2-Aminophenol stands out as an organic compound with the formula C6H7NO. It's best recognized by its molecular structure, which features both an amine group (–NH2) and a hydroxyl group (–OH) positioned on a benzene ring at the ortho positions. This unique structure gives it a set of properties that have made it a key raw material across several industries. On the shelf, you’ll find it in solid forms like powder or flakes, or even as crystals. The molecule weighs in at about 109.13 g/mol, reflected in its stability and ease of handling. Its pale brown or white color sometimes surprises people, especially after exposure to air as it can darken; that’s just the nature of this compound’s reactivity. The HS Code for customs or shipping purposes generally falls under 29222990, used worldwide for the import and export of this specific chemical.
One of the first things to notice about 2-Aminophenol is its density—roughly 1.293 g/cm³. In most practical settings, it appears as a crystalline solid; at room temperature, it doesn’t melt or dissolve in water as quickly as typical salts or sugars, but it mixes well with hot water and organic solvents like alcohol or ether. That means handling it in a laboratory or production setting requires proper storage to maintain purity. 2-Aminophenol boils at about 174 °C under reduced pressure and melts near 174-176 °C. All these physical attributes line up to make it reliable for controlled reactions. Chemistry students and factory workers both know that the handling specifications—the density, melting point, and solubility—serve as guideposts for safe use and for predicting how it behaves with other chemicals.
Turn attention to the molecular structure for a second. The arrangement of functional groups, with the –NH2 sitting right next to the –OH, creates a strong hydrogen bonding effect. This feature helps the solid form stick together as flakes, powder, or pearls, depending on processing methods. In dye manufacturing, the structure allows it to act as a coupling component. Chemical synthesis relies on this unique backbone. You can see its crystalline form clearly under a microscope: sharp, elongated crystals, easy to separate from solution. People in pharma, photography, and hair dye production all count on the predictability that comes from the molecular layout of 2-Aminophenol.
There’s a reason 2-Aminophenol is called a foundational raw material for dyes. The sulfonation and acetylation reactions using this molecule yield several vibrant shades that color hair, textiles, and even photographic films. As a chemist, watching the transformation is rewarding—colorless mixtures burst into vivid tones after a reaction with 2-Aminophenol. Drug manufacturers use it in more subtle ways as a building block for paracetamol (acetaminophen) and other pharmaceuticals. Looking at market data, demand can spike seasonally based on industrial needs, which puts pressure on suppliers to maintain quality stock without impurities. Each year, tons of this powder cross borders as solid, crystalline, or in solution form. With proper labeling, shippers ensure compliance with HS Code protocols to meet international safety standards.
Don’t let the appearance of those harmless flakes fool you. 2-Aminophenol brings some safety concerns. It counts as a hazardous chemical, with risks around inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion. The distinctive odor should warn handlers to use proper ventilation. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) spell out clear advice: wear gloves, goggles, and dust masks, and keep it away from sources of ignition. Prolonged exposure can disrupt the body’s ability to process methemoglobin, making it harmful to health in large exposures. Industrial accidents have happened—open containers exposed to moisture tend to clump, and spills require quick cleanup using designated chemical absorbents. Workers understand that dry storage, sealed containers, and limited handling keep the site safe. Regular audits of safety protocols reinforce what’s been learned from past mistakes.
Focusing on solutions, companies can mitigate the hazards with robust training programs that go beyond minimum standards. I’ve seen manufacturers use automated systems to limit the need for direct handling. Investment in engineering controls like proper air filtration pays off in the long run by reducing workplace illness. Environmental considerations matter, too. Spent solutions can’t just be dumped; they require careful treatment to neutralize toxicity. Some companies have shifted to closed-loop systems for reclamation and recycling, which both protects workers and limits pollution. Governments track large shipments through the HS Code, so compliance isn’t voluntary for importers or exporters. This oversight encourages better practices from mine to market.
Most people don’t realize the reach of 2-Aminophenol in daily life. Without it, the world would look a bit duller—dyes wouldn’t hold as well, pharmaceuticals would be harder to synthesize, and some photography processes would hit a dead end. Beyond aesthetics, the reliability and well-documented properties of this molecule keep supply chains running. There’s something comforting about opening a fresh container of pure, crystalline 2-Aminophenol, knowing exactly what it offers in every reaction. As new applications arise—materials science, new types of organic electronics—there’s no doubt this compound will keep showing up wherever precision and predictable results matter most.
Industrial users keep a close eye on a few key specs. Typical purity for technical or analytical grade runs above 99%. Moisture content should stay low—usually under 0.5%. The form varies: white to light brown flakes, needle-like crystals, or fine powder, packaged in moisture-proof, air-tight drums or HDPE bags. Each shipment references HS Code 29222990 for smooth clearance through customs. For international shipping, the material comes with clear hazard labeling—UN numbers and hazard class assignments by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. That attention to detail keeps the supply chain quick but also safe. I’ve handled enough chemical shipments to know that these extra steps help prevent costly mix-ups or delays at ports. Down the line, all that care in classification and documentation keeps labs, factories, and their workers safe from unexpected chemical reactions.
