(S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol: Product Description, Properties, and Chemical Data

What Is (S)-3-Tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol?

Understanding chemical building blocks forms the backbone of pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing. (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol is a specialty compound recognized for its chiral purity and reliable reactivity profile. Those working in R&D or process synthesis look for materials offering clean, well-defined structures. The compound features a tert-butylamino group attached to the chiral center of a 1,2-propanediol, resulting in an asymmetric molecule essential for enantioselective synthesis. As a raw material, it can serve as an intermediate, especially for active pharmaceutical ingredients demanding stereochemistry. Companies value tight specifications and repeatable quality to reduce batch variability and ensure downstream process robustness.

Product Structure and Molecular Information

Getting to the root of this compound’s properties starts with its molecular composition. (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol, known by its molecular formula C7H17NO2, combines a tertiary butyl group with an amino-substituted propane backbone. Its molecular weight stands at 147.22 g/mol. Reading structural diagrams brings appreciation for the single chiral center at carbon three, making the (S) enantiomer distinct and valuable for certain synthetic targets. The ability to distinguish (S) from its (R) counterpart arises from rigorous stereoselective synthesis and analytical verification such as chiral HPLC or NMR. Precise atomic arrangement enables highly specific interactions downstream, making this key for applications in chiral chemistry.

Physical Properties: Appearance, Forms, and Consistency

Moving from molecular to tangible, (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol enters the lab or plant as a solid, often supplied in white crystals, fine powder, or even pearlescent flakes depending on crystallization and handling. This flexibility supports application across different formulations. Handling the pure compound reveals it starts as a solid at room temperature and, if pressed, will show a melting point typically in the 70–90°C range, depending on purity. For those measuring by bulk, its density sits close to 1.04 g/cm³, a figure often needed for scaling reactions and calculating mixing protocols. Its solubility in polar solvents such as water or ethanol underpins its utility as a coupling intermediate, dissolving easily to offer clean, homogeneous solutions.

Key Specifications: Purity, Safety Information, and HS Code

Laboratory-grade or production-scale chemicals carry a spec list. The industry expects high chemical purity, often >98% enantiomeric excess, checked by chromatographic methods. Quality control needs clear presentation of certificate of analysis, batch testing, and storage guidelines. Chemical safety data comes next. (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol does not reach the hazard profile of aggressive corrosives, but safe handling still requires attention. Accidental contact may lead to mild irritation; adequate PPE—gloves, goggles, lab coats—remains standard. Material safety data sheets advise storage away from acids and oxidizing materials, and indicate safe temperature control, ideally a dry and cool environment. For international shipping and logistics, (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol uses the Harmonized System (HS) Code for amino alcohols and derivatives, often 2922.19, streamlining import processes and compliance. Navigating regulatory landscapes, these details make a difference between smooth orders and unexpected delays.

Applications, Material Role, and Raw Material Considerations

From my perspective in synthetic labs and discussions with industry partners, this propanediol derivative fills gaps both as a reagent and as a template for advanced molecule crafting. It gets pressed into use not just in pharmaceuticals but also in specialty polymers where chiral centers impart unique physical or functional properties. Its role as a raw material links directly to the need for high value, high specificity segments of chemical manufacturing. Companies racing for patentable drugs or creating optically active compounds start from solid, predictable intermediates. Choosing bad-quality chemical feedstock poisons entire batches, burns time, and risks regulatory snags. Clean, high-assay (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol helps industry sidestep these problems.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Notes

Keeping both people and the planet in focus, handling protocols build off established chemical hygiene. Labs rely on fume hoods to reduce inhalation, even though acute toxicity is not as high as other amino alcohol compounds. Waste management asks for neutralization of spent solutions and careful labeling—no down-the-drain disposal. In manufacturing, closed-system processing keeps vapors contained and workplace exposures far below occupational limits. In my experience, operations that commit to strong chemical literacy across the workforce see fewer accidents, less loss, and improved compliance reviews. Upstream procurement teams often prefer sourcing from verified suppliers to limit contamination risks and ensure full MSDS traceability.

Density, Solubility, and Handling Guidelines

The density and solubility numbers play out on the plant floor as much as the analytical lab. Operators calculate reaction yields by weighing out the starting solid, then dissolving it in precise solvent volumes, letting reactions run to completion with less time wasted resuspending stubborn powders. Solubility in ethanol and water gives chemists options for both organic and aqueous synthetic planning, supporting everything from peptide coupling to custom ligand development. Handling bulk shipments—be it crystalline forms or large drums of solution—demands verification of content, proper labeling, and effective segregation from other reactive cargos. Consistent GHS labeling supports safe logistics worldwide, offloading liability nightmares usually avoidable with organized protocols.

Industry Insights and Future Pathways

Chemical supply chains for raw materials like (S)-3-tert-Butylamino-1,2-Propanediol face steady pressure from rising quality standards, traceability demands, and environmental scrutiny. Manufacturers aiming for global reach build both robust analytical validation and strong stewardship into their practices, letting buyers track origin and trust purity claims. Adopting new analytical tools, such as NMR for chiral confirmation or advanced LCMS, reduces error and catches impurities before they short-circuit product runs. Regulators trend toward full disclosure of chemical profiles; this changes how suppliers market not just purity but also ecological and toxicological data. My visits to production sites confirm that investments in training, extraction controls, and documentation beat the competition—reducing recalls and winning repeat contracts for specialty chemicals.

Summary Data Table