From the first days of synthetic chemistry, aromatic ketones inspired curiosity for their versatility and biological activity. Interest in chlorinated derivatives took off in the early 20th century as researchers looked for better precursors for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and chemical intermediates. 3-Chloropropiophenone surfaced during this push, standing out due to the placement of the chlorine atom on the aromatic ring. By the mid-1900s, scientists began to recognize its value in both medicinal chemistry and specialty manufacturing, giving it a foothold in pharmaceutical standards like BP, EP, and USP. Its inclusion in major pharmacopeias reflected a growing demand for integrity and reliability in drug precursors, encouraging more rigorous refinement of its synthesis, purity, and documentation.
3-Chloropropiophenone, sometimes labeled as 1-(3-chlorophenyl)propan-1-one or 3-chlorobutyrophenone, comes with a firm reputation as a starting point in the synthesis of active ingredients and complex compounds. Laboratories and manufacturers value it for its clear structural properties and the ease with which it reacts, allowing for efficient scaling during production. Since its adoption into BP, EP, and USP grade frameworks, quality has reached a point where users expect high assay values, well-controlled residual solvents, and traceability on every batch release. Pharmacopeial standardization did not come about without reason. Over time, as regulatory authorities called for stricter guidelines, the community saw a significant drop in batch-to-batch inconsistencies, freeing researchers and process engineers from headaches over unreliable supplies.
3-Chloropropiophenone appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, releasing a notable but not overpowering aromatic odor. With a molecular formula of C9H9ClO and a molecular weight close to 168.62 g/mol, it registers a boiling point around 254-257°C and a melting range near -7 to -8°C. Moderate polarity drives solubility in most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform, though it resists dissolving in water. Its refractive index and density help laboratories confirm purity, but what grabs the attention of the practical chemist is its stability under normal storage. 3-Chloropropiophenone does not readily decompose, lending itself to logistics chains that see temperature variations across seasons and shipment routes.
BP, EP, and USP documentation outlines strict thresholds for impurity profiles, acid value, and water content. Typical assay values exceed 98%, so no surprises arise on synthesis runs. Manufacturers label containers clearly with batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, lot traceability, and storage advice. Full traceability allows audit trails from the lab bench to the end-user, matching pharma regulatory expectations for every vial. Most suppliers ship in amber glass or HDPE, discouraging photodegradation. Each consignment comes with a Certificate of Analysis that covers parameters such as IR spectrum verification, chromatographic purity, appearance, and residual solvents—every box checked to keep authorities and downstream users confident in the chain of custody.
The classic route to 3-chloropropiophenone draws from Friedel-Crafts acylation, using 3-chlorobenzene to react with propionyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride as catalyst. Chemists adjust conditions to suppress side reactions and push conversion as close to quantitative as possible. Careful fractional distillation follows, separating the desired product from low boiling impurities. Decades of industrial experience led to tweaks, such as solvents that improve yields or protect worker safety. Quality control along the way involves GC and HPLC, scrutinizing both the product and process residues. If a supplier cuts corners during synthesis or cleaning, regulators and savvy customers spot it quickly, since impurity spikes leave no hiding place.
3-Chloropropiophenone responds efficiently to nucleophilic substitution, reduction, and cross-coupling reactions. Chemists find its carbonyl and aryl chloride functions accessible for both straightforward and advanced transformations. Common modifications include reduction to 3-chlorophenylpropanol or conversion to hydrazones and oximes, which open doors in medicinal chemistry and agrochemical discovery. The compound’s role goes far beyond simple substitution, as its structure fits well into multi-step syntheses for antiepileptic, sedative, or analgesic drug candidates. In my experience, many teams treat it as a flexible intermediate, running small parallel experiments to tailor reaction pathways for both academic curiosity and industrial demand.
Across global supply chains, users look for consistency but often run into a mix of synonyms: 3-chloro-1-phenylpropan-1-one, m-chloropropiophenone, and 1-(3-chlorophenyl)propan-1-one all refer to the same compound. Regulatory documents, customs paperwork, and supplier catalogs sometimes use these names interchangeably, but CAS number 34841-35-5 eliminates confusion when precision matters. Regional differences in nomenclature caused occasional headaches, with shipments delayed as authorities cross-referenced trade names. Over time, the chemistry community settled on CAS registry as the default identifier to avoid mistakes that could disrupt manufacturing timelines.
