The story of 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone (3-HAP) runs parallel with the growth of both organic chemistry and applied science. Its roots trace back to pioneering work in phenolic ketone synthesis carried out during the early twentieth century, at a time when researchers first noticed subtle differences in reactivity and behavior among acetophenone derivatives. Chemists studying plant metabolites noted its distinct presence, stoking interest in extracting and characterizing the compound. As organic chemistry matured and instrumentation improved, 3-HAP emerged as more than a lab curiosity. Today, the compound stands to benefit not just chemists interested in aromatic ketones, but anyone invested in greener, safer, more functional chemical applications.
3'-Hydroxyacetophenone belongs to the family of hydroxyacetophenones, combining a phenolic group with a methyl ketone. These dual functional groups imbue it with both reactivity and versatility, positioning it for use in synthesis, perfumery, and pharmacology. The chemical formula is C8H8O2, reflecting a simple carbon backbone that disguises a wealth of chemical potential. Its role extends from academic research to the industrial bench, each sector seeking value in its reactive aromatic ring and ketone moiety. Having spent years working with similar aromatic ketones, I've seen firsthand how a single hydroxy substitution can unlock entirely new routes for product development and improvement.
As a white to pale-yellow crystalline solid, 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone offers easy handling for most lab and industrial processes. Boiling and melting points usually fall within the ranges typical for aromatic ketones—cited values show a melting point around 90–95 °C. The compound dissolves in hot water, ethanol, chloroform, and ether, which makes it workable for diverse applications. Its molecules carry a faint floral odor, a subtlety that perfumers have learned to appreciate. Chemically, the phenolic hydroxyl enhances its nucleophilicity and antioxidant features. This property carries real-world significance: working with phenol-based antioxidants in plastic stabilization, I’ve experienced how the right substitution pattern lengthens polymer lifespan.
Manufacturers and labs offer 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone in purities exceeding 98%, supported by COA documentation and spectroscopic validation. Labels reflect not just batch number and purity, but also solvent residues, melting point, and spectral characteristics such as NMR or IR fingerprints. Consistent quality matters; subtle impurities—often missed in less stringent supply chains—can cause unexpected side products in synthesis. Most containers carry hazard warnings, shelf life, and recommended storage around 2–8 °C to preserve the compound’s quality. In my laboratory work, tracking the finer details on these labels has preempted more than one costly batch failure.
Laboratory and industrial syntheses for 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone often rely on Friedel–Crafts acylation or hydroxylation of acetophenone precursors. The use of Lewis acid catalysts like AlCl3, with subsequent demethylation or direct acylation of resorcinol, stands as a common route. Yields depend heavily on temperature control, stoichiometry, and careful separation from isomers. Process improvements continue to reduce waste, simplify purification, and cut the demand for hazardous solvents. During several process development projects, I have seen how the right catalyst or greener solvent can trim both costs and environmental impact.
3'-Hydroxyacetophenone takes center stage in a variety of chemical transformations. The compound’s hydroxy group undergoes esterification, etherification, or even oxidation to quinones, each pathway creating options in fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals. The methyl ketone segment also participates in aldol and Mannich reactions, opening routes to more complex products. Its reactivity serves well in the hands of a creative chemist: derivatization enables the design of UV absorbers, polymer additives, and bioactive molecules. During custom synthesis projects, leveraging these substitution possibilities often proved the difference between a workable process and a dead end; it’s where hands-on chemical intuition turns theory into tangible products.
This compound appears in catalogs and papers under several aliases: meta-Hydroxyacetophenone, 3-Hydroxyacetophenone, 1-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)ethanone, and m-Hydroxyacetophenone. Each name highlights structural nuances, yet they all point back to the same entity—a steadfast ingredient across many research and production environments. Recognizing alternate nomenclature can save headaches, especially when switching between suppliers or reviewing the literature for application details.
Workplace safety regulations treat 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone as a compound warranting careful handling. Standard protective equipment includes gloves, goggles, and dust masks. Direct skin or eye contact brings irritation risk, while inhalation can trigger mild respiratory discomfort. Spills respond well to absorption with inert materials and prompt disposal following hazardous waste guidelines. MSDS and GHS-compliant labeling underscore the necessity for proper ventilation and secure storage away from oxidants or acids. Many organizations now follow ISO-certified handling protocols, which minimizes risk and supports regulatory compliance. Years spent in academic and industrial labs taught me that clear protocols and a culture of respect for chemical hazards do more to prevent accidents than any technical fix alone.
