Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (P(3HB), PHB), Mn ~3,000, is a low-molar-mass polyester in the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family. P(3HB) consists of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate repeat units and is produced naturally by bacteria as an intracellular carbon and energy reserve.
CAS: 26063-00-3 | Number-average molecular weight (Mn): ~3,000
This grade is useful for polymer research where P(3HB) chain length is an experimental variable. Molecular weight and thermal history can influence crystallization and melting behavior, making defined low-molecular-weight grades useful for comparative studies of P(3HB) structure and properties.
Related molecular-weight grades include P(3HB), Mn ~1,000, P(3HB), Mn ~2,000, and P(3HB), Mn ~5,000. Additional materials are available in our Polymers portfolio.
Key Properties
- Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (P(3HB), PHB)
- Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester
- Biodegradable polymer
- Number-average molecular weight (Mn): ~3,000
- CAS: 26063-00-3
- Appearance: white to light grey powder
- Soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, benzene, and ethylene carbonate
- Storage: room temperature
Applications
Low-Molecular-Weight P(3HB) Research
The Mn ~3,000 grade is useful for studies that examine P(3HB) at relatively low chain length. It can be compared with other P(3HB) molecular-weight grades when evaluating molecular-weight-dependent polymer behavior.
Crystallization & Thermal Analysis
P(3HB) is a crystallizable polyester whose melting and crystallization behavior depends on sample history and experimental conditions. Defined molecular-weight grades support comparative studies of crystallization, melting, and morphology.
Solution-Based Polymer Studies
P(3HB), Mn ~3,000 is soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, benzene, and ethylene carbonate, allowing solution preparation for compatible polymer characterization and materials-research methods.
Solubility & Molecular Weight Considerations
- Number-average molecular weight (Mn): ~3,000
- Soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, benzene, and ethylene carbonate
- Lower- and higher-molecular-weight P(3HB) grades are available for comparative studies
- Molecular weight and thermal history can influence P(3HB) crystallization and melting behavior
For molecular-weight comparisons, related grades include Mn ~1,000, Mn ~2,000, and Mn ~5,000.
Application Tips
- Use consistent solvent, polymer concentration, and sample-preparation conditions when comparing molecular-weight grades
- Maintain a consistent thermal history when comparing crystallization or melting behavior
- Select the P(3HB) molecular-weight range according to the chain-length regime required for the experiment
- Use an appropriate listed solvent for solution-based work
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Keep in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Use adequate laboratory ventilation during handling
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]?
Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate], also called P(3HB) or PHB, is a polyester in the polyhydroxyalkanoate family. It consists of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate repeat units and is produced naturally by bacteria as an intracellular carbon and energy reserve.
2. What does Mn ~3,000 mean?
Mn is the number-average molecular weight. This grade has a nominal Mn of approximately 3,000 and represents a relatively low-molecular-weight P(3HB) within the available series.
3. Is P(3HB) the same as 3-hydroxybutyric acid?
No. P(3HB) is a polyester composed of repeating 3-hydroxybutyrate units. 3-Hydroxybutyric acid is the corresponding low-molecular-weight hydroxy acid rather than the polymer.
4. Is P(3HB) biodegradable?
Yes. P(3HB) is a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate polyester. Its degradation behavior depends on factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity, morphology, and environmental conditions.
5. What solvents dissolve P(3HB), Mn ~3,000?
This grade is soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, benzene, and ethylene carbonate.
6. Why does molecular weight matter for P(3HB)?
Molecular weight can influence chain mobility, crystallization, and thermal