2-Phenylpropionic Acid stands as a noteworthy compound in both laboratory and industrial settings. The compound features a benzene ring linked to a propionic acid group, delivering a structure that reads: C9H10O2. This molecular formula points directly to its structure—phenyl substituted on the second carbon of propionic acid—which shapes all of its physical and chemical behavior.
Looking at the molecule, you see a classic arrangement: one phenyl ring and a two-carbon carboxylic acid chain. This buildup not only delivers recognizable aromatic properties, but also allows the compound to bind or react in typical organic synthesis. The molecular weight registers at 150.17 g/mol. Structurally, there’s something elegant about how this one fits into broader organic chemistry—a simple, compact backbone that still achieves a lot in applications. Its SMILES notation, C1=CC=C(C=C1)CC(=O)O, further describes this connection for those using cheminformatics databases.
In its pure form, 2-Phenylpropionic Acid often appears as a white or off-white crystalline solid. Sometimes you’ll encounter it as flakes, powder, or in its solid pearl-like crystal state, depending on production and storage. It demonstrates a melting point that hovers between 47°C and 51°C, and it has a density close to 1.08 g/cm3 at room temperature. Solubility, as expected for compounds showing both nonpolar and polar functionality, falls somewhere in the middle: it dissolves well in ethanol, ether, and similar organic solvents while showing limited solubility in water.
Bulk offerings of this raw material often arrive in different forms. You meet it as a crystalline solid, a fine powder, chunky flakes, or even in dissolved solutions when tailored for particular manufacturing steps. Industrial packaging aims to keep it dry and stable, usually in airtight containers, since moisture can prompt hydrolysis or unwanted reactions. Labs using smaller quantities will see similar options, allowing for ease of handling, weighing, and mixing with other chemicals in synthesis.
2-Phenylpropionic Acid benefits from a lower risk profile compared to some aromatic acids, but it’s not risk-free. Workers and handlers note its potential to act as a mild skin or eye irritant. Inhalation of dust or prolonged skin contact should get attention; standard chemical-handling protocol means gloves, goggles, and ventilation. Like similar raw materials, it commands regular inventory controls and clear Safety Data Sheet (SDS) review. Nobody wants the compound improperly stored, since solid acids like this one, when exposed to incompatible materials or moisture, can degrade or cause unexpected reactivity.
Chemists reach for 2-Phenylpropionic Acid regularly as a raw material for fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and specialty syntheses. The acid group gives versatility—in esterification or coupling reactions, the phenyl ring opens doors for further aromatic chemistry. Its clean melting profile and solid-state properties make weighing and dispensing straightforward, especially in large-scale settings where process control cuts costs and ensures reproducibility. This compound won’t usually rank as hazardous for transport under most regulations, streamlining supply chain logistics. From experience in synthesis labs, I’ve seen this acid used in peptide synthesis, chiral building block development, and fragrance intermediates.
Customs classification codes help with international trade, and for 2-Phenylpropionic Acid you’ll often see the HS Code 2916.39, tying it directly to aromatic carboxylic acids. Warehouse records, logistics teams, and customs officials reference this code, so correct labeling is critical in export and import paperwork.
Ensuring quality means more than purity testing—it demands thorough documentation and transparency from suppliers about every batch’s exact density, melting point, and impurity profile. Customers pushing for green chemistry sometimes ask for less hazardous alternative raw materials, but 2-Phenylpropionic Acid already provides a relatively safe, simple profile, and it stores well if you keep it dry and cool. To cut down on worker hazards, companies invest in training, provide accessible SDS documents, and keep eye-wash stations and spill kits ready. Anyone managing chemical inventories appreciates its stable shelf life, but routine inspections for signs of degradation or contamination remain standard.
Experience teaches that details like flake size, purity grade, and container material matter as much as core specifications. Sometimes powders clump or fines drift in the air, raising handling concerns and waste. Clients seeking liquid solutions should handle pre-dissolved forms cautiously, watching out for dilution errors or unexpected solvent interactions. In academic labs, the compound’s versatility fits undergrads practicing esterification or researchers needing building blocks for custom ligand development. On a plant floor, managers look for easy-to-read labeling and reliable lot-to-lot product performance so upstream synthesis runs with minimal disruption.
As supply chains shift, more buyers ask about sourcing, sustainability, and production footprints tied to 2-Phenylpropionic Acid. While basic organic chemistry won’t change, greener production methods—catalysts that run at lower temps, renewable starting materials, or closed-loop solvent systems—help cut waste and emissions. Industry groups encourage open disclosures about environmental impact, giving buyers a full picture before committing to large-volume contracts. For companies working to meet environmental, safety, and quality guidelines under regulatory and voluntary initiatives, adapting practices starts by knowing every facet of raw materials like 2-Phenylpropionic Acid inside out.