Industries harness 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone as an intermediate in synthesizing fragrances, dyes, UV stabilizers, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. In fragrance work, it delivers a mild, balsamic note for blending sophisticated scents. In pharma, it forms the backbone for compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity—areas under active investigation. Its phenolic characteristics suit production of polymer stabilizers, lengthening product life for everyday plastics. Analytical labs turn to it as a marker compound or a reagent in spectroscopic calibration. As scientific curiosity meets commercial need, new applications keep arising—so much so that I’ve often seen project priorities shift midstream when a quirky property of 3-HAP suddenly opens up a valuable new market.
Research teams keep pushing at the edges, probing how 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone can do more than current uses allow. Pharmaceutical chemists are screening derivatives for improved bioactivity. Green chemistry advocates pursue efficient, low-waste synthesis. Materials scientists hunt for ways it might strengthen or stabilize next-generation plastics. Academia often leads the charge, sharing findings with industry for commercial scaling. Keeping up with publications, I’ve noticed how international collaboration speeds up discovery—projects that once crawled now move at a brisk pace, driven by data sharing and shared lab trials.
Ongoing toxicity studies offer a mixed picture for 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone. Most data shows low acute toxicity, but researchers watch for long-term effects and subtle bioactivity. Some in vitro studies point toward mild cytotoxicity at high doses, relevant for those screening potential drug candidates. Regulatory scrutiny grows when compounds enter consumer product pipelines, so preclinical screening now extends beyond simple LD50 measures. Testing methods move past the basics, integrating cell-based assays, environmental fate studies, and chronic exposure modeling. As someone who’s navigated chemical approvals, I know how this deeper understanding shapes not just product safety but public perception—and how a single overlooked risk can invite bans or recalls.
New opportunities continue to gather around 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone. Green manufacturing remains high on the wish list, with biocatalysis and solvent-free methods offering reduced environmental footprint. Medicine may see novel agents developed from new 3-HAP derivatives, supported by deeper knowledge of structure–activity relationships. In materials science, next-generation polymers or functional coatings could use its antioxidant features to boost durability. Open data and global collaboration keep fueling discoveries, making it hard to predict which directions will stick. If my own experience counts for anything, the next big leap likely comes from an unexpected quarter—some niche project suddenly scaling up or a regulatory shift nudging investment toward greener, safer ingredients. In this field, adaptability trumps established patterns, and each new insight into 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone feeds directly into better products, safer workplaces, and new frontiers for science and industry alike.
Chemical names rarely sound friendly. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone (3-HAP) comes off as another faceless molecule among thousands, but it’s got a few tricks up its sleeve in real-world industries. I’ve come across this compound more than once while talking with technicians who work in research labs or quality control, and I often hear the same story: 3-HAP manages to make itself useful well beyond academic textbooks.
A lot of perfumers and flavor chemists find themselves reaching for 3-HAP on a regular basis. The compound brings a mild, sweet, almost earthy scent, and with it, a gentle boost to fragrances. If you’ve ever picked up a vanilla-tinged perfume or caught a whiff of something woody in a fine chocolate or a bottle of whiskey, 3-HAP may have played its part. Food scientists say a small amount deepens flavor in baked goods, candies, and sometimes even in tobacco blends.
Medical research leans on compounds like 3-HAP for more than just processing; they set off the building blocks that turn into larger, more complicated drugs. Medicinal chemists see 3-HAP as a “starting tool” to create other molecules. Back in my college days, the organic chem lab often called for it to make testing dyes or as a reagent in small-scale synthesis runs. Its structure deals well with modifications, so pharmaceutical teams use it when building anti-inflammatory agents, sedatives, or a host of experimental compounds. There’s an old study from PubChem showing promise for derivatives in neurological research. Nothing flashy, but progress often begins in the shadows of bigger names.
For people in chemical manufacturing, 3-HAP acts as a stepping stone. You start with this fairly simple molecule, tinker on its ends, and walk away with something completely transformed. The compound supports larger production chains—dye makers, resin factories, and agrochemical developers all run into it because of its flexible chemical groups. Colleagues in materials science mention it as a useful intermediate, the kind of ingredient that kicks off a month-long batch process. There’s almost a quiet respect among production chemists for versatile building blocks like this.
