(S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol belongs to the class of organochlorine compounds. The molecule combines a three-carbon backbone with a chlorine atom and a hydroxyl group, which marks its identity for practical chemical synthesis. In my lab days, handling such compounds called for close attention, not only for the yield during chiral reactions but also to track the purity, as its properties influence reactivity in the downstream stage. Chemists often prefer the (S)-enantiomer when assembling enantioselective intermediates, a common scenario in pharmaceutical research. Its IUPAC name follows systematic organic chemistry conventions, but most users recognize its simplified identity when sourcing raw materials.
A glance at the molecular formula reveals C3H7ClO, charting three carbon atoms, seven hydrogens, one chlorine, and a solitary oxygen site. Structurally, the asymmetric carbon at position two delivers chirality — hence the (S) label. The three-dimensional arrangement shapes not only the chemical reactivity but how well it suits asymmetric synthesis, especially for active pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty materials. The skeleton appears straightforward on paper; a hydroxyl group attaches at one end, a chlorine right next to it, uniting practical functionality with manageable reactivity.
Product documentation for (S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol typically lists an HS Code aligning with 2905, which encompasses various alcohols and their halogenated derivatives. Tracking down the right code through customs speeds up importing and ensures legal compliance. Each batch comes with specifications for purity, moisture, and, very often, chiral configuration, as stringent synthesis procedures demand enantiomeric excesses often above 98%. Suppliers advance certificates of analysis tailored to these standards. Documentation reviews keep labs and manufacturers out of trouble, shielding research timelines from regulatory hiccups.
Liquid at room temperature, (S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol usually appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid with a recognizable, somewhat sweetish odor. The density hovers around 1.16 g/cm3 at 20°C. My experience storing it for weeks in sealed amber bottles confirmed its volatility under humid lab conditions, a property anyone in R&D learns quickly. Unlike higher alcohols, it does not crystallize or form flakes under ambient laboratory circumstances. Research records rate its melting point well below normal room temperature, while the boiling point often sits near 153-155°C. Material safety data sheets warn against prolonged inhalation, owing to its potential to irritate mucous membranes. Spillage requires quick mop-up; even a few drops spread an odor that clings to gloves and bench-tops.
(S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol rarely appears as flakes, pearls, powder, or crystals in storage and shipment; the norm remains as a free-flowing liquid to reduce risk of environmental release. Large-scale labs sometimes dissolve it in compatible solvents for use as a ready-to-dose solution, especially in chiral catalysis or for making optically active esters. As a raw material, it blends without fuss into reaction mixtures once concentration and purity align with stated specification sheets. Technicians working with it by the liter cite its pourability and manageable viscosity — easy to measure, not prone to sticking or foaming as with heavier chlorinated compounds.
Working with (S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol invites respect for laboratory safety. Its harmful potential arises mainly through inhalation or skin absorption; irritation of the respiratory tract or skin may follow. Paraphrasing MSDS recommendations from experience, gloves and goggles should never sit idle when decanting or sampling this compound. Short-term exposure above permitted limits can cause headache or dizziness, emphasizing the need for good ventilation. Fire marshals flag it as a combustible liquid due to its flash point sitting around 50°C, necessitating storage away from ignition sources. Given the environmental impact of chlorinated chemicals, disposal into regular drains does not just risk fines—it damages aquatic life. Researchers committed to responsible stewardship gather residuals for hazardous waste programs, an approach as important as documentation in today’s compliance-focused climate.
Researchers and process chemists rely on (S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol as a building block for chiral synthesis, helping to assemble active ingredients for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Its reactivity profile opens up routes to epoxides, amino alcohols, and a spectrum of other functional intermediates that later show up in drugs or specialty materials. Sourcing secure, high-quality batches matters not only for product yield but for minimizing downstream rectification steps—an insight rooted in countless hours spent troubleshooting reactions that faltered due to trace impurities in starting material. Feedback from purchasing teams confirms steady demand, especially where enantiomerically pure intermediates carve out competitive advantage.
Chemical reactivity of (S)-2-Chloro-1-Propanol owes much to its molecular arrangement. Soluble in water and most organic solvents, it finds favor where fast dissolution matters. Boiling and melting point data can make or break an experimental design, helping synthetic chemists dial in reaction conditions with an eye for yield and purity. Its moderate vapor pressure signals easy evaporation under mild heat, so analytical handling often moves quickly from weighing to dissolving—no time wasted watching for stubborn crystals. The moderate polarity bridges water compatibility and organic miscibility, allowing flexible design of synthetic routes. This property, once underestimated, opened new doors for chiral catalysts in asymmetric synthesis, empowering projects on tight timelines and budgets.
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