(S)-3-(Methylamino)-1-(2-Thienyl)-1-Propanol stands out as a unique organic compound, showing up in chemical catalogs with the formula C8H13NOS. Its molecular structure pulls together a thienyl ring and a methylamino group, both connected via a propanol backbone. You’ll notice the S-designation means this is one half of a pair of mirror-image isomers, known in chemistry as enantiomers. These differences can’t be shrugged off in practice, either; a batch with the S-form can behave differently in the lab or the field than its counterpart. That isn’t splitting hairs — it’s basic chemistry, shaping everything from reactivity to how the molecule fits into broader syntheses.
What jumps out to me about this substance is how even small changes in structure can spell the difference between usefulness and trouble. A methylamino group doesn’t just bring flexibility—it also introduces potential for strong interactions with acids and bases. The thienyl ring gives the molecule aromatic heft and sulfur reactivity, both of which matter for handling and downstream chemistry. This isn’t just an intellectual exercise. Any chemist or lab tech knows small changes in structure ripple out into practical work: storage, compatibility, and safety rules all circle back to what’s truly inside the bottle.
(S)-3-(Methylamino)-1-(2-Thienyl)-1-Propanol crops up most often as a crystalline solid, sometimes appearing in powder, fine flakes, or even chunky pearls, depending on how it’s been purified. In its pure form it usually has a white or off-white color—nothing dramatic to look at, but the visual won’t tell you much about its purity or potency. What matters more is the density, which tends to hover just above one gram per cubic centimeter. That puts it somewhere between sugar and salt—a real material, with heft, not just a trace reagent.
Stick your nose near a sample and you’ll pick up a slight, amine-like scent, nothing overpowering but enough to remind you this is a chemical with life beyond paper formulas. There’s a modest melting point here—typically falling in the range of 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. That’s low enough to raise concern in a warm workspace or when pressed for long-term storage. Leave this compound in a poorly ventilated space and humidity picks its pocket, breaking down purity and making it clump or cake. Take it from me: packaging can make or break a chemical like this.
Solubility catches plenty of professionals off guard. This material dissolves readily in water, alcohols, and common polar solvents—that boosts its usefulness but also its risks, especially if it escapes into the lab water supply. I’ve seen more than enough regret over forgotten flasks left open at the bench!
Ask any experienced chemist, and you’ll hear about the need to respect both the obvious and the subtle hazards. (S)-3-(Methylamino)-1-(2-Thienyl)-1-Propanol isn’t the kind of compound you want to breathe or let touch your skin for long. Its structure means it’s likely to irritate eyes and mucous membranes, and the methylamino group calls up the memory of so many other amine derivatives: noxious yet sneaky, ready to cause headaches or worse with careless handling.
It’s not on par with highly regulated toxins, but the lesson is: even chemicals not in the headlines demand respect. Spills need swift, careful cleaning—nitrile gloves, splash goggles, and good ventilation all count as minimum standards. I remember an incident where absent-minded handling led to a minor skin rash, a reminder that no compound is “routine.” Materials with this kind of profile call for well-documented standard operating procedures and clear hazard labeling. These are the habits that keep a day’s work from turning sideways.
Disposal isn’t just a matter of sending this down the drain. Waste teams want isolation, not mixing. Local regulations, often tied to HS Code 2921.49 for organic compounds with nitrogen heterocycles, take a firm line. Simple dilution or casual dumping brings fines or headaches later.
Look at the backbone of (S)-3-(Methylamino)-1-(2-Thienyl)-1-Propanol and you see why synthetic chemists find it so interesting: the aryl-thienyl structure lets it play a part as a precious intermediate, working as a stepping stone in synthesis of more complicated pharmaceuticals and specialty materials. Think of it as a bridge—one that helps connect basic building blocks on the path to more sophisticated targets. That’s its value. I’ve worked with related compounds, and the presence of sulfur in the thienyl ring always brings up reactivity options that you don’t get from plain carbon analogs. Custom ligands, unique reagents, or potential active ingredients are all within reach.
Still, not every lab or plant wants to deal with the risk or cost of keeping it around. Production rarely happens at industrial scale for this exact molecule; it’s more often a specialty, the sort of thing found in small bottles ordered for a particular step. Price tracks purity closely, and analytical reports—NMR, MS, elemental analysis—speak louder than the bottle label. The fine print counts.
Putting (S)-3-(Methylamino)-1-(2-Thienyl)-1-Propanol on your shelf starts with picking the right suppliers. The core raw materials break down into three basic pieces: a thienyl starting compound, a methylating agent, and a way to attach the propanol backbone. Each stage dials up the complexity and cost, and mistakes at any step risk wrecking the S-configuration or introducing impurities that bring more problems than solutions. Consistency in raw materials, good oversight, and plenty of quality checks form the backbone of any real-world sourcing effort.
Anyone who’s worked with a dodgy supplier or run across a purity scandal knows the headaches such shortcuts can bring—lost time, wasted budget, and sometimes even health risks. Demand for clear certificates of analysis, well-documented syntheses, and robust packaging. If something doesn’t add up, trust your gut and seek alternatives.
Formula: C8H13NOS
Molecular Weight: 171.26 g/mol
Standard Density: Around 1.1 g/mL (crystalline solid)
Forms: Flakes, powder, viscous solids, pearls, rarely as a clear liquid or fine crystalline powder, depending on preparation
HS Code: 2921.49 (Organic derivatives of heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen)
Melting Point: Typically between 70 and 80 °C
Solubility: Water, ethanol, methanol, DMSO, and acetone
Packing: Often in amber glass, tight-sealed; some sources favor double-bagging to prevent water ingress
Color: White or slight yellow
Safety: Harmful by inhalation or skin contact, irritating to eyes, standard precautions necessary, avoid uncontrolled discharge
For specialists and industry folks, (S)-3-(Methylamino)-1-(2-Thienyl)-1-Propanol sits in a narrow corner of the broader chemical market, yet its physical and chemical quirks can’t be glossed over. The specifics of crystal form, density, and hazards aren’t just trivia; they shape policy and practice in serious ways. I’ve seen labs grind to a halt over a minor mislabeling, and I’ve watched seasoned techs dodge disaster by following good habits built on these details. For research, manufacturing, or any serious pursuit, these physical characteristics, risks, and sourcing issues underpin success—or failure—with this compound.
