Serinol 98% (2-Amino-1,3-Propanediol): A Small Molecule with a Big Impact

2-Amino-1,3-propanediol, also known as 1,3-dihydroxy-isopropylamine, aminoglycerin, or amino-trimethylenglykol, is a small but highly impactful molecule with the molecular formula C3H9NO2. This compound belongs to the group of amino alcohols and is prochiral. Structurally, it is an analogue of the amino acid serine, which is why it is commonly referred to as serinol.

Serinol is characterized by its stability, corrosive nature, hygroscopicity, and excellent water solubility. With a molecular weight of 91.11 g/mol, it has a melting point range of 52-56°C and a boiling point of 115-116°C. As a result, 2-amino-1,3-propanediol has become a widely used intermediate in various chemical processes.

Synonyms:

• 2-Amino-1,3-propanediol
• DL-Serinol
• Serinol 98%
• S8002DI-Serinol
• 2-Aminoglycerol
• 2-Amino-1,3-propanediol
• 2-Aminopropan-1,3-diol
• 1,3-Dihydroxy-isopropylamine
• Aminoglycerin
• Amino-trimethylenglykol

Chemical intermediate applications

Amino alcohols serve as versatile intermediates in a wide range of chemical syntheses. They are involved in various reactions, including the following:

• Formation of amides and amide esters with carboxylic acids and organic acid esters
• Synthesis of amino acids through oxidation of the alcohol or hydrolysis of the amide
• Production of diamines when reacting with nitro alcohols
• Creation of heterocyclic compounds, such as oxazoline, via dehydration
• Synthesis of oxazolidine by reacting with aldehydes or ketones
• Formation of oxazoline esters and diesters by reacting with three moles of organic acids
• Creation of poly(amide esters) through reaction with dibasic acids
• Formation of salts with inorganic acids.

Emulsifier applications

Amino alcohols are widely used in the production of efficient anionic emulsifiers and nonionic polyethylene emulsions. In personal care product formulations, they offer several advantages over traditional amine emulsifiers, including enhanced base strength, lower neutralization equivalent, and reduced volatility. Amino alcohols play a key role in neutralizing acidic raw materials in personal care products, and they help render resinous materials water-soluble. Additionally, they contribute to improved base strength, low odor levels, excellent solubility in water and alcohol, and better color stability in cosmetics.

Coating application

The difunctionality of amino alcohols makes them valuable raw materials in polymer applications, both in water- and solvent-based systems. They help increase the solubility of other components and improve solution stability. Additionally, amino alcohols act as dispersants for pigment dispersion, enhancing wetting and viscosity stability. Their salts are also used in coatings to improve package stability.

Corrosion Inhibition application

Amino alcohols help maintain a constant alkalinity in boiling water flows and condensates, preventing the formation of solid products that could obstruct flow. This function is particularly useful as a corrosion inhibitor. They are widely used in the production of water-soluble cationic flocculants and ion exchange resins, which adsorb solid and colloidal particles through electrostatic attraction. Additionally, amino alcohols are employed in water treatment, metal treatment, and CO2 gas absorption.

Catalyst application

Amino alcohol salts, including hydrochloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, and sulfonate salts, can be used individually or in combination with other catalysts to provide balanced curing action with selected textile resins.

Biochemical application

In the biological field, amino alcohol structures are commonly found in many drugs, particularly antihistamines. Sphingosine, a key component of sphingolipids in mammals, plays a crucial role in signal transmission and cell recognition and is an amino alcohol. These compounds serve as starting materials in the production of beta-lactam antibiotics, humectants for food and cosmetics, flavoring agents, as well as various oral, injectable, and topical pharmaceuticals. Additionally, amino alcohols are used as amine buffers in a wide range of medications.

Serinol / 2-amino-1,3-propanediol

2-Amino-1,3-propanediol, commonly known as serinol, is an organic compound belonging to the alkanolamine group. It is a prochiral compound and serves as an intermediate in the production of various fine chemicals, including pharmaceuticals. Under standard conditions, it is a solid substance that is highly soluble in water. 2-Amino-1,3-propanediol is known for its stability, hygroscopic nature, and corrosive properties.

The name "serinol" was chosen due to its structural similarity to the amino acid serine. Derivatives of serinol, with substituents added to its carbon atoms, are also referred to as serinols.

Applications for Serinol

Since the 1940s, 2-amino-1,3-propanediol has been used in the manufacture of medicines, including the antibiotic chloramphenicol. It is well tolerated by the body and is incorporated into several other pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, 2-amino-1,3-propanediol, being a diol, can be used to prepare polyesters, which may have potential biomedical applications.