(R)-1-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol stands out as a chiral diol with a phenyl group unlike many simpler diols found in the lab. Its molecular formula, C9H12O2, carries a specific molecular weight of 152.19 g/mol. Each molecule features two hydroxyl groups on a three-carbon backbone, with the phenyl ring branching from the first carbon. Its chirality means it plays a real role in asymmetric synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and even fine chemicals, attracting attention from scientists who aim for high precision in synthetic processes.
This compound appears most often as a white to off-white crystalline solid or powder. The crystals can show a slight pearlescent shine under good light, revealing purity and proper handling. With a melting point ranging between 68-72°C, it stays solid at room temperature, making it easy to store and handle in a research setting. Its specific gravity settles at around 1.128 g/cm³ at 20°C. Moisture can make it slightly sticky, but under dry conditions, it keeps its flake or powder form well. It smells faintly aromatic, similar to many aromatic diols, while staying much less volatile than partially hydrogenated aromatics.
At the core, (R)-1-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol features a three-carbon chain, hydroxyls at the first and third positions, and a phenyl group bonded to the same carbon as the first hydroxyl. This set-up creates a backbone useful for chemical transformations or as building blocks in complex organic synthesis. Synthetic chemists favor this arrangement since it enables stereo-controlled processes, leading to better yields and high-purity end products. The solid’s crystalline structure reflects strong hydrogen-bonding between hydroxyl groups, responsible for much of its stability and predictable melting point.
Products available in the market typically present this chemical with a purity of 98% or higher, offering a low moisture content to support sensitive reactions in the pharmaceutical sector. Standard packing comes in sealed polyethylene or glass containers to guard against atmospheric contamination. Lab-scale uses often demand as little as a few grams, while industry orders go by the kilogram. The Harmonized System (HS) Code for customs classification tends to fall under 2906.29, which covers aromatic alcohols, excluding benzyl alcohol. Its specification sheets usually note key characteristics like melting point range, water content (often under 0.5%), and specific rotation to confirm enantiomeric purity.
In terms of density, its value stands out around 1.13 g/cm³, noticeable in both crystalline solid and finely powdered forms. Handlers usually prefer the powder or flake form for ease of weighing and dissolving, though it occasionally appears as small pearls or coarse crystals fresh from recrystallization. Dissolution works best in ethanol, methanol, or warm acetone, but it shows only moderate solubility in cold water, unlike shorter chain diols. Storage asks for a cool, dry place, with containers tightly sealed. In my experience, proper attention to storage keeps oxidation and moisture uptake to a minimum, ensuring consistency in analytical and synthetic work.
Safety always matters when handling chemicals, especially those destined for pharmaceutical synthesis. (R)-1-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol carries a low but real risk; skin and eye contact should be avoided as it can irritate mucous membranes. Workspaces need good ventilation because powder can generate small amounts of dust. Standard safety advice urges the use of gloves, lab coats, and protective eyewear. Spilled solid, due to its low volatility, poses minimal inhalation hazard but can make surfaces slick. It reacts mildly with oxidizers, so storing it away from peroxides or strong acids improves lab safety. In case of fire, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powders, or water fog handle the flames best. Waste generated from this raw material in laboratory-scale quantities fits most chemical disposal protocols, but larger producers must comply with local environmental guidelines to prevent waterway contamination.
This diol does not see broad household use, yet as a raw material in chemical synthesis, it serves a real purpose. Pharmaceutical manufacturers tap it for producing chiral intermediates or as resolving agents. The polymer industry has explored its use for specialty plastics, although demand here stays relatively small. Specialty coating and fine chemical makers sometimes prefer it when they aim for high structural definition in intermediates. The need for reliable chiral building blocks will only rise as personalized medicine expands; the enantiopure nature of this compound addresses a stubborn gap in that field. The ability to obtain high-quality, contamination-free (R)-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol, therefore, turns into a competitive advantage and an asset for drug safety and effectiveness.
Some challenges persist for both suppliers and end users. Counterfeit or low-purity products can disrupt syntheses, introduce toxic byproducts, or ruin expensive drug batches. To minimize this, buyers need transparent sourcing from established chemical suppliers, preferably with batch traceability and COAs (certificates of analysis) available on demand. Makers should focus on solvent efficiency during production and apply strict purification routines—sometimes, two-stage recrystallization solves recurring purity headaches. For those using substantial amounts, negotiating bulk agreements with suppliers can bring manufacturing costs down while standardizing product quality. On the waste management front, research into closed-loop purification provides a path to greener chemistry and tighter regulation compliance.
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