Handling 3-chloropropiophenone calls for standard personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and lab coats. Direct contact irritates skin and mucous membranes, and inhalation of vapors should be avoided. Material Safety Data Sheets point out modest acute toxicity, so laboratory work uses fume hoods or equivalent ventilation. Waste disposal follows local environmental and chemical management guidelines, as neither runoff nor landfill disposal meets compliance for hazardous organochlorines. Operators receive training on transfer methods and emergency cleanup. Modern facilities install spill kits, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers at accessible points, since even modest exposure incidents prompt regulatory scrutiny and reporting.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on 3-chloropropiophenone as a key fragment in the synthesis of tranquilizers, CNS-active agents, and intermediates for tailor-made compounds. Its use stretches across drug discovery, scale-up chemistry, and even into chemical research for new crop protection agents and specialty solvents. Research organizations use its carbonyl and aryl chloride groups to model new reactions and probe biological interactions. Its role as a building block saves time, as synthetic chemists sidestep more complicated or hazardous precursors. For anyone looking to make progress on new chemical entities, the availability of pharmaceutical grade material accelerates timelines, and reduces the risk of delays caused by surprise impurities or formulation quirks.
Over the years, research teams have picked apart the structure-activity relationships of compounds stemming from 3-chloropropiophenone scaffolds. Innovations in catalyst design, greener solvents, and continuous processing have pushed yields higher and cut process waste, answering both economic and environmental questions. I’ve watched research groups lean on this compound during early-phase medicinal chemistry campaigns, benefiting from the plug-and-play chemistry built around its functional groups. Patents flowing from big pharma and specialty chemical firms highlight new derivatives that address niche markets, from antiepileptics to veterinary drugs. Collaborative projects between academia and industry draw on well-documented supply chains to support both lab-scale and pilot plant needs, smoothing the journey from proof of concept to regulatory filing.
Toxicological investigations point to moderate acute toxicity in rodents, mostly through oral and dermal routes. Eye and skin irritation lead to standard warnings for all users, and breakdown products under heat can yield more reactive and potentially hazardous fragments. Mechanistic studies indicate that the chlorine substituent increases lipophilicity and metabolic stability, impacting both environmental persistence and hazard classification. Long-term exposure data remains limited, raising ongoing questions for occupational health departments. This uncertainty reinforces the need for engineering controls, routine health monitoring, and regular revisits to permissible exposure limits in industrial settings. Regulatory authorities keep a close eye on literature updates, reflecting how changes in toxicological understanding trickle down into workplace practice and shipment labeling.
The march toward green and sustainable chemistry shapes the future outlook for compounds like 3-chloropropiophenone. New catalytic methods carry the promise of less hazardous byproducts and higher overall atom economies. Legislative shifts in both Europe and North America increasingly flag organochlorines for closer monitoring and, in some cases, substitution with more benign alternatives. Research agendas spotlight not only new applications but also improvements in life cycle assessment, with a focus on minimizing ecological impact. While the pharmaceutical sector continues to depend on legacy intermediates, a growing portion of R&D budgets shift toward biobased or recyclable alternatives. In this climate, 3-chloropropiophenone occupies a space where performance and regulatory expectations intersect, prompting suppliers, regulators, and users to work together for safer, more sustainable chemical innovation.
3-Chloropropiophenone draws most of its attention from the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors for its value in drug synthesis. This compound’s structure, a phenone substituted with a chlorine atom, gives it some unique reactivity. It lands squarely in the toolbox of those who design and make medicines. As someone who has spent time in pharmaceutical labs, each chemical has to earn its place. For 3-Chloropropiophenone, the primary usefulness comes from its function as an intermediate. It often acts as a starting point in making more complex molecules, including certain pain-relieving drugs and anti-inflammatory agents.
Bringing a medicine to the pharmacy shelf rarely calls for direct mixing of raw chemicals. It’s a journey of steps. A substance like 3-Chloropropiophenone typically steps in early, providing a backbone onto which chemists build further functional groups. Its chlorine atom makes it especially suitable for substitution reactions—a detail every organic chemist keeps an eye on. Through these transformations, the molecule helps piece together substances that can treat fevers, pain, or inflammation. For example, some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ketoprofen, start from a propiophenone core, and chlorinated derivatives can help tweak these cores to improve results or purity.
Grades like BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) stand for quality and safety in pharmaceuticals. Labs choose their materials based on these standards since even a minor impurity can throw off the process, trigger side effects, or make a drug batch useless. As someone who’s read more than enough batch analysis reports, pharma-grade 3-Chloropropiophenone comes with purity guarantees and controlled particle sizes. This level of control is non-negotiable in medicine making, which stays heavily regulated for good reason.
Working with any halogenated organic chemical brings risks. 3-Chloropropiophenone demands gloves, goggles, fume hoods, and detailed logs. It’s not a substance to approach lightly because exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, or respiratory system. In the wrong setting, it has even seen use in riot control agents, which says plenty about its potency.
Every batch of 3-Chloropropiophenone should come with traceability and quality documentation to satisfy regulators and keep patients safe. Labs can strengthen safety by investing in on-site monitoring, spill plans, and worker training. Development teams might seek greener alternatives or ways to recycle byproducts, since the chemical industry as a whole faces pressure to clean up its act. For drug makers, sticking to high-grade sources means they sidestep many quality control headaches.
The medicines filling pharmacy shelves rarely show the work behind the scenes. 3-Chloropropiophenone serves as a reminder that every active ingredient carries a story of synthesis, safety checks, and constant improvement. By focusing on quality, safety, and tracking—along with exploring safer or more sustainable methods—pharma teams keep pushing toward safer medicines and better outcomes for patients.
Manufacturers and labs face real decisions every time they buy or handle substances like 3-Chloropropiophenone. This isn’t a chemical most people hear about at the dinner table, yet in research and pharmaceutical circles, it has a place. If you’re wondering why a compound’s “pharmaceutical grade” even matters, I can tell you from experience: specifications set guardrails, and those guardrails shape safety, consistency, and outcomes. Trusted standards — the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) — each put their own spin on what makes a product trustworthy.
Purity isn’t just a simple number on the label. I’ve seen labs run into costly problems by assuming “high purity” equals “good enough.” The BP, EP, and USP lay out clear thresholds. For 3-Chloropropiophenone, each pharmacopoeia typically requires greater than 98% purity. This bar isn’t arbitrary. Lower quality can bring in trace impurities, setting off failed reactions or introducing risk if a manufacturer uses it to produce medicines or research chemicals.
The BP usually demands clear identity checks — melting point confirmation, IR spectra matching, and precise chromatographic purity analysis. EP adds another level with optical inspections for visual impurities and water content tests, plus heavier scrutiny over halide levels. USP often takes the route of including heavy metals limits, residue on ignition, and pH controls, offering an extra layer for folks in the U.S. drug manufacturing sector.
Missed contaminants—whether chlorinated byproducts or leftover solvents—bring real risk. I recall an old colleague who learned the hard way when his lab bought an off-spec batch from a new supplier. The project’s yield dropped, and the team wasted weeks just confirming where things went wrong. Quality certifications like BP, EP, and USP aren’t red tape, they represent generations of trial, error, and painful fixes. Their protocols for 3-Chloropropiophenone include tests for single spot TLC (thin layer chromatography), moisture by Karl Fischer, and precise GC/HPLC impurity profiling—methods that catch more than just the obvious mistakes.
For pharmaceutical or research labs, these differences turn into dollars and safety. An impurity count straying above 1% might seem small, but in process chemistry, it can taint an entire batch or—worse—end up in early-stage drug candidates.
In every lab I’ve managed, the winning move has always come from building relationships with suppliers who consider BP, EP, and USP standards as the starting point, not the finish line. Requesting complete Certificates of Analysis including detailed chromatograms and batch traceability keeps things transparent. Regular in-house testing, although costly, frequently pays off—catching inconsistencies before they infect large-scale projects.
Regulators set new standards for a reason. Connecting those decisions to daily practice can save lives and careers. Insisting suppliers provide documentation showing exact compliance with pharmacopoeial grade, not just marketing promises, removes guesswork. Every bottle of 3-Chloropropiophenone that meets BP, EP, or USP standards reflects a shared commitment to putting people’s safety and data integrity first. This is more than a list of specifications; it’s the baseline for trust in science and industry.