Many chemicals look simple at a glance but pose real risks without proper handling. Having spent time in a regulated environment, I’ve seen how easily minor mistakes with chemicals escalate. Data from the European Chemicals Agency notes that 3-HAP should be kept well-labeled and away from open flames; standard lab glasses and gloves should stay on at all times. Some suppliers focus on quality grades, since defects in a base chemical ripple out. Responsible sourcing stays important—lab techs prefer batches that can trace their origin, especially now that markets run global and the need for sustainable operations keeps growing.
Clean, traceable supply chains mean safer and more ethical use, and tighter safety standards always pay off. A few companies in North America and Europe already track emissions for their entire production cycle, making the process not just safer, but better for the planet. While an individual bottle of 3-HAP won’t change the world, every step towards better stewardship builds a stronger foundation for science and industry. Products like these quietly power everyday life, hidden in each spray, sip, or pill, proving that even basic substances matter more than most people realize.
Science brings us all sorts of molecules that shape industries, health, and the way labs run every day. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone falls right in that category. In simple terms, this compound belongs to the group of aromatic ketones. The base structure starts with acetophenone, a classic perfume ingredient, and a go-to compound in organic synthesis. Swap one hydrogen with a hydroxy group at the meta (3') position on the benzene ring, and the molecule changes character in surprising ways.
The chemical formula for 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone is C8H8O2. Visualize a benzene ring as the core; stick an acetyl group (COCH3) to the first carbon. On the third carbon from that anchor point, you have a hydroxy group (-OH). This small shift gives 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone its own set of behaviors, from how it dissolves to how it reacts in chemical processes. The positioning of the hydroxy group matters here. Positioning at the third spot—counting from the spot where the acetyl group is attached—helps it stand apart from other isomers, such as 2'- and 4'-hydroxyacetophenone.
Benzene ring science seems abstract until you see its reach: ingredients in sunscreen, painkillers, dyes. I worked in a cosmetics lab a few years back, and it always amazed me how small chemical tweaks change everything from scent intensity to stability under light. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone pops up in pharma circles and flavor production for good reason—the placement of those chemical groups can affect taste, solubility in alcohol or water, and even how fast your body breaks it down.
Knowledge of the exact structure isn’t trivial. Acetophenone derivatives, due to their structure, often serve as building blocks for medicines and photographic chemicals. The hydroxy group at the 3-position seems like a minor tweak, but it alters bioavailability and interaction with enzymes. Researchers rely on structure to predict allergenicity in fragrances and the effectiveness of drug candidates. A molecule might look like a twin to another at first glance, but lab testing and computational modeling show how the hydroxy group's location can mean a substance is safe, or it irritates the skin.
Laboratories and safety agencies insist on knowing the precise formula and structure before any new ingredient goes to market. The structure of 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone includes a benzene ring (aromatic), with a ketone (acetyl) functional group at position 1, and a hydroxy group at position 3. Chemical shorthand might list it as 3-hydroxyacetophenone or meta-hydroxyacetophenone. All the same, the focus stays on C8H8O2, with its specific ring arrangement.
3'-Hydroxyacetophenone’s clear, accessible formula lets scientists build other chemicals, perform safe quality checks, and push the boundaries of medicines or industrial agents. Regulatory teams follow standard identification tests—infrared and mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance—to verify the structure before anything reaches consumer shelves or hospitals. The deeper you look at these chemical details, the more you notice how much hangs on the exact positions of atoms within a molecule.
Clear communication about compounds like 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone builds trust in science and protects consumers. Labs need transparent sourcing, validated spectroscopic data, and open reporting on side effects or hazards. Basic chemistry, done right, underpins advanced research and safer everyday products. Focusing on each connection in a compound’s structure—like the ketone and hydroxy in 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone—continues to be a quiet driver of progress and safety across the board.
3'-Hydroxyacetophenone usually pops up in labs and production settings tied to pharmaceuticals, fragrances, or as a reference compound in research. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how a compound’s true impact often depends less on what it is and more on how it’s handled. Having worked with dozens of reagents myself, it’s clear that storing any organic compound isn’t something to rush or overlook. Skimping on careful storage can turn yesterday’s promising batch into today’s mystery goo faster than most realize.
Few things knock the wind out of a workday like opening a bottle and catching the scent of off-smells, discoloration, or the tell-tale signs of a compromised sample. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone remains sensitive in much the same way. Air, moisture, and heat all dig into its stability. After a stint working in a small custom synthesis lab, I learned to judge the quality of storage by how much a sample matches its original form—most mistakes grow from too-warm shelves, missing desiccants, or loose lids.
