Acetyl Morpholine: Properties, Structure, and Industrial Role

What is Acetyl Morpholine?

Acetyl Morpholine stands out as a strong intermediate in chemical manufacturing, often seen as a raw material in various synthetic processes. The compound appears under different forms, easily identified by its molecular formula, C6H11NO2. Its full name is N-Acetylmorpholine, and it has a clear link to the morpholine family, which signals a six-membered ring containing both nitrogen and oxygen atoms at fixed points, making its physical and reactive properties distinct from more familiar chemicals in common solvents or solutions.

Physical Characteristics

This compound occurs as colorless to pale yellow liquid under normal conditions, though solid, crystalline material can develop at lower temperatures. Typical laboratory and industrial observations report a density of around 1.106 g/cm3, separating it easily from less dense organic solvents. Talking about melting point, Acetyl Morpholine slips into a solid state near 36.5–37.5°C, which sets it apart from similar chemicals that linger closer to room temperature as oils or sticky resins. Its boiling point arrives at an impressive 272°C, so volatility rarely becomes a safety concern during standard handling and transferring. Whether in flakes, powder, pearls, or pure crystals, the compound keeps most of its properties intact, resisting quick decomposition or evaporation. Its molecular weight lands at 129.16 g/mol, which isn’t bulky but certainly places it outside the range of the simplest organic precursors.

Chemical Structure and Formula

Referencing the structure of Acetyl Morpholine brings up a simple diagram: a morpholine ring with an acetyl group sticking stubbornly to the nitrogen atom in the ring. This one structural tweak jacks up the compound's reactivity and brings in a new layer of compatibility for diverse chemical reactions, especially acetylation and related synthetic steps in pharmaceutical and agricultural chemistry. The integration of nitrogen and oxygen inside the ring keeps the molecule stable and offers a reliable base for building more complex derivatives.

Specifications and Material Details

Market requirements demand serious purity and clarity from Acetyl Morpholine. The best samples show assay results at 99% or better by GC, with water content flagged at under 0.3%. Packed in drums or tanks, weight and volume remain closely monitored—industrial clients often order by the liter, kilo, or metric ton, depending on the process requirements. Flake and powdered forms provide easier handling in automated production lines, and even pearls or crystals hit the market when the process flow needs slower-dissolving material. In liquid format, clear appearance signals both purity and proper storage, with haziness treated as a sign for further testing.

HS Code and Trade Rotation

Getting Acetyl Morpholine across borders takes compliance with international classifications, so the Harmonized System Code, or HS Code, always pops up in shipping documents. Most exporters reference 2934999090, falling under "Other heterocyclic compounds" with modifications for region-specific regulations. This labeling makes Customs clearance predictable, but buyers and sellers still carry out detailed checks to anchor legal protections, especially for items labeled potentially hazardous or subject to chemical control protocols.

Safety, Hazardous Behavior, and Environmental Concerns

Unlike more benign raw materials, Acetyl Morpholine brings notable concerns to any workbench or tank farm. Prolonged skin or eye contact delivers irritation, and accidental inhalation during transfer prompts coughing and headaches. As a hazardous chemical, it carries GHS warnings and requires PPE—think gloves, goggles, aprons, and active ventilation. Warehouse managers usually keep spill kits and labeling clear since accidental releases affect both indoor air and wastewater. Disposal happens under regulated conditions, with no shortcutting on hazardous waste protocols. Long-term environmental impacts sit under scrutiny since breakdown products can leach into soil or water, attracting both government oversight and public interest. Talking from experience, regular chemical awareness training helps sidestep injuries and keeps teams aware of first response procedure. Avoiding careless handling prevents costly shutdowns and medical emergencies, which drive up insurance and regulatory costs at the plant level.

Role in Industry and Sourcing as Raw Material

Acetyl Morpholine rarely lands on consumer shelves, but behind the scenes, it acts as a crucial reagent in specialty chemical synthesis. Players in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries often choose it as a starting point when they need selectivity and stability during intermediate reactions. Sourcing the compound demands established supplier relationships and strict documentation to satisfy both traceability and purity claims. Factory managers often keep two or three vetted vendors on file to prevent sudden stoppages if one source hits delays or quality issues. Bulk consumers also pay close attention to packaging, since leaky drums or containers affect not only yield but also workplace safety and reputation under chemical safety audits.

Potential Solutions to Safety and Handling Issues

Direct contact brings risk, but most problems trace back to training gaps and shortcuts in storage or disposal. Upgrading transfer pumps and closed piping cuts down operator exposure during mixing or blending, and investing in better detection equipment helps spot leaks before they become events. More plant floors now use automatic shutoff valves and remote monitoring, keeping human error outside the hazard zone. In terms of environment, investing in robust neutralization tanks and filters stands out. Compliance software also makes tracking easier—from batch number to HS code—so any incident lands with full history in inspection reports. Real improvements come from blending fresh staff training, routine drills, and investment in safer work design. These efforts save not just dollars but also trust—both inside the company and out in the communities along the plant fence lines.