3-Chloropropiophenone may not be a household name, but anyone who’s worked in pharma labs or chemical storage knows it demands respect. This compound, used in pharmaceutical research and as an intermediate, isn’t something you want spilling, evaporating, or getting on your hands. The chemical gives off a strong odor, and direct exposure can quickly turn into respiratory or skin concerns. Years spent near chemical synth labs engrain these facts—good safety keeps projects on track and people healthy.
Forget leaving containers on crowded benches or under desks. 3-Chloropropiophenone belongs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. It doesn’t do well with heat or light, so picking a storage spot away from sunlight, radiators, and big equipment matters. Top labs use explosion-proof refrigerators or safety cabinets labeled for hazardous organics. Having tried both, it’s clear that a regular fridge won’t cut it; temperature swings and leaks spell trouble fast. Make sure the storage area has spill control materials nearby—absorbent pads, neutralizing agents, and a clear route to the eyewash station.
Small slips compound quickly. I remember seeing someone reach straight for an unlabelled amber bottle, thinking it was acetone, only to discover the distinct pungency of 3-Chloropropiophenone after opening. Always label every container, and use secondary containment. Direct contact with skin or eyes causes burns and painful irritation—nobody shakes off a chemical splash, no matter what old movies show. Gloves—nitrile or neoprene—stand up better here than cheap latex. Even short exposure without eye protection or proper ventilation can set off coughing or dizziness. Goggle up and work in a chemical fume hood every time.
Taking shortcuts in storing or handling this reagent only works until it goes wrong. Have I seen spills? Too many times. Quick response makes a difference. Spill kits for organohalides, eye wash bottles, PPE—these save the day. Teams need to chat through procedures before working with 3-Chloropropiophenone. Newcomers often misjudge evaporation or underestimate odor. There’s no room for guesswork.
This compound can’t go down the drain. Waste collection works best using well-marked, chemical-resistant containers. Most facilities contract waste disposal firms, and regulations demand documentation for every transfer. Watch for corrosion on storage drums over time—corroded caps and faded warning stickers invite mistakes, and it’s easy to overlook maintenance. Checking containers once a month cuts down the hazard and builds a safety routine that sticks.
Working with 3-Chloropropiophenone shows that health and safety rules aren’t just red tape. Good training, quality PPE, clear labeling, and a healthy respect for the risks turn “handling” into “not making the six o’clock news.” If your lab or facility uses this compound, review storage areas, update training records, and keep fresh safety gear on hand. I’ve seen the worst that careless storage can do; it’s nothing anyone wants to repeat.
Stepping into any lab or pharmaceutical facility, it’s easy to spot a recurring set of needs: reliability, traceability, and practicality in raw chemical sourcing. 3-Chloropropiophenone—familiar to anyone dealing with synthesis or ingredient workflows—demands attention for more than just its purity profile. Packaging sizes often get sidelined in technical discussions, but they regularly shape how smoothly work flows, how much waste gets left behind, and whether safety targets are actually met on the ground.
Think about the reality in the average lab. Ordering a drum of regulated chemical like 3-Chloropropiophenone makes sense for a contract manufacturer pulling kilos at a time. In a research bench setup, even a few liters can be far too much, ramping up storage risks and disposal hassles. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of wasted budget thanks to unsuitable packaging volumes, or facilities turning into veritable chemical museums as partially used jugs collect dust until expiration.
Many reputable suppliers—especially those sticking to BP, EP, and USP standards—now offer a good range of packaging: sealed ampoules or bottles under a liter, stackable five-liter cans, all the way up to industrial drums for those running bigger campaigns. The industry used to focus on a one-size-fits-all model, but now there’s real choice. This shift didn’t just arrive out of nowhere. Stringent regulation around pharmaceutical-grade chemicals forced producers to look seriously at how much product customers can actually manage before compliance gets complicated.
It doesn’t take a news headline to know chemical safety has moved up the agenda, especially for substances with hazard classifications. Pharma grade 3-Chloropropiophenone often arrives in tamper-proof containers with full documentation—batch numbers, CoAs, and sometimes QR codes for instant traceability. Smaller packaging isn’t just about convenience; it cuts down opportunities for human error, keeps the chemical stable, and in my experience, it helps staff stick closer to SOPs. The right size keeps things moving along without turning chemical management into a drawn-out process loaded with extra paperwork and risk.
