(S)-3-Amino-1,2-propanediol, also known as L-serinol, belongs to the family of amino alcohols. Its molecular formula is C3H9NO2. The unique combination of an amino group and two hydroxyl groups sets this compound apart in both research and manufacturing. Chemists often consider it a key intermediate when taking on complex synthesis, while manufacturers keep a close eye on its purity and stability due to its critical role as a raw material. Industry assigns it the harmonized system (HS) code 2922199090, which helps organize and streamline its global trade, especially since regulatory compliance plays such a big part in the chemical sector.
Under a microscope or with a reliable model, (S)-3-Amino-1,2-propanediol shows up as a three-carbon chain, each carbon holding its own: the first one connected to an amino group, the second with a hydroxyl group on the side, and the last carbon capped with another hydroxyl. This configuration gives it chirality, and we care about the (S)-enantiomer for its predictable reactivity and biological compatibility compared to the mixture or the (R)-form. In the lab, you find it mostly as a white, crystalline solid, sometimes sold in flakes or powder, occasionally pressed into uniform pearls for easier handling in bulk. Its melting point stays reliably between 45°C and 50°C, helping with consistency during storage and transport. Density hovers close to 1.15 g/cm3 at room temperature, denser than water but lighter than many industrial solvents or acids.
Producers often opt for the solid form — that classic crystalline look — since it stores well, resists clumping, and dissolves evenly when the time comes for formulation. In production, I’ve seen powders stick together in humid environments unless sealed tight. Pearls offer more control for dosing, handy when precision matters for pharmaceuticals or specialty chemicals. In solution, (S)-3-Amino-1,2-propanediol dissolves easily in water and in most lower alcohols. That solubility is what makes it valuable in prepping buffers, making surfactants, or building more complex molecules in the lab or plant. For anyone in manufacturing, knowing how each form behaves at different scales goes a long way in avoiding downtime from caked material or unexpected crystallization.
Reactivity stands out for this compound. The amino group makes it an effective building block for synthesizing surfactants, pharmaceuticals, and even some cosmetic ingredients. Those two hydroxyl arms let it blend into polymers, resins, and even add resilience to coatings. Chemists often build new molecules off those spots, modifying properties like solubility and stability for tailored end products. Safety data sheets list it as low-hazard, though exposure to the neat compound for extended periods—skin contact, dust inhalation, eye exposure—still carries risks, including irritation. Its use in pharmaceutical intermediates puts stricter controls on purity and requires clear tracking of each batch, particularly for manufacturers working under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. The food and drug industries especially demand thorough documentation of its raw material source and chain of custody.
Raw materials like (S)-3-Amino-1,2-propanediol often shine when buyers want traceability, shelf stability, and batch-to-batch predictability. Large-scale chemical producers source it both as a proprietary intermediate and as a selling point for customers looking for high-purity, well-characterized inputs. Cost factors fluctuate with purity requirements — higher grades fetch a premium, while technical grades sell in bulk for industrial uses with less stringent specs. Transport remains straightforward for companies set up for solid and semisolid chemicals, though liquid solutions require appropriate drum or tote containment, leak-proofing, and careful volume calculations in liters or kilograms to stay on target with both order sizes and regulatory restrictions.
Working with (S)-3-Amino-1,2-propanediol in either the pilot plant or production line means good practices matter: gloves, splash-proof goggles, and ventilated workspaces cut down on risk from dust and spills. Reports from the field point out that, while not classed as a hazardous or particularly harmful chemical under most guidelines, the potential for environmental stress arises if large quantities escape into waterways. Disposal protocols focus on neutralization — running small amounts through on-site wastewater treatment or following local hazardous waste collection rules for bulk leftovers. Long-time users in the industry suggest routine air and surface sampling around storage areas just to be sure exposure levels always fall well within the safe and regulated range.
Lab managers and QC analysts lean on consistent specs: melting point documented (often 45–50°C), density near 1.15 g/cm3, purity by HPLC or NMR usually not less than 98%. In solutions, concentration checks rely on titration or spectroscopic analysis, especially for critical applications in biotech or pharma. Questions about odor or visual clarity arise most often in scaled-up processes, as off-spec color or contamination can hint at issues upstream in the supply chain. Reliable suppliers publish batch-specific data sheets and certificates of analysis with each shipment, spelling out exact micro and macro composition, residual solvents, and even the forms—flakes, powder, or pearls—so production teams can plan for equipment cleaning, blending, and packaging. Shipping and customs paperwork demand the correct HS Code 2922199090, ensuring nothing gets held up due to regulatory mismatches or incomplete manifest details.
Innovation in packaging—such as improved moisture-proof containers—can extend shelf life, prevent clumping, and reduce waste. Investment in automated weighing and dispensing systems also shrinks error margins and increases throughput, crucial for demanding pharmaceutical workflows. Those in the field report growing attention to greener sourcing, shifting to plant-based or more renewable feedstocks where possible. Companies committed to sustainability assess each supplier’s environmental compliance records long before agreeing on long-term contracts. Staying on top of supply chain transparency, keeping tabs on regional regulatory changes, and investing in staff safety training together build a more responsible and resilient use of (S)-3-Amino-1,2-propanediol, which benefits both workers and end-users alike.
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