(S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol: What You Need to Know

Description and Structure

(S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol comes from the group of organochlorine compounds. The formula C3H7ClO translates to a molecule with three carbons, seven hydrogens, one chlorine atom, and one oxygen atom. Looking closely at its arrangement, a hydroxyl group bonds to a central carbon, and that same carbon carries a chlorine atom. The presence of that asymmetric carbon leads the molecule to exist as this specific (S) enantiomer. It doesn’t just change the way light passes through a solution of the compound—chirality matters deeply in the world of organic synthesis and pharmaceutical chemistry, shaping how the molecule interacts with enzymes and other chemicals. Its molecular weight hits just under 96.5 g/mol, allowing for precise calculation in lab protocols and industrial recipes. In terms of standard identifiers, (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol carries recognized CAS registry and EC numbers seen in regulatory documents and supplier catalogs, aligning it with global tracing standards, including the HS Code 2905.39 under “Halogenated aliphatic alcohols.”

Physical Properties

In pure form, (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol displays as a colorless to slightly off-white liquid at room temperature. Its clarity mirrors the care needed in storage and handling—low moisture and away from intense heat; you don’t want this material breaking down or reacting unintentionally. I’ve found the density, sitting at about 1.135 g/cm³ at 20°C, serves as a handy clue during quality checks, particularly when confirming purity by comparing measured densities to the value on the certificate of analysis. The boiling point hovers roughly at 127-130°C, inviting smooth distillation processes, while its melting point sits well below freezing, making solid or flake forms rare without lab-controlled environments. Some catalogues list powder or crystalline samples, though for most applications—especially as a chemical intermediate—the liquid form stays on the bench. (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol dissolves readily in water and mixes with polar organic solvents, a property that lets it slot into both aqueous and organic systems.

Applications and Raw Material Role

Factories and research labs reach for (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol as a key raw material for chiral synthesis. Its chirality paves the way for drug development projects, where controlling the stereochemistry of active compounds leads to advances in pharmaceuticals. My experience in lab-scale asymmetric synthesis highlighted the way this chemical cuts steps in building up those carbon frameworks—saving hours and reducing the waste associated with racemic mixtures. In specialty chemical manufacturing, its reactivity opens doors to epoxide production, surfactants, and even some agricultural products. Anyone handling this material should check for the intended enantiomer: in some applications, even tiny amounts of the wrong isomer can sabotage an entire product batch or pipeline run.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

With every shipment of (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol in a glass bottle or steel drum, those hazard pictograms deserve their space. This is not a substance you treat with casual neglect. Short-term exposure can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system; I keep gloves nearby and never skip the goggles or lab coat when opening containers. The chemical also presents risks in terms of flammability and environmental harm if spilled. Adequate ventilation, spill control kits, and approved waste disposal channels protect both workers and the surrounding environment. Signs about avoiding inhalation, preventing skin contact, and securing proper storage conditions in cool, dry areas ring true based on my own routines. Don’t forget: safety data sheets detail risk phrases (like R22 for harmful if swallowed and R36/38 for irritating to eyes and skin) for a reason. Proper chemical transport protocols and training in emergency response form a backbone of risk mitigation in facilities using this compound.

Material Specifications

Buyers check purity levels—often at or above 98%—as tightly as they check delivery schedules. Analytical labs confirm optical rotation, using polarimetry to distinguish if the sample contains the active (S) form, not a racemic mix. Each lot comes with certificate-backed specifications: boiling and melting points, refractive index, color and visual appearance, specific gravity (which links directly to the density), and absence of moisture or heavy metals. Some suppliers provide the product as a stabilized solution, sometimes in liter quantities or as part of larger blends. More advanced users look past surface details: chemical structure and molecular descriptors put the material in the right reactivity class for epoxidation, nucleophilic substitution, or as a step in multi-stage organic synthesis.

Molecular Interactions and Chemical Behavior

The chloro group activates that central carbon toward further reaction, especially with bases or nucleophiles—meaning you can use (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol to build complicated chiral scaffolds. Many synthesis schemes rely on this intermediate’s selective reactivity, avoiding byproduct headaches and helping keep waste streams manageable. Its solubility in water and many organic solvents makes it adaptable across different chemical workups. I've used its reactivity for quick substitutions and alkylation steps, and I always respect how a small temperature jump can push the process forward—sometimes a little too fast if you’re not watching. Plenty of literature points out the importance of reaction monitoring (TLC, NMR, GC-MS), as ramping up conditions or running out of inert gas can tip the balance toward undesired side products.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Authorities classify (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol as hazardous due to its toxicity profile and impact on aquatic life. Waste streams require careful neutralization and follow-up with certified hazardous waste handlers. In my own work, strict record-keeping on purchase, storage, and disposal has tracked every gram from delivery through to incineration or chemical treatment, satisfying regulators and environmental management systems. There’s also increasing attention on substituting safer alternatives where possible, or improving process designs to minimize worker exposure and release to the environment. Inspections and third-party audits demand evidence of compliance, stretching from documented risk assessments to personal protective equipment logs.

Summary Table: Key Properties and Identification

Conclusion: Why Take Care with (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol

Any workplace that handles (S)-(+)-2-Chloro-2-Propanol has a responsibility to keep standards high and risks low. From setting up ventilation hoods to collating certificates from suppliers, every step helps keep people and the planet safe. For those pursuing new routes in medicinal chemistry or materials science, knowing the specifics—density, formula, physical state, safe handling—builds the base for innovation without cutting corners on safety or accountability.