2,3-Diaminophenazine stands out as an organic chemical compound with strong roots in both laboratory and industrial settings. With the molecular formula C12H10N4, this material brings together aromatic stability and a set of lively amine functionalities. Physically, it often shows up as a deep orange or dull yellow crystalline solid, with a tendency to present itself in the form of flakes or fine powder. Some suppliers process it as larger solid pearls or granules for easier handling and measurement, but the substance never appears as a true liquid under ordinary conditions. The HS Code for this material, reflecting its place among organic chemicals, typically falls within 2933, which houses nitrogen-function compounds—researchers and logistics teams use this code for customs and regulatory filings from one border to another.
Push past just the appearances and the molecule reveals a fascinating structure. The phenazine ring keeps electron flow stable and delocalized, supporting physical stability and some unique redox properties. The two amine groups attach at the 2 and 3 positions, making this compound more reactive in chemical syntheses than the base phenazine scaffold. With this arrangement, the substance forms a planar crystalline lattice. This regular, repeating arrangement tends to keep the theoretical density around 1.4–1.5 g/cm3, depending on the precise crystalline form and the presence of moisture or impurities in the sample. In practice, people measure varying densities due to different methods of preparation and degrees of aggregation—something I’ve seen trip up more than a few researchers who are used to technical-grade purity.
By eye and hand, handling this material feels different depending on the cut. Fine powders cling a bit, flakes sometimes stack and catch on gloves, while the solid chunks can feel brittle, almost like an old shellac. If you try to dissolve it, plan ahead: 2,3-Diaminophenazine does not dissolve well in water. It fares better in many polar organic solvents, like dimethyl sulfoxide or acetone, which makes sense considering its aromatic backbone and those bulky amine groups. Workers in labs often weigh it out in powder form, but larger operations might ship the substance in big drums lined to protect it from moisture and contamination. No matter the scale, safe handling gets attention, because both the dust and the parent molecules hold some risks.
People who work directly with 2,3-Diaminophenazine understand the hazards. While not famous for extreme toxicity, both inhaling the dust and letting it linger on bare skin can lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Nitrile or latex gloves, eye protection, and a chemical-rated dust mask stand as the bare minimum for routine procedures in most shops and research centers. It helps to have good ventilation—fume hoods, spot extractors, or at least a nice draft through the workspace. As with many aromatic amines, concerns exist about long-term exposure, and while conclusive links to carcinogenicity for this exact compound haven’t surfaced, the structure certainly raises red flags in current safety data. I remember one safety seminar where a chemist pointed out the similarity between this class of compounds and older synthetic dyes—many of which left a trail of health questions in their wake. You don’t want the raw material drifting onto your desk or onto communal surfaces.
In practical terms, chemists and engineers seek out 2,3-Diaminophenazine for its role as a synthetic intermediate. The chemical synthesis world values this molecule as a building block for certain dyes, pharmaceuticals, and research ligands. Its amine groups open plenty of doors for further branched reactions, and its robust conjugated system offers reliable electronic properties. Some batteries research groups experiment with such aromatic scaffolds for new redox-active materials, while biotechnology outfits tweak the core for experimental stains and probes. In my own work, samples of 2,3-Diaminophenazine have passed across the bench as starting points for everything from colorimetric reagents to early medicinal chemistry tests. Raw material sourcing teams always look for clear documentation: HS Code, purity percentage, batch-specific data, packing weight in kilograms or by liter (if in solution form), and handling requirements spelled out for shipping and receiving.
Actually storing this material turns out to require some care. Exposure to light and air gradually dulls the color and, over time, knocks down purity as the amine groups oxidize or the aromatic rings pick up unwanted additions from environmental contaminants. Many labs keep it under nitrogen or argon, or with desiccant pouches if the compound will sit for months. You don’t want to store it next to strong acids, oxidizers, or open flames, since the molecule doesn’t always behave predictably under harsh conditions. For those handling bulk shipments, double-bagging inside fiber drums with clear external labeling prevents both accidental mixing and regulatory headaches.
Shipping 2,3-Diaminophenazine across borders or even within a country triggers regulatory oversight. The HS Code streamlines the customs process, but shippers still check for country-specific rules—sometimes, aromatic amine compounds face extra scrutiny because of their potential for misuse in dye or pharmaceutical synthesis. Disposal never means pouring it in the drain. Spent stocks or contaminated gloves and paper need collection as hazardous chemical waste, handled by professionals with access to high-temperature incinerators or certified landfill protocols. In my experience, good inventory control keeps things smooth: label everything, date all opened containers, and keep a running log for audit trails. This routine pays off both for compliance and for lab safety.
2,3-Diaminophenazine delivers on several metrics: aromatic stability, reactive amine positions, rich coloration, and a fairly high melting point. The solid form comes as flakes, powder, or occasional pearls, but chemists rarely see a liquid phase under standard handling. Solubility sits low in water, much higher in robust polar organic solvents—key knowledge for anyone planning reactions or extractions. With a density around 1.5 g/cm³ and a molecular weight of 210.2 g/mol, even a moderate-sized jar holds a fair amount of active material. Workers treat it as a potential irritant or health hazard, and storage away from light, air, and incompatible chemicals remains standard advice.
