2-(4-Methylthiazol-5-yl)ethanol carves a distinct profile as an organic compound rooted in the thiazole family, marked by a unique structure shaped by both aromatic and alcohol functional groups. Its molecular formula, C6H9NOS, lays out a crisp map: six carbons tie together with nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, forming a backbone that merges aromatic strength with the mild reactivity of a primary alcohol. This combination brings certain flexibility, making the molecule somewhat versatile in chemical applications, often in research and as a chemical building block. The compound comes in several forms, frequently as a solid at room temperature, appearing as pale flakes or crystalline powder, depending on production and storage conditions.
Physical properties of 2-(4-Methylthiazol-5-yl)ethanol set it apart in bench work and storage. Density often lands near 1.13 g/cm3, which puts it on the heavier side compared to many simple hydrocarbons, though not exceptionally high for a sulfur-containing compound. The appearance shifts a bit across batches, showing as white to faintly yellowish crystals, sometimes forming small pearls or flakes if processed in larger volumes. The melting point tends to fall between 80°C and 90°C, so it doesn’t break down under standard laboratory temperatures but does require controlled storage away from direct heat. The boiling point isn’t wildly high; care in handling as a liquid above its melting temperature helps reduce risk during heating or synthesis. Solubility leans toward water and common organic solvents, including ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide—giving chemists plenty of options for formulation and blending into solutions.
The molecular structure packs its punch in the thiazole ring, which introduces greater stability and a unique taste profile—thiazoles being quite common in natural flavors. The 4-methyl group pushes the molecule into select reactivity, giving it a slight lean toward nucleophilic and electrophilic substitution, mostly on the ring, while the ethanol group offers classic alcohol transformations. This pairing expands its playground: acting as a linker, intermediate, or even as a base for new materials. Labs tend to see it as a raw material, prepping derivatives or blending it into mixtures that need a mix of aromatic thiazole and flexible hydroxyalkyl groups.
Commercial samples arrive primarily as flakes, powders, or crystalline solids, reflecting manufacturing methods and purification standards. High-purity grades (over 98%) are common in research and development, while industrial stock might allow for some minor impurities. Packing options depend on intended use, ranging from small glass bottles for lab settings to bulk in sturdy plastic jars or drums. Each shipment lists a batch-specific certificate of analysis, confirming molecular weight (143.21 g/mol) and other chromatographic properties to ensure reliability and consistency. A look at the HS Code, frequently found under 293499, aligns it with other thiazole derivatives and guides customs or regulatory classification.
Whether measuring out grams for an analytical assay or pouring kilograms for pilot manufacturing, understanding the state and density of 2-(4-methylthiazol-5-yl)ethanol makes a real difference. With a density hovering over 1.1 g/cm3, it feels just dense enough to require calibrated spoons or scoops; under certain conditions, moisture from the air may clump the powder, requiring desiccators for stable, dry handling. The solid forms can be irritating to eyes and mucous membranes, so dust control and local exhaust go from optional to recommended in any lab or plant that cares about safety. Liquids, though less common, exist for specialized uses—measured in liters, these solutions cater to applications that need quick, homogenous blending.
Handling 2-(4-methylthiazol-5-yl)ethanol calls for more than a passing glance at the material safety data sheet. Its position as an aromatic thiazole grants some biological activity in vivo and in vitro, which means gloves and goggles move from suggestion to baseline habit. Dust and vapor can be harmful if inhaled, sometimes causing eye, respiratory, or skin irritation. Good ventilation reduces risk, and any accidental contact deserves a prompt rinse with plenty of water. In my years handling similar thiazoles in academic and industrial labs, skips in proper glove selection or ignoring a spill have invariably resulted in minor but annoying rashes or sniffles among colleagues. Waste should hit sealed containers, separated according to chemical oxygen demand, with no shortcuts dumped into municipal sinks or drains. Flammability can rise under the right (or wrong) conditions, so sources of ignition stay well away.
Chemists and manufacturers reach for this chemical as a raw material in pharmaceuticals, agricultural intermediates, and specialty chemicals—thiazoles have a knack for fitting into diverse molecular frameworks. Its core structure combines elements needed for further synthetic steps, often serving as a bridge in complex molecule assembly. In the flavor and fragrance industry, the thiazole ring sometimes acts as a flavor enhancer, though in this case, end-use always considers toxicological profiles and regulatory clearance. Downstream uses also benefit from the alcohol group, which reacts in controlled esterifications, oxidations, or alkylations that shape the next layer of desirable fragrance or bioactive material. Having worked with related compounds, the need for reliable supply, clear documentation, and transparent specification reporting really shows up—especially in regulated sectors where documentation can make or break a project.
Import and export rely on clear HS Code classification and compliance with chemical management laws, from REACH in Europe to TSCA in the United States. Batch records and inspection certificates form the backbone of trust between suppliers and users. I’ve seen too many conversations derail because a supplier couldn’t provide up-to-date safety paperwork or missed the latest regulatory update, costing time and budget. Chemical buyers and users expect not only quality but accountability, especially around potential hazards and safe handling information. Testing protocols for trace metals and byproducts keep safety and performance on track, while packaging labeling marks out lot numbers, hazard warnings, and expiry dates in visible, permanent print.
The story of 2-(4-methylthiazol-5-yl)ethanol is not just about its molecular chart or crystalline form—it’s about making sure every user, from the chemist in a research lab to the operator on a factory floor, knows what they’re handling, how to do it safely, and whom to call when things go wrong. Properties like density, state, structure, and hazard profile all thread together in daily decisions, shaping how this material fuels innovation or delivers risk. Sharpening awareness—keeping specs close, managing hazards with respect, and owning the details in labeling and shipment—keeps work moving safely and productively in chemical industries and research labs.