At room temperature, hydroxyacetophenones can survive, but cool, dry storage preserves them much longer. For most people, this means dedicating fridge space away from food and reactive chemicals. Any significant exposure to sunlight, air, or fluctuating temperature knocks down shelf life. One rule my old lab manager hammered home: tight caps, fresh silica gel, and never ignore condensation inside the vial.
Breakdowns or unexpected byproducts can creep up if you miss these basics. I’ve seen compounds go from bright white to sticky brown lumps in weeks if humidity seeps in. Decomposition tends to ruin both purity and performance, which spells disaster in sensitive applications—imagine calibrating HPLC with a faded standard or running a bioassay using degraded material. Even trace changes can twist results, burning time, money, and credibility. These headaches stretch far beyond the cost of lost material—they can mess up months of research.
Besides visible spoilage, contamination rides along as another risk. At one point, cross-contamination from nearby solvents forced an entire shelf of valuable chemicals into the waste bin. Open containers make easy targets for volatile compounds drifting through the air. That kicked off a new habit: segregating 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone from acids, bases, and solvents as much as possible, with sealed glass containers, clear labeling, and limited handling.
3'-Hydroxyacetophenone, like many phenolic compounds, oxidizes more quickly under warm, damp conditions. Published data confirms that elevated temperature can slash shelf life from years to months. Moisture eats away at purity, even at moderate levels. Desiccators help here, as dry environments slow hydrolysis and oxidation reactions. Storing in amber glass blocks UV light, which can also trigger breakdown.
Taking a few minutes to set up proper storage pays off for the long haul. Keep the compound sealed and dry, inside an amber glass vial, and stash it in a cool, dark cabinet or refrigerator. Write the date opened right on the label. Place a desiccant pack in every container where condensation is possible. Keep chemicals sorted, so cross-contamination doesn’t have a chance to start. If the substance looks different or starts clumping, it’s safer to replace it than risk skewed work.
These habits didn’t start just for science’s sake—they grew out of chasing reliability and reducing frustration. Good storage isn’t just about lasting longer on the shelf; it means less repeat testing, clearer results, and fewer wasted days. No one gets excited about cleaning up bad vials, so investing in smart habits early makes all the difference down the line.
Countless chemical compounds fill our workplaces, each with strengths and hazards. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone finds its way into perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and research labs. Its sweet, light scent makes it a favorite among fragrance formulators. Despite its pleasant aroma, anyone handling it in production or research comes face-to-face with its risks on a daily basis.
Most people focus on the pleasant notes, missing the less charming side: toxicological data shows it pokes at skin and eyes. Direct contact can cause reddening, irritation, or worse if exposure stretches long enough. Inhaling its dust or vapor irritates the respiratory system. My own time mixing small amounts in college chemistry labs reminded me just how quickly strong smells can trigger headaches or worse among sensitive folks.
The compound doesn’t set fires as easily as some solvents, but it still burns if exposed to enough heat. Fires stemming from organics like these spread toxic fumes, filling the air with compounds nobody wants to inhale. The risk of toxic byproducts in a fire cannot be pushed aside. The dangers come not just from immediate exposure but also from cumulative low-level contact—this usually builds up by skipping gloves or leaving caps off bottles for too long.
At home, you might encounter tiny amounts in special perfumes or DIY projects. Accidental spills are rare, and concentrations remain low. Large-scale handling leans toward science classrooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing, perfume production, or analytical chemistry. Anywhere those activities go on, risks stack up. Spills, splashes, and vapors become more likely, especially with larger containers.
Several reports from industrial hygiene research underline the importance of controlling dust and vapor. Accidents mostly come from poor equipment maintenance or improper training. I’ve watched coworkers reach for a rag to soak up a spill instead of wearing gloves, just to “save time.” Their red, peeling skin days after usually changed their minds.
Respecting this compound means building habits that keep exposure low. Always put on fitted nitrile gloves and splash-proof goggles before opening a container. Work in a well-ventilated hood or next to an exhaust fan that whisks away stray vapors. Careless handling around open flames or heat sources turns a manageable risk into an emergency—keep open bottles away from sparks or hot equipment.
Store only in tightly sealed glass containers, away from strong acids, bases, or oxidizers. Dedicated chemical storage spaces, separated from common work areas, make accidental exposure less likely. Floors get slippery when spills aren’t cleaned right away; choose absorbent pads and clear up immediately.
