3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid, often recognized in research and industrial settings for its versatility, stands out as a chemically stable sulfonic acid derivative combining a cyclohexyl group with a propylamine backbone. Most users in chemical labs see this solid crystalline acid in a white to off-white appearance, sometimes milled into fine powder form, and on rare occasions handled as flakes. Its unique carbon and nitrogen structure empowers it for complex buffering and reagent tasks in synthesis, particularly when researchers look for a more hydrophobic environment or seek to increase the salt tolerance of reaction mediums. The formula, C9H19NO3S, maps tightly to its molar mass of roughly 221.32 g/mol. The acid’s strength and stability allow it to serve as an excellent raw material foundation for derivative work, blending both organic and ionic characteristics for a host of scientific formulations.
The substance’s backbone, built from a cyclohexyl ring attached through an amine linker to a propanesulfonic acid chain, results in a unique spatial structure. This geometry shapes the acid’s relatively high melting point and establishes a density near 1.18 g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter) in its pure, crystalline form. Under room temperature and atmospheric pressure, it holds a solid state—the tough chunks break down into flakes or crumble to grains or even pearlescent beads depending on processing. Dissolving in water forms a clear to slightly hazy solution, reflecting its sulfonic acid group’s high polarity and the cyclohexyl ring’s partial hydrophobic shielding. Researchers have long used its solubility gradient to develop buffers capable of tolerating significant ionic strength, carving its place in specialized biological and laboratory workflows.
Every package of 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid arrives with defining physical properties—the acid's purity typically exceeds 99%, a detail that ensures reliability in sensitive chemical syntheses or laboratory buffer preparations. The substance’s moisture retention stays minimal, needing only basic dry storage outside extremely humid regions. Bulk shipments rarely turn into caked masses, which means less wastage and more accurate weighing in analytical work. Professionals tracking raw material quality note a low chloride and sulfate content, which keeps interference at bay during high-precision assays. The acid resists breakdown under light or moderate heating, so day-to-day handling feels predictable and consistent for even amateur technicians.
Carrying the molecular formula C9H19NO3S, this acid’s atomic arrangement shapes every single property. Its molecular weight stays crucial when chemists design solutions of precise molarity—221.32 grams per mole supports accurate volumetric calculations. Density holds at about 1.18 g/cm³ for solid crystals. In a liter of water, only about 200 grams go fully into solution, a factor important for anyone preparing dense buffers or stock solutions. In liquid or solution form, its molecular integrity persists, driving hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions which underpin much of its chemical utility in industrial and laboratory settings. With a melting point resting between 180 °C and 184 °C, it avoids decomposition under routine heating, which empowers reliable drying and blending processes.
In solid state, 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid shows up as flakes, fine powder, or even small crystals depending on post-synthesis treatment; all forms display a white to faintly off-white color and a firm, grainy texture. Bulk storage relies on moisture-proof, inert containers to retain chemical stability and ensure flow during dispensing. The raw material itself presents minimal volatility—no irritating fumes or vapors at room conditions—though normal safety procedures require gloves and goggles, treating the substance like most acid salts in a lab or manufacturing setup. Eye or skin contact can cause mild to moderate irritation, highlighting the need for thorough washing in the event of exposure. No chronic toxicity data has raised alarms under expected use levels, yet the global chemical trade tags the material as hazardous to varying degrees, echoing good practice rather than outright danger in small-scale lab work. The hazard classification reflects its potential to cause harm if misused or consumed, backing up the widespread advice to avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Sales channels stock the acid as solid powder, flakes, granules, or crystalline chunks; bulk contracts sometimes source it as pearlescent grain or in pre-mixed buffer solutions. Each physical form meets tailored specification sheets: purity not less than 99%, moisture content under 0.5% by weight, and chloride content below 0.02%. Certain suppliers offer solution formats to save time for biochemistry or molecular biology teams, typically standardizing stock at 1 molar concentration in water. The acid’s manageable density streamlines weighing and measuring across container sizes, from grams for research up to hundreds of kilograms for industrial runs. Custom-formulated blends satisfy unique research demands by manipulating solubility and buffering parameters to meet precise pH levels or ionic strengths, always leveraging the substance’s intrinsic molecular stability and low baseline reactivity outside of targeted acid-base or nucleophilic interactions.
Trade and regulatory frameworks classify 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid under HS Code 29349990, putting it in the family of organic sulfur compounds not elsewhere specified. Customs agents and shipping terminals use this code for border crossings and logistics management, ensuring traceability from manufacturer to end user. Compliance with international transport guidelines remains tight—hazard notifications, labeling, and safety data sheets travel with every shipment. This classification streamlines crossing between supply chain checkpoints and brings uniform treatment for taxation or regulatory review worldwide. Shipment documents detail the chemical’s status, supporting screening and import-export transparency for any destination country participating in the harmonized system of trade codes.
Handling 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid in the lab centers around common sense and responsible stewardship. Leaky containers or spills see cleanup with dry, inert absorbents, bagged and labeled for proper chemical waste management. With solid materials, dust control sometimes matters—fixed ventilation or local exhaust shields staff from unwelcome powder exposure during pouring or milling. Accidental exposure mostly triggers routine first aid without major escalation; rinse well, remove contaminated clothing, and seek medical checkup if noticeable irritation lingers. No fire hazard exists under regular operational temperatures, yet packaging should avoid heat above 180 °C, where the risk for breakdown creeps upward. Mixing with strong bases or oxidizers brings unwanted chemical reactivity, so segregate the acid from such materials during storage. Shipping documents name it as an irritant rather than an acute toxin. Trace contaminant levels in final formulations stay below safety thresholds, securing a clean record for end-use in well-regulated environments. With proper safeguards, risk to persons or property stays manageable, echoing the broader principle of respect for chemicals matched by sound work practices.
In industry, 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid functions not only as a final buffer agent but as a valued raw material in specialty synthesis. Manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, specialty reagents, and fine chemicals reach for this acid during preparation of bespoke salts, mixed buffers, or advanced intermediates. The structure anchors more complex molecules, proving its worth whenever a hydrophobic sulfonic acid moiety lifts desired reactivity or creates selective partitioning within layered synthesis strategies. Supply partners regularly ship metric tons per annum, underlining reliability of the acid in fine chemical manufacture, pilot plant production, bioscience research, or quality control reference standards.
International health, safety, and regulatory reviewers have issued no universal bans or major restriction alerts for 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid, yet nearly every material safety data sheet tags the chemical for thoughtful handling. Long-term health impacts remain under-studied, making it smart to confine use to tested concentrations and qualified operators. The acid’s solid and solution forms require secure storage—dry, sealed, and out of direct sunlight. Labels warn against accidental ingestion, and emergency contacts flag exposure to trained response teams as part of best lab protocols. Waste management teams treat spent solutions as hazardous chemical waste, subject to collection and disposal by licensed handlers under local regulations.
Any facility or research team using 3-Cyclohexylaminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid faces choices about safe storage, precise measurement, and correct application due to its distinctive physical properties. With knowledge of melting point, density, and water solubility, staff construct solutions with accuracy, minimize error, and maximize resource efficiency. The molecular formula and chemical structure shape not just day-to-day handling but also project design at the R&D level, where incorrect information on raw material properties risks lost time, wasted stock, or inconsistent experiment results. Reviewing hazard statements and storage guidelines cuts down accident rates, builds worker confidence, and maintains compliance with regulatory authorities. These details may look technical, yet in practice they underpin the building blocks of safe, effective chemistry work in commercial, academic, and clinical settings.
