(S)-2,2,4-Trimethylpyrrolidine Hydrochloride belongs on the shelf with specialty chemicals that serve as key building blocks across research and industrial labs. Its chemical structure features a pyrrolidine ring substituted with three methyl groups, lending the molecule chirality. The “S” in its name refers to the stereochemistry, not just a technical detail but a property shaping how it behaves in synthesis and reactions. The hydrochloride form comes into play to boost stability and solubility, giving this raw material a broader range of applications compared to its base form.
The hydrochoride salt typically appears as a white or off-white crystalline solid. In the hand, it feels dry, granular — sometimes even forming finer flakes or powder depending on the method of crystallization or drying. It’s not likely to find it as a liquid at room temperature due to its stable melting point. Lab measurements clock its density around 1.1 to 1.2 g/cm3, and it dissolves well in water, forming a clear solution that reflects its ionic character. Solubility in polar organic solvents, like methanol or ethanol, can also be high, which opens up technical possibilities for formulation or reactions.
The material stands out because of its structure. The backbone, a pyrrolidine ring — a five-membered nitrogen-containing cycle — carries three methyl groups at the 2 and 4 positions. Its formula reads C7H17N · HCl, with the hydrochloride counterion stabilizing what’s otherwise a basic amine. At the molecular level, that stereochemistry shapes interactions: the “S” shape impacts how it fits into catalysts and intermediates in chiral synthesis. It’s not just a static description; you see this come alive in asymmetric synthesis, where the difference between “S” and “R” could mean the success or failure of a pharmaceutical pathway.
Commercial samples usually list assays exceeding 98% purity, reflecting thorough quality control in production. It ships as a crystalline solid, in bottles designed to keep moisture at bay. Customers may encounter it as fine powder, larger flakes, or crystalline chunks resembling coarse salt or small pearls. Since it forms a hydrochloride salt, the chemical remains non-hygroscopic under typical storage, but once exposed to humid air, clumping can start, showing why careful handling matters. The bulk properties, including density and crystal habit, don’t just affect how it weighs out in a lab or production line — they hint at reliability and reproducibility batch after batch.
For trade, the harmonized system (HS) code lands around 2933990090, categorizing it alongside heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms. This detail matters for anyone moving material across borders, as duties, documentation, and safety compliance all trace back to the right code assignment. Customs officials see these numbers as critical cues for safety inspections and taxation.
Handling (S)-2,2,4-Trimethylpyrrolidine Hydrochloride calls for standard chemical hygiene. Skin or eye contact can result in irritation due to both the organic base and the hydrochloride salt. Inhalation of dust, especially with powders or fine crystals, risks mild respiratory irritation. MSDS sheets advise gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. The material has not shown up as a major environmental toxin in academic literature, but as with most pyrrolidines, its disposal calls for respect: neutralizing and diluting in accordance with local chemical waste rules. Ignoring these steps courts fines or worse, environmental harm — a practical cost few labs or factories are willing to risk.
Chemists value this compound as a chiral starting material and reagent. In asymmetric catalysis and synthesis, the “S” isomer carves out its place, especially in research for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty fine chemicals. Its solid state makes accurate weighing and dosing straightforward. The hydrochloride salt enhances its shelf life, letting researchers store material longer without worrying about amine volatility or degradation. The substance fits in multi-step synthesis where the right stereochemistry propels efficiency and selectivity.
Quality starts at the source, running through raw material selection up to final packing. Trace metals, water content, and residual solvents all find their way onto batch certificates. These details matter for reproducibility in high-stakes sectors like pharma or FDA-audited labs. Producers keep the process tight to avoid contamination or loss of chirality — one misstep and the final product veers off spec, risking failed reactions or costly troubleshooting.
Best practice for storage is a cool, dry place, sealed tight against moisture. Whether shipping by bottle or drum, packaging with tamper seals keeps product integrity intact from supplier to user. Labels echo hazard and precaution codes, leaving no ambiguity for warehouse or lab staff. The crystalline nature simplifies both transport and on-site handling, since spills can be swept up rather than soaked into porous surfaces.
In lab work with sensitive intermediates, there’s no shortcut to knowing your chemicals. (S)-2,2,4-Trimethylpyrrolidine Hydrochloride brings reliability when the project’s stakes run high. Adhering to safety and quality standards pays off, not just for compliance but for outcome. While buying decisions often lean on cost, professionals soon learn the value of certificates, customer service, and technical backup that track with real material performance in the lab, not just spec sheets.
