2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide: Properties, Handling & Lab Use

2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide is a bifunctional organic compound bearing both a hydroxyl group and a secondary amide moiety, making it a versatile building block and intermediate in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry research.

Chemical Name

2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide

SKU

H696456

Molecular Formula

C3H7NO2

Molecular Weight

89.09 g/mol

Key Functional Groups

Hydroxyl (–OH) and secondary amide (–NHCO–)

Appearance

Colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid (verify with CoA)

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

Chemical Identity and Structure

2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide (CAS number to be confirmed; review flag raised) is a small polar organic molecule with the molecular formula C₃H₇NO₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 89.09 g/mol. The compound consists of a two-carbon backbone in which one terminus carries a hydroxyl group (–OH) and the other carries an N-methyl amide group (–CONHCH₃). This combination of hydrogen-bond donor (OH and NH) and hydrogen-bond acceptor (carbonyl oxygen) functionalities imparts high water solubility and significant polarity to the molecule.

Because of its bifunctional nature, 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide is closely related to glycolamide derivatives and can participate in a range of chemical transformations including esterification at the hydroxyl site, N-acylation, and condensation reactions, making it a synthetically attractive scaffold for medicinal chemistry and materials science applications.

Research and Synthetic Applications

2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide serves multiple roles in laboratory research:

• Synthetic intermediate: The compound acts as a versatile building block in the preparation of more complex amide- or hydroxyl-containing targets, including peptidomimetics and small-molecule drug candidates.
• Solvent and co-solvent studies: Its polar, aprotic-like amide character combined with the protic hydroxyl group makes it of interest in solubility enhancement studies and formulation research.
• Biochemical probes: Hydroxyl amide motifs appear in bioactive molecules; this compound may serve as a reference standard or fragment in fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) programmes.
• Polymer and materials science: Bifunctional monomers of this type can be explored in the synthesis of polyamides or polypeptide analogues.

Researchers are encouraged to consult primary literature for specific reaction conditions and yields, as application data specific to this compound are limited in the open literature (review flag raised).

Safe Handling, Storage and Stability

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When handling 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide, wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), safety glasses or goggles, and a laboratory coat. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood to minimise inhalation exposure.

Storage: Store the reagent in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidising agents, strong acids, and strong bases. Recommended storage temperature should be confirmed against the product Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific.

Stability: Amide and hydroxyl functional groups are generally stable under ambient conditions; however, prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, or strongly acidic or basic media may cause hydrolysis of the amide bond. Protect from direct light and store under inert atmosphere if long-term storage is required.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, national, and institutional regulations for organic chemical waste. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full hazard classification, first-aid measures, and regulatory information before use.

Quality, Purity and Procurement Guidance

Aladdin Scientific supplies 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide under SKU H696456. When ordering, researchers and procurement personnel should note the following:

• Purity specification: Confirm the exact purity grade from the current product page or CoA. Common analytical techniques used for purity assessment include GC, HPLC, and NMR spectroscopy.
• Lot-to-lot consistency: Request the CoA for the specific lot number received to verify that purity, appearance, and key analytical data meet experimental requirements.
• Packaging: Available pack sizes should be selected based on anticipated consumption; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles or prolonged open-air exposure to maintain reagent integrity.
• Lead time and stock: Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or consult the product listing for current stock availability and lead times.

For technical enquiries regarding this product, including bulk pricing or custom packaging, please contact the Aladdin Scientific technical support team.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide used for in research?

2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide is primarily used as a synthetic intermediate and building block in organic and medicinal chemistry. Its bifunctional hydroxyl and amide groups enable diverse chemical transformations, and the compound may also serve as a fragment in drug discovery programmes or as a reference standard.

How should 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide be stored to maintain its stability?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location, away from strong acids, bases, and oxidising agents. For long-term storage, an inert atmosphere is recommended, and the product should be protected from direct light and excessive moisture. Always refer to the Aladdin Scientific CoA for lot-specific storage recommendations.

Where can I obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for H696456?

The Safety Data Sheet for 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide (SKU H696456) is available through the Aladdin Scientific product page or by contacting customer service directly. Always review the SDS before handling any chemical reagent to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

What analytical methods confirm the purity of 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide?

Common methods for purity analysis include gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The specific analytical data for each lot are documented in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific product listing for 2-Hydroxy-N-methylacetamide, SKU H696456. Accessed 2024.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. 5th ed. Wiley-Interscience, 2001. (General reference for amide and hydroxyl chemistry.)
3. Clayden, J.; Greeves, N.; Warren, S. Organic Chemistry. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 2012. (Textbook-level reference for functional group reactivity.)

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.