The precise understanding of a chemical compound's properties is fundamental to its effective utilization in synthesis and material development. 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol (CAS: 428-63-7) is a difluorinated diol whose properties are of significant interest to researchers and industrial chemists alike. This compound, with the molecular formula C3H6F2O2, offers a unique combination of features derived from its fluorination and diol structure.

One of the most notable physical properties of 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol is its density, reported as 1.334 g/cm³. This relatively high density, compared to non-fluorinated analogs, is typical for organofluorine compounds and reflects the presence of the heavier fluorine atoms. Its boiling point is recorded at 250.9 °C at standard atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg), indicating a degree of thermal stability and suggesting it is a liquid or low-melting solid at room temperature. The flash point of 105.5 °C provides an important safety parameter for handling and storage.

Chemically, the presence of two fluorine atoms at the C2 position significantly influences the molecule's electronic profile. Fluorine is highly electronegative, and its inductive effect can impact the acidity of the hydroxyl protons and the reactivity of the adjacent carbon atoms. While the hydroxyl groups provide sites for nucleophilic or electrophilic reactions, the geminal difluoride group can impart increased chemical stability and resistance to oxidation or reduction at that specific carbon center. The refractive index, measured at 1.376, offers another physical characteristic that can be useful for identification and quality control.

The dual nature of this compound as a diol and a fluorinated molecule makes it a versatile intermediate. Its hydroxyl groups allow it to participate in esterification, etherification, and polymerization reactions. When used in polymer synthesis, the fluorine atoms can modify properties such as the polymer's glass transition temperature, solubility, and surface energy. This makes materials derived from 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol attractive for applications requiring enhanced thermal stability, chemical resistance, or specific surface characteristics.

In pharmaceutical research, understanding these properties is crucial for designing drug molecules. The lipophilicity and metabolic stability imparted by fluorine can be leveraged to improve drug efficacy. The precise physical and chemical properties of 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol allow medicinal chemists to predict its behavior within a biological system or in synthetic transformations aimed at creating new therapeutic agents.

The study of vapor pressure, given as 0.00334mmHg at 25°C, also provides insights into its volatility, which is relevant for distillation purification and handling. These detailed properties contribute to its classification and utility within the fine chemicals sector, where precise characterization is paramount.

In summary, 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-Propanediol exhibits a unique set of physical and chemical properties that stem from its difluorinated structure and diol functionality. These characteristics make it a valuable compound for advanced organic synthesis, material science, and pharmaceutical research, enabling the development of innovative products with tailored performance.