4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine: Physical Characteristics, Structure, Safety, and Uses

What is 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine?

4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine stands out as a unique chemical raw material with a potential footprint in synthesis laboratories and chemical manufacturing. This compound’s name gives away part of the story: its morpholine core structure attached to a propenyl moiety with a distinct oxo group. If you work in the world of specialty chemicals, it won’t be a stranger; the backbone of morpholine has served various sectors for decades, and derivatizing that ring often expands its applications. The HS Code for 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine generally falls within the broader classification for organic chemicals, showing its role as an intermediate rather than a bulk consumable. This kind of material rarely comes up on the average person’s radar, yet it forms pieces of the foundation on which product innovation rests.

Chemical Structure and Formula

Dig a little into the molecular structure and things start to get interesting. The formula reads C7H11NO2, which means you’re looking at a seven-carbon scaffold, with both nitrogen and oxygen in play. The morpholine segment—the six-membered ring containing an oxygen and a nitrogen atom—acts as the framework. Grafted onto it, the 1-oxo-2-propenyl group brings a reactive unsaturation and a carbonyl unit, tweaking the physicochemical behavior. The structural backbone, combined with these functional groups, can influence its compatibility, reactivity, and the specific kind of transformations the substance can undergo.

Physical Properties and Specifications

What you see with 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine isn’t always the same across every batch. It’s not uncommon to encounter this chemical in forms ranging from solid flakes and powder to crystalline shards or even as a viscous liquid, depending on purity, environment, and supplier specifications. At room temperature, many suppliers offer it as a fine powder with a white or faintly yellow hue. Crystalline samples shimmer with a slightly off-white color, a sign of high purity and minimal water content. Its density sits in the range of 1.10–1.13 g/cm³, so, in practical handling, it doesn’t feel noticeably heavier than table salt or common nitriles. Its melting point generally shoots above 40°C, which keeps it stable in most laboratory and industrial settings.

In storage, keeping 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine inside tightly-sealed containers away from humidity prevents clumping and preserves the integrity of flakes or powder. Some industries prefer it in solution, letting it dissolve in solvents such as methanol or dimethyl sulfoxide for precision dosing during reactions. In my experience, solid form makes it easier to measure for research, while liquid solutions speed up blending and minimize airborne dust in production lines.

Uses, Applications, and Material Benefits

This morpholine derivative finds life as an intermediate in chemical syntheses, especially in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The oxo-2-propenyl group opens doors for further derivatization, making it a starting point for more complex molecules. In crop protection, morpholine analogues often enhance efficacy or offer new modes of action. In pharmaceutical labs, related structures sometimes grant improved solubility or different pharmacological profiles. It’s not a product you see on store shelves; it enters the supply chain early, but the work it does trickles down to finished drugs, crop solutions, and specialty additives in everything from adhesives to lubricants.

Safety, Hazardous Properties, and Handling

Working around chemicals demands respect for risk, and 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine falls squarely into that category. According to safety data from raw material suppliers, this substance brings moderate hazards. Skin contact or inhalation of dust can result in irritation, and—like many morpholine compounds—it may be harmful if swallowed. Its volatiles are limited, so respiratory exposure drops in well-ventilated labs, but good gloves and goggles never go out of style. It holds a flashpoint that generally lands over 100°C, making fire risk less immediate compared to solvents or alkylating agents, but not something to ignore. Safe storage, well-marked containers, and controlled access limit workplace mishaps. Proper waste disposal—never poured down the drain—protects waterways from contamination and keeps operations in line with environmental standards.

I remember early years in a lab where containment trays and chemical cart labeling weren’t just protocol—they were lessons learned by a string of hurried spills from those who cut corners. Companies dealing with this material often add layers of safety controls, including air filtration units and mandatory training on hazardous substances. Regular handling, repeated over months and years, builds a kind of muscle memory—but trust in good habits, not luck, protects health and reputation.

Potential Risks and Solutions

No industrial chemical enters the workplace without risks. The biggest hazard from 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine emerges in bulk blending and during accidental release. Direct skin or eye contact produces acute irritation, and ongoing exposure might contribute to cumulative effects on health. While not the most toxic compound on the block, this material finds its danger in poor handling, bad ventilation, or neglected personal protective equipment. Solutions grow from a foundation of practical measures: investing in modern extraction hoods, providing hand-washing stations close to work sites, and using sealed transfer systems to reduce dust exposure. Training matters even more than hardware—colleagues who understand the risks won’t take shortcuts that endanger both themselves and the environment.

Emergency response plans—up-to-date and clearly posted—offer another layer of defense. In industries I’ve seen, quick response to spills minimizes harm, prevents the cascade of accidents, and builds trust between management and the workforce. Companies that treat health values as cornerstones rather than checkboxes create a culture of responsibility that ripples out to every process touchpoint.

The Bigger Picture: Raw Material Responsibility

Responsibility for handling 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine doesn’t end with an empty drum or filled order. From the moment raw materials leave the supplier to the day final products ship out, responsibility rests with everyone—shippers, storeroom managers, lab technicians, and production supervisors. Tracking and tracing each lot, confirming material identity, and screening for contaminants form the fabric of quality control. Compliance with global standards, like the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, protects both end-users and the reputation of producers.

The journey of 4-(1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)-Morpholine runs through every link of the supply chain, carrying scientific rigor, deliberate safety practices, and a commitment to thoughtful innovation. For the people working with it, these aren’t just concepts. They are the habits, knowledge, and vigilance that keep both products and people safe—and that’s worth every ounce of care.