(S)-beta-Amino-1H-imidazole-4-propanol dihydrochloride shows up in modern chemical research and industry conversations, known for a structure rooted in the imidazole ring and carrying both amino and alcohol functional groups. In its pure form, this chemical arrives as a solid with crystals displaying a range from small, snowflake-like shapes to fine powder. Experience in the lab reminds me how easily it absorbs moisture from the air, which means it demands dry storage in tightly sealed containers. The dihydrochloride form packs extra chloride ions, making it more stable under many conditions and easier to handle compared to some other imidazole derivatives that tend to degrade or react if you aren’t careful.
With a molecular formula of C6H12N4O·2HCl, (S)-beta-Amino-1H-imidazole-4-propanol dihydrochloride weighs in at a molecular weight around 233.11 g/mol. Chemists notice its density falls into the neighborhood of 1.3-1.45 g/cm³, which is reasonably dense for a small organic compound with multiple heteroatoms. The crystalline appearance reflects its purity, and depending on the batch, you might notice the product as fine flakes, pearled granules, or snow-white powder. Some manufacturers supply it dissolved in water or as pre-made solutions to speed up research workflows, though the pure solid tends to be more common for those who want total control over concentration and storage. Compared to bulk chemicals, the solid form lets me measure out doses with precision in the lab, avoiding the unpredictability of solutions that might grow cloudy or degrade.
Its backbone—an imidazole ring—carries substitutions at the beta position, combining an amine and a hydroxyl group. This configuration grants the molecule water solubility and offers multiple binding sites for further modification. Stereochemistry matters in the real world, and the (S)-enantiomer often reacts differently from its mirror-image twin. End uses in pharmaceuticals or specialty synthesis rely on the right enantiomer since biological systems show strong preferences. After years spent working with chiral molecules, I know how often that small difference changes the entire fate of a drug or chemical pathway.
Trading chemicals demands clarity on regulations and classification. (S)-beta-Amino-1H-imidazole-4-propanol dihydrochloride typically lands under a Harmonized System (HS) Code covering organic chemicals with heterocyclic rings. Recent shipments from Europe and Asia identified it under HS Code 2933, which includes heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen. Customs offices set rules for reporting, and missing or misclassifying that code slows down material shipments, holds up research, and sometimes brings fines. Having exact specifications—purity, water content, particle size, chloride content—builds trust with suppliers and keeps compliance on track.
Working with small-molecule organics brings hazards, and this compound requires respect despite its usefulness. The dihydrochloride form is less volatile than the base, but contact with skin or eyes produces irritation, and inhalation of fine dust irritates mucous membranes. Safety protocols call for gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks in areas where powders are handled. If spilled, I always reach for damp towels or HEPA vacuuming rather than dry sweeping to prevent airborne exposure. Material Safety Data Sheets flag it as harmful if swallowed, so eating or drinking near open chemical containers never belongs in any safe lab environment.
Synthesizing (S)-beta-Amino-1H-imidazole-4-propanol dihydrochloride draws on starting materials from fine chemical supply chains, with chiral sources and protective group strategies. Having handled raw imidazoles and amino alcohols before, I can attest to the care required for temperature and pH control during synthesis, as side reactions lead to impurities that haunt downstream applications. In pharmaceutical and diagnostic work, companies rely on robust analytic testing, including HPLC and NMR, to confirm purity and stereochemistry. Small variations in production batches ripple out to laboratory results, so strict quality control and supplier transparency play a major role in maintaining reliable standards.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
