Phenazine-1,2-diamine, sometimes called o-phenylenediamine phenazine, is a chemical compound with a molecular formula of C12H10N4. You’ll often spot it in labs as a solid or powder, but on occasion, it can take the form of fine crystals or flakes—deep red and unmistakable for folks who have handled it before. The structure features a planar phenazine core, fused with two amine groups at the 1 and 2 positions. Each molecule carries distinct reactivity due to those amino groups, influencing both behavior in reactions and how it gets stored or shipped. The CAS number for easy reference is 2834-92-6, and trade across borders goes by HS Code 29215900, keeping bureaucrats and customs offices pretty happy.
Walking into a storeroom, you’ll usually pick this up as a fine, dark reddish-brown powder or a batch of rough flakes—neither glossy nor dull, just a straightforward look that signals functionality over show. The density stands near 1.41 g/cm³, tipping the balance more towards dense powders than fluffy ones. If you toss it into a beaker, expect it to be fairly insoluble in water, but organic solvents like ethanol or acetone draw it out easily. Handling the raw material, you notice its solid feel, and it doesn’t turn sticky or melt under palm warmth. The melting point hovers around 215–220°C, so accidental liquefaction during regular use isn’t a worry. As for odor, don’t expect much unless you’re used to nose-tickling aromatic amines.
Check the molecular structure and you see a flat, aromatic phenazine ring joined with two amino side chains. This arrangement sets the tone for its behavior in synthetic chemistry, making it a favorite for research in dyes, intermediates for pharmaceuticals, and specialty materials. It stands as a backbone compound in organic electronics and advanced material applications. Structural rigidity and electron-rich features give chemists plenty to play with—redox reactions come up often, as do applications in sensors and catalysis, where precise arrangement matters more than brute purity.
Phenazine-1,2-diamine’s specific properties—its consistent solid state, resistance to moisture, and deep color—find it roles in dye manufacture, developer reagents, corrosion inhibitors, and organic synthesis. In the electronics field, researchers test its conductivity and stability. I’ve seen bench chemists utilize it in small-scale syntheses where consistency matters, and the powder form offers accurate weighing and reliable dissolution in non-polar solvents. Larger production runs call for careful handling due to dust and its tendency to linger in the air, so sealed systems help keep product loss and exposure down.
Diving into the safety file, Phenazine-1,2-diamine should always be treated with respect. Like other aromatic amines, it can cause skin and respiratory irritation, and swallowing even small amounts isn't a good idea. Prolonged unprotected contact, especially as a powder or during handling, can lead to allergic reactions or more serious health issues. In tight labs, I always lean on gloves, protective goggles, and dust masks—standard gear for handling something that punches above its weight in toxicity. Storage calls for sturdy, airtight containers kept well away from acids and oxidizers, plus labels with all critical hazard details to avoid confusion and accidents.
The best manufacturers keep detailed spec sheets for Phenazine-1,2-diamine, citing purity (usually above 98%), particle size distribution, loss on drying, and trace metal content. These granular details matter in quality control—tying directly into how well it works in downstream chemical syntheses or manufacturing. Shipments often arrive as sealed plastic drums or glass jars, firmly packed to prevent caking or contamination. Working with it daily, I’ve seen how small fluctuations in density or particle size can shift product performance, underscoring the value of tight controls at every stage. As a raw chemical, every aspect from color uniformity to density signals the underlying batch quality, so regular inspection beats relying on assumptions any day.
Disposal and handling cross into environmental terrain because this compound, like others in the phenazine family, can be hazardous in waste streams. Strict controls direct disposal as hazardous waste, and emission guidelines clamp down on excess air or water releases. Facilities that process or recycle it operate under serious scrutiny, with workplace monitoring for airborne dust and solvent contamination. These rules exist for good reason—human and environmental health comes first, and the risks aren’t hypothetical. I’ve seen regulations drive improvements, pushing suppliers towards safer, more stable packaging and clearer hazard communications worldwide.
Phenazine-1,2-diamine carries a punch in specialty chemicals, combining unique structure, solid physical form, and potential hazards. Whether you handle it in research, manufacturing, or raw material sourcing, close attention to its properties—from density to appearance, melting point to hazardous nature—translates into safer labs, better products, and clearer regulatory compliance. Anyone working around this chemical learns to appreciate both its practical advantages and the steps needed for responsible, informed handling at every stage.
