlorine atom’s contribution to molecular weight. The melting point generally falls below room temperature, explaining its liquid state in most lab settings. As a liquid, it possesses a mild, somewhat sweet chemical odor, similar to other low molecular weight alcohols. Due to the hydroxyl group, it is miscible with many polar solvents but shows limited solubility in nonpolar solutions. While solid forms, such as flakes or crystals, are extremely rare in practical use, freezing or supercooling at subzero conditions might briefly generate the compound in a solid state, though this is seldom necessary outside of certain storage protocols. Laboratories almost always handle it in liter bottles or smaller vessels due to its hygroscopic and reactive tendencies.
Industrial supply of (R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol places high value on optical purity, typically demanding enantiomeric excess (ee) above 98%. Impurities, such as (S)-enantiomer, diol byproducts, or unreacted starting materials, can compromise downstream syntheses, especially in pharmaceutical contexts where regulatory bodies require strict purity documentation. Analytical labs usually rely on chiral HPLC or GC techniques for precise quantitation, and suppliers often provide Certificates of Analysis with each batch, detailing chemical composition, specific optical rotation, water content, and trace-level contaminants. Operating outside of these specifications raises significant risks, cutting into product effectiveness or safety and potentially violating trade and safety regulations. Liters and kilograms sold to industry must meet these standards, as even small deviations carry costly consequences.
Anyone working around (R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol should respect its toxicological characteristics. Skin and eye contact create irritation quickly, as the compound readily penetrates biological membranes. Inhalation or ingestion exposes the body to neurologic and hepatic stress because halogenated alcohols can metabolize into reactive intermediates inside tissues. Safety data sheets (SDS) recommend using gloves, chemical splash goggles, and working inside certified fume hoods or ventilated areas. Industrial sites must install spill containment for possible leaks and use explosion-proof storage away from acids, bases, and oxidizers, since unplanned reactions generate hazardous vapors. Emergency response teams should train with actual compounds, not just simulants, because these hazards call for understanding specific chemical dynamics. Waste management follows strict hazardous waste protocols, demanding licensed contractors for disposal and full chain-of-custody reporting to limit environmental harm and regulatory risk.
(R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol acts as a valuable raw material in asymmetric synthesis. It appears in supply chains that feed agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical manufacturing, as its structure enables straightforward conversion to epoxides, glycidol derivatives, and aminoalcohols via established synthetic routes. Formulators use its reactivity—mainly the combination of the chloro (leaving group) and hydroxy (nucleophile) moieties—to build new carbon-oxygen or carbon-nitrogen bonds. In research settings, it serves as a probe molecule for studying stereoselective transformations, notably in enzyme-catalyzed reactions that require absolute configuration control. Direct contact with the material in kilogram or liter quantities means strict inventory management, blending technical skill with regulatory compliance, so the final products remain trustworthy for both lab studies and commercial drugs. R&D groups especially depend on a reliable stream of (R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol with well-defined molecular attributes, since any slackening in standards ripples downstream and disrupts new product pipelines.
The industrial and academic sectors continue to grapple with the safe production, transport, and ultimate disposal of halogenated raw chemicals like (R)-1-Chloro-2-propanol. Accidents historically link back to improper containment, lack of awareness, and human error, showing the need for ongoing, active risk management. Regulatory frameworks have helped, but real safety comes down to people knowing the compound’s properties firsthand—its spill behavior, vapor release at ambient temperatures, and possible decomposition under light or heat. Practically speaking, facilities benefit by investing in chemical-specific training and updated spill protocols. Online tracking of containers, real-time air monitoring, and continuous review of analytical data rank higher in protecting both workers and the broader environment. Creative approaches, such as using close-loop systems for transfer and reaction, have started to reduce both raw material loss and exposure risk. Sharing real incidents and near-misses across the field has helped reinforce the tangible importance of site-specific policy, especially for trainees or less experienced personnel. Advances in site automation and real-time analytics should play an even larger part, not to replace human expertise but to support good decisions in moments that truly matter.
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