2-Aminothiazol-4-acetic acid stands out as a specialized organic compound widely valued in research, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemical industries. The molecular formula, C5H6N2O2S, reflects a core thiazole ring attached to amino and acetic acid groups. Chemists and material scientists encounter this raw material in various formats, including crystalline powder, flakes, and sometimes as fine pearls. With a molecular weight of 158.18 g/mol, it occupies a unique place in synthesizing intermediates and developing new molecules. This compound’s density hovers around 1.485 g/cm3, and it appears as an off-white to pale yellow solid under most storage and lab conditions. Some shipments, especially in bulk manufacturing environments, might feature this chemical in chunky crystalline form or granulated powder, emphasizing convenience in measurement and mixing. The HS Code assigned to this substance for trade and customs purposes is often 2934999099, matching it with organic derivatives and amino acids.
The thiazole ring of 2-aminothiazol-4-acetic acid forms the backbone of many biologically active molecules. This five-membered heterocycle, containing one sulfur and one nitrogen atom, connects at the fourth position to an acetic acid side chain. The amino group at the two position fuels diverse hydrogen-bonding interactions, driving the compound’s solubility and reactivity in aqueous and some polar organic solvents. Typical samples arrive as solid crystalline powder, sometimes tending toward a pearlescent sheen in highly purified grades. The melting point ranges from 170°C to 176°C, identifying a reliable property used for quick quality checks. Dissolving this powder in water, methanol, or dimethyl sulfoxide extends its utility in wet chemistry applications. Users storing the material for extended periods notice its resilience to air and light exposure, though desiccation keeps it free-flowing and stable.
Detailed certificates of analysis accompany shipments, documenting purity, which regularly exceeds 98%. A host of parameters become relevant during audits: loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metal content, and assay by HPLC. Bulk and lab orders vary by packaging, but most users interact with the compound in bottles or drums holding 100 grams to 25 kilograms, delivered in powder, crystals, or flakes. The density, solubility, color, melting range, and appearance all become talking points when assigning batches for pharmaceutical synthesis or other applications. Consistent particle size plays a role in blending and solution-making, keeping results uniform across experiments. Industrial buyers sometimes require the material to reach defined sieve fractions, confirming handling ease and surface area benchmarks for downstream chemistry.
Researchers choose 2-aminothiazol-4-acetic acid as a precursor in both drug discovery and advanced agricultural chemicals. The dual presence of acid and amine groups supports selective reactions: condensation, acylation, coupling, and transition-metal-catalyzed transformations. The molecule participates in the development of beta-lactam antibiotics, thiazole-linked ligands, and plant growth regulators. Custom synthesis companies routinely deploy this intermediate when designing libraries of thiazole-based analogs, chasing improved bioactivity or novel target function. Beyond the laboratory, the material fits into standard process routes for raw material upgrades and specialty polymer modifications. Its chemical resilience and solubility profile widen its adoption in both classic wet-lab methods and automated high-throughput screening.
Safe use of 2-aminothiazol-4-acetic acid centers on best practices established for moderately hazardous chemicals. Material safety data sheets (SDS) underline irritant effects on eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, reminding handlers to wear gloves, goggles, and protective aprons. Accidental inhalation or skin contact can trigger allergic reactions or temporary discomfort—regular lab ventilation and dust controls enter the workflow as a minimum safety net. This chemical should never be ingested, and spills require prompt cleanup with absorbent materials. Experienced workers recognize that storing solids in tightly sealed containers protects from moisture uptake and cross-contamination with other reagents. Large-scale operations rely on exhaust systems and training that reinforce careful weighing and transfer. Waste solutions exit the facility through chemical-neutralizing procedures, preventing environmental harm and regulatory headaches. Emergency response plans address accidental exposure scenarios, favoring eyewash stations and quick medical assessment in larger research or production sites.
Many organic chemists and process engineers value 2-aminothiazol-4-acetic acid’s unique attributes for building new compounds. The thiazole ring links directly to recognized bioactivity in several drug classes, giving this material a permanent seat in medicinal chemistry labs. The raw material’s well-characterized melting point, density, and reactivity help organizations set quality standards while reining in batch-to-batch variability. Sourcing relies on trusted supply chains, as impurity profiles can alter reaction outcomes or introduce unnecessary safety risks during scale-up. Chemical buyers trace origin and batch records, aiming for transparency from mine to market. As a raw material, it pairs conveniently with amides, aldehydes, and protected acids, offering multiple avenues for chemical creativity. Students, seasoned researchers, and production staff rally around this molecule, aiming for breakthroughs in synthetic routes or cost advantages in established medicines.
The value of 2-aminothiazol-4-acetic acid goes hand-in-hand with accountability in handling and storage. Warehouses implement climate control and desiccation, blocking humidity and airborne contaminants from degrading product quality. Urban waste teams coordinate closely with laboratories to ensure that chemical residues do not escape into groundwater or open landfill. Company-wide safety audits and routine training keep misuse in check and encourage participation in hazard-identification sessions. Health and regulatory agencies set benchmarks for permissible residuals in pharmaceuticals, pointing manufacturers toward ever-longer purification and stability studies. On the research front, alternative compounds or greener reaction media get tested regularly, reflecting ongoing concerns about occupational exposure or accident risk. Responsible chemical stewardship, mapped to every step from synthesis through waste disposal, keeps this brilliant molecule effective and safe across its useful lifespan.
