4-(3-Chloropropyl)morpholine, often seen in chemical catalogs and industrial supply lists, has found a place across various manufacturing sectors. The compound’s molecular formula is C7H14ClNO, showing its combination of seven carbon atoms, fourteen hydrogens, a single chlorine, nitrogen, and one oxygen. As someone who has spent time in laboratory environments, I know first-hand the importance of the full breakdown of a molecule's structure. In this case, there’s a morpholine ring—essential to its behavior as a solvent and intermediate—linked to a three-carbon chain that ends with a chlorine atom. This functional group affects the compound’s reactivity, solubility, and physical handling requirements.
Many labs and chemical plants receive this substance in liquid form, but 4-(3-chloropropyl)morpholine can show up as a viscous fluid or sometimes as crystalline material, depending on storage conditions and temperature. Density hovers around 1.07–1.09 g/cm³ at room temperature, which makes it a bit heavier than water but still manageable for typical industrial pumps or dispensing equipment. If there’s a spill or leak, watch out for the faint amine-like odor; it’s not strong, but it’s enough to make itself noticeable in tight spaces. One thing I always keep in mind: this material is clear to pale yellow, turning to more of a yellow tint if left exposed to light or improperly sealed, hinting at potential impurity buildup.
The backbone structure includes a six-membered morpholine ring. This arrangement gives it both basic and polar characteristics, so it dissolves well in water and a wide range of organic solvents like alcohols or acetone. The three-carbon propyl group capped with a chlorine ensures good reactivity in substitution and addition reactions—a trait often exploited in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, plastic additives, and specialty coatings. It’s important to remember that although morpholine derivatives generally share some behaviors, even small changes, such as the length of that propyl chain or the presence of the chlorine, will alter how the chemical performs in formulations or on the production floor.
Suppliers ship 4-(3-chloropropyl)morpholine with a stated purity above 98%, which meets the demands for most industrial and laboratory processes. You can get it in containers ranging from liter bottles to 200-liter drums, with tight, sealed caps or liners to block out moisture. Packaging prevents acid fumes and light from getting inside, which both can degrade the product over time. Some manufacturers offer it as a stabilized solution if required, especially if the handling environment gets too warm or humid for the neat liquid to remain stable. Material can take a more solid form—flakes or pearls—when exposed to cold storage, but warming gently will return it to a usable liquid state. Density, molecular weight (163.65 g/mol), and boiling point (~230°C) matter a lot for process engineers working on scaling up syntheses.
Every shipment intended for industrial use comes with a harmonized system code (HS Code: 2934999099) under chemical preparations not elsewhere specified. Regulatory paperwork covers all the essential hazard statements, plus information on how to handle spills and necessary personal protective gear. In the lab or the warehouse, everyone should check labels for the chemical’s CAS number (2161-93-9), batch records, and in-date Safety Data Sheets, which suppliers update as REACH and OSHA guidelines evolve. Doing these things isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s about keeping the workplace safe, avoiding fines, and making sure the material performs in its expected role as a raw input for complex syntheses.
This compound brings some risk, just like most alkylating agents with reactive halogens. Contact with skin or inhalation of vapors can cause irritation or more severe harm, particularly with repeated exposure. I’ve seen how even a small splash, if ignored, can lead to redness, itching, or blisters, and chronic exposure may tackle the nervous system or cause organ damage. Always keep chemical-resistant gloves—nitrile works well—on hand, along with lab coats and sealed goggles. Good ventilation is vital; fume hoods or extraction fans should run during transfers or open handling. Storage must stay cool, out of direct sunlight, with acid-sensitive chemicals well away to prevent any reaction that could release hazardous gases. Spill kits with absorbent powder and neutralizing agents need to be accessible, and it’s worth running regular emergency drills so everyone responds calmly under pressure.
4-(3-chloropropyl)morpholine acts as a crucial intermediate for making crosslinkers, specialty monomers, and agrochemical compounds—these products feed into the larger ecosystem of coatings, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Its chemical profile offers both flexibility for new syntheses and reliability for batch-scale production. Over the years, supply reliability and transparent documentation have set apart the best suppliers from the unreliable ones. Problems tend to show up with inconsistent purity or poorly managed logistics. Addressing these issues means tighter QC protocols, better transport conditions, and rigorous follow-up with international compliance—steps I’ve seen implemented in chemical firms that earn repeat business from global clients.
To minimize hazards and maximize process efficiency, supply chain managers and lab directors should focus on clear procurement policies, up-to-date safety gear, and comprehensive worker training. Labeling every drum and secondary bottle with both precise content information and hazard warnings helps cut down mistakes. Real-time monitoring of storage temperature makes a difference—especially in climates with big seasonal swings. Regular chemical audits catch expired or contaminated stock before it ends up in a vital process. Finally, investing in continuous education brings staff up to speed on the latest safety protocols, best disposal practices, and first aid for chemical exposures, building a culture that values people as much as productivity.