Traceability systems matter for audits. With smaller, clearly labeled bottles or jugs, tracking which batch went where gets a lot less complicated. That’s become even more important since the pandemic forced so many of us into hybrid work models, with different staff picking up projects at different stages. Smaller packaging doesn’t just plug compliance gaps, it makes the daily grind less fraught and more predictable.
Not every supplier gets it right. One challenge lies in balancing the sustainability push with sterile, tamper-evident packaging. The world doesn’t need more single-use plastic, but pharma must keep cross-contamination risk near zero. The sweet spot lies in recyclable, resealable containers that don’t break cold chains or let chemicals degrade faster. This isn’t just wishful thinking; some newer suppliers already offer bulk purchasing with multiple small units per box, cutting both costs and waste by letting facilities order the precise amount that fits their workflow.
Final thought: Packaging policies for chemicals like 3-Chloropropiophenone are no small detail. It’s the difference between smooth project wrap-up and a headache that drags out for months. I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that speaking up about packaging requirements makes life easier for everyone downstream, from procurement teams to the scientists who get the real work done. If those handling chemical sourcing keep pushing for smarter sizes and sustainable options, the changes will follow—driven not by regulation, but by the people who understand the work at hand.
Pharma labs work with a mixed bag of chemicals, and 3-Chloropropiophenone isn’t a name heard much outside those circles. This compound, sometimes used in research and pharmaceutical supply chains, brings real hazards—not just the boilerplate ones found on a safety data sheet. People who handle it often talk about immediate eye and skin irritation, with headaches or breathing issues turning up if vapors fill the space. Direct contact causes burning or blistering that takes days to heal.
Working in active laboratory spaces, I’ve seen short cuts go wrong. Seeing someone clean a small 3-Chloropropiophenone spill without proper gloves drives home the point—nothing takes the sting out of a nasty chemical burn. Spills and splashes can happen quickly, especially on long shifts or inside a crowded fume hood. There are no do-overs in these moments—the damage is immediate, and it can be lasting.
Good safety begins with preparation. Before unsealing the bottle, always gear up: nitrile gloves, a lab coat that fits, safety goggles, and if you work with more than a few drops, a face shield. Rely on a fume hood or well-ventilated area—never breathe in the vapors. At one job, a team member wore only a cloth mask and later ended up coughing for hours—paper masks don’t cut it; proper respiratory protection remains the only way to block vapors.
Spill response training helps more than a warning label. Our lab had protocols taped to every workspace (spill kits, eyewash stations, where to find medical support), so when things went sideways, panic stayed out of the picture. No one “just washes it off”—immediate irrigation happens for at least 15 minutes, with a supervisor dialing medical help before the pain sets in. Working alone should be off the table.
Don’t keep 3-Chloropropiophenone next to anything acidic or with oxidizers. This chemical reacts badly and starts to decompose if tempted by heat or sunlight. In fast-paced work, people shove bottles wherever there’s space, but keeping it under lock and key, away from common-use cabinets, saves trouble later.
Labeling—actual names, big and bold, not just cryptic codes—saves new hires from reaching for the wrong substance. Once, our team spent extra time tracing a single unlabeled vial. It only takes one mix-up to put a coworker in the hospital.
Pharmaceutical labs get flooded with briefings and paperwork, but hands-on training leaves a mark that memos never do. Having to walk through PPE checks and mock spill drills sets routines that last. Nobody forgets the sensation of wearing double gloves or how it feels to clean up simulated spills with a partner watching. These drills bring focus and real understanding—people remember why the rules exist.
Digital logbooks now track every use, letting supervisors see if safety checklists get skipped. Sensors flag dangerous vapor levels in real-time—before someone starts coughing. Smart hoods cut off access when ventilation drops. These improvements started rolling out after several accidents forced organizations to rethink legacy setups.
Every chemical brings risks, but awareness, routine checks, and the right equipment can keep people whole. Consistent communication, supportive training, and a little technology make all the difference. The science goes forward, but the people come home healthy.
Identifiers | |
KEGG | C14268 |