(R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol: A Closer Look

What is (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol?

(R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol arrives in research labs and production floors as a specialty chemical that brings together a substituted aromatic ring and a chiral alcohol function. Its structure, C9H11ClO, outlines a unique arrangement: a phenyl group swings out from the backbone, a chlorine atom attaches at the third carbon, and the molecule’s signature (R)-configuration underscores both selectivity and purity in synthesis. This specific configuration lends itself to roles demanding high stereochemical control, crucial in industries from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals. Labs should expect a solid at room temperature, drifting between white crystalline powder and off-white flakes, depending on its handling and grade.

Physical Properties and Structure

Looking closely, (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol stacks its physical traits to serve bench chemists and process engineers. The molecular weight clocks in at 170.64 g/mol. As a crystalline material, density settles near 1.19 g/cm3, ensuring stable storage in standard glass or HDPE containers. Melting range hovers well above ambient, signaling minimal volatility and a shelf life measured in months, not weeks. Its solubility profile favors polar organic solvents over water, a clue for those planning extractions or work-ups. Most suppliers fill out the product’s description with a sharp melting point and a literature-sourced optical rotation, both confirming stereochemistry batch after batch.

Specifications and Material Form

Process reliability often anchors on strict quality controls. Certified lots of (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol disclose high chemical purity, most above 98%, and less than 0.5% related substances. Companies ship this chemical as filtered solid—some offer it in flakes, others in crystalline powder or even small pearls. Consistency in particle size matters for feeding continuous production or for compounding into specialty blends. Whether you scoop from a drum or measure from a jar, the material stays free-flowing, without caking, if stored cool and dry. Glass bottles or lined fiber drums stand as common vessels. Liter-based liquid solutions don’t surface much, since the solid form best preserves shelf life and purity.

HS Code and Raw Material Context

Every time a customs broker or supply chain manager processes (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol, the HS Code 290629, assigned to halogenated mono-alcohols, slides onto the shipping manifest. This code flags the compound’s classification for international trade, helping ensure compliance with regulations and tariff structures. Raw materials feeding into this chemical’s manufacture trace back to benzene derivatives and chlorinated propanols, origin stories that tie into broader chemical commodity markets. Ethical sourcing and documentation let end users monitor risk and assess lifecycle impacts, increasingly a factor in contract selection.

Hazards, Handling, and Safety Data

Like most specialty chemicals with a chlorinated backbone and active alcohol group, (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol deserves respect in the workplace. Material safety data sheets peg it as harmful if swallowed or inhaled; direct skin or eye contact may cause irritation. Eye protection and gloves aren’t just box-ticking—years in laboratory work teach the value of these basic precautions. Spills flatten quickly with absorbent pads, but users should always ventilate spaces with active handling. Fire behavior mimics other low-volatility aromatic solids; the risk remains moderate, but standard extinguishers will suffice in a pinch. Storage recommendations highlight dry, ambient areas with clear labeling to cut down on mix-ups and accidental misuse.

Applications and Practical Uses

Research and industry teams reach for (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol when precise chemical building blocks matter. Its stereochemistry plays a starring role in synthesizing optically pure intermediates for drugs treating neurological and metabolic conditions. Agrochemical developers also look for this compound when designing chiral agents to interact with enzyme targets. Chemical catalogs bundle it as a raw material for further transformation, trusted for its stable, well-documented structure. Some advanced labs even tailor solutions at exact concentrations by dissolving weighed solid in measured volumes of solvent, creating custom working solutions for their specific processes.

Key Takeaways: Importance and Solutions

Every time a lab or plant buys (R)-(+)-3-Chloro-1-phenylpropanol, that decision reflects a need for stereochemical accuracy and high-purity builds. Safety always comes alongside productivity—companies train their teams; storage and labeling get real attention. Analytics like NMR and HPLC serve as everyday tools to back up certificates of analysis, anchoring trust in every drum or bottle. Substitution risks remain a concern when authenticity shapes a medicine or crop protection product, so chain-of-custody and supplier transparency matter more with each passing year. Anyone working with this compound learns to check batch numbers, document disposals, and review specification sheets before mixing or reacting it, reinforcing best practices that keep both workers and end-users safe.