3-Hydroxy-1-Methyl-2,5-Pyrrolidinedione stands out as an organic compound with a five-membered ring structure, combining oxygen and nitrogen within its framework. Chemists often rely on its unique backbone: a cyclic lactam with hydroxy and methyl substituents. Its IUPAC name points directly to its composition and positions on the ring, while its alternative names in catalogs include methylhydroxy maleimide and methylhydantoin. This material ranks among heterocyclic chemicals, serving both as a specialty lab ingredient and as a step in various chemical syntheses.
Looking at its structure, the backbone centers on a pyrrolidinedione ring, locked into place by two carbonyl groups at the 2 and 5 positions, paired with a hydroxy group at position 3 and a methyl group hanging off position 1. The molecular formula reads C5H7NO3. The molecular weight clocks in near 129.1 grams per mole. Inspection under normal conditions reveals a solid state—this material often appears as flakes, powder, or crystals, depending on the preparation or supplier. Some batches come as fine white powder, while others produce chunky crystalline masses, almost pearlescent in the right light.
Suppliers sometimes list 3-Hydroxy-1-Methyl-2,5-Pyrrolidinedione by HS Code 2933, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen in the ring. Analytical standards place the compound’s melting point near 173°C to 177°C, which signals a decent level of purity and resistance to mild thermal breakdown. Its density can range from about 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³ depending on the sample pack, and it dissolves modestly in some polar solvents but resists water. Handling it as a solid brings little mess; material usually comes dry, with options for solution form shipped in sealed bottles for lab use. With each order, a manufacturer provides details on purity (like 98% minimum), residual solvents, and particle size, since certain syntheses demand fine powders while others need larger flakes.
Dig into the molecular layout, and you’ll see 3-Hydroxy-1-Methyl-2,5-Pyrrolidinedione balances hydrogen bonding potential with the electron-withdrawing punch of its carbonyl groups. The hydroxy group invites participation in ring-opening reactions, acting as a nucleophilic handle during synthesis. The methyl functional group at N1 often modulates polarity, making this compound more lipophilic than its unmethylated cousins. When used as a raw material, its structure shields it from rapid breakdown, letting it persist through multi-step procedures in organic labs. Chemists choose this substance looking for predictable reactions and safe, reproducible precursors in the formation of specialty polymers or pharmaceutical leads.
Labs may stock this chemical as pearly flakes for longer-term storage, since they resist caking and absorb little moisture from the air. The powdered form finds its place where quick dissolution or mixing in a reaction flask matters. Crystals can grow when slow evaporation techniques are used, with some research teams preferring crystalline material for studies on polymorphism. In some industrial research facilities, stock solutions in organic solvents, like ethanol or DMSO, cut down the weighing steps during high-throughput synthesis. Volume is usually traded in grams or liters, depending on downstream use, and drums are rare except for companies involved in continuous production of medical intermediates. In research, the chemical’s solid state ensures consistent dosages and easy visualization during weighing.
Safety data on 3-Hydroxy-1-Methyl-2,5-Pyrrolidinedione draws attention from both academic and commercial labs. Its low vapor pressure means inhalation risk stays minor under normal storage, but direct contact with powder should be minimized—skin and eye irritation remain possible due to its reactive sites. Handling recommendations include gloves and safety glasses, with well-ventilated workspaces to cut down airborne particulates. Spilled material often gets swept with inert absorbent. According to regulatory assessments, the chemical falls under “irritant” but doesn’t count as a highly toxic or hazardous raw material at standard laboratory scale. Disposal often routes through chemical waste collection, matching rules for organic compounds with nitrogen heterocycles. For bulk use, storage in tightly sealed containers in cool, dry areas preserves quality and lowers risks of hydrolysis or accidental release.
Getting familiar with the handling and characteristics of 3-Hydroxy-1-Methyl-2,5-Pyrrolidinedione speaks to broader issues around specialty chemicals. Safe use isn’t just about hazard statements; it’s about understanding physical properties—knowing flakier batches clump less, or recognizing why the hydroxy position opens doors to dependable synthesis reactions. More transparency from suppliers, from spectral data to full impurity breakdowns, drives better outcomes in R&D settings. Investing time in developing robust handling protocols addresses most risks of exposure. Improving ventilation, double-checking container seals after every use, and building in regular reviews of storage conditions keep the material from becoming a source of lab mishaps. On the larger scale, partnerships with responsible waste handlers ensure that unused raw materials don’t end up as environmental burdens after their time in the lab comes to an end.