SDS sheets from chemical suppliers detail every risk, but they mean little unless every team member actually reads and understands them. Safety training straight from a PowerPoint won’t cut it—real demonstrations and hands-on practice drive the message home. Toxicity studies point to low toxicity at very low doses, but chronic exposure statistics remind us to respect even moderate hazards.
Chemicals that sound “mild” or harmless in low doses still demand as much respect as harsher peers. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone rewards thoughtful handling. Simple habits—gloves, goggles, good ventilation—reduce the odds of harm and create a smoother, safer workflow. Neglect gives way to regret only after trouble hits, but by developing a safety mindset, risks stay manageable, and long-term health wins out.
Quality standards for chemicals aren’t about jumping through hoops—they play a real role in ensuring safe handling, reliable results, and productive work. 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone isn’t just a name on a bottle; it finds its way into all kinds of applications, from pharmaceutical research to perfume chemistry. Even minor impurities can throw off results, put equipment at risk, or compromise future experiments. That’s why a sharp eye on the details makes a difference, right from the product’s appearance down to its purity score.
Labs and factories don’t settle for vague claims—they look for numbers. High-grade 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone usually reaches a purity of at least 99%. Serious suppliers back this up with data from techniques like HPLC or GC, not just a printed certificate. Impurities like related aromatic compounds, moisture, or heavy metals get measured down to tiny fractions of a percent, since even that small amount may change how test compounds behave.
In my own time working with chemical samples, anything below 98% meant trouble—side reactions crop up, and sometimes you have to toss a whole batch if things go wrong. Pharmaceutical or food labs often ask for purity beyond 99.5% and want tests on residual solvents and metals as well. Having proof on hand, whether that’s chromatography printouts or IR spectra, does more for trust than a glossy label ever could.
Low impurity levels don’t just protect people; they save money. Every unwanted trace of another compound risks damaging analysis equipment or giving wild readings on a mass spectrometer. Over time, routine checks for things like chlorides, sulfates, or loss on drying help catch when batches drift off spec. If you deal with multiple suppliers, spot checks in your own lab often reveal surprises that official paperwork misses.
The standard physical description for 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone is clear and simple: white to pale yellow crystalline powder. This shade offers a quick clue about contamination. A batch with gray or brown tinges might contain oxidation products or trace metals. Caking, visible lumps, or wet patches in the powder tell you about storage habits—sometimes humidity sneaks into packaging, causing lumps or a sticky texture that make accurate weighing tough.
Tight specification for appearance isn’t just about making an order look nice. If you want repeatable results, consistent batches save time on troubleshooting and double checks. My own lab experience showed that something as simple as an odd color hint often signals a deeper issue—sometimes it’s a minor cosmetic impurity, sometimes a big lab problem. Routine visual checks catch what analytical instruments sometimes miss.
Putting all these points together, clear labelling and batch-specific certifications matter for everyone, whether running a startup lab or a manufacturing line. Suppliers who provide full documentation—test methods, batch numbers, analysis results—win long-term clients. If standards slip, quick action on sourcing and additional screening at the receiving dock keeps things running smooth.
Anyone working with 3'-Hydroxyacetophenone learns that purity and appearance aren’t trivial specs, but practical benchmarks you check against every day. Labs grow to trust suppliers who deliver tight specs, clear explanations, and prompt communication if issues come up. Better transparency, steady testing, and knowledgeable staff all help turn a technical detail into a real competitive advantage.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one |
| Pronunciation | /ˈθriː haɪˌdrɒksi æsɪˈtɒfɪˌnoʊn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | [121-71-1] |
| Beilstein Reference | 635601 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:5720 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL495 |
| ChemSpider | 11318 |
| DrugBank | DB04208 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03c1f8e6-7d49-4af6-8a44-f5ae52ac5631 |
| EC Number | 211-361-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7475 |
| KEGG | C05580 |
| MeSH | D000322 |
| PubChem CID | 7006 |
| RTECS number | AL8610000 |
| UNII | 5645Y3784P |
| UN number | 2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H8O2 |
| Molar mass | 136.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
| Odor | Sweet; hawthorn-like |
| Density | 1.136 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | 1.23 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.01 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.05 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 9.38 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -52.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.551 |
| Viscosity | 2.10 mPa·s (at 20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.16 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 160.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −325.4 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3744 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N02BX10 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, causes skin irritation |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 146°C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 630°C |
| Explosive limits | No explosive limits found. |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 1780 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, Rat: 740 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SN8525000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | NIOSH: Unknown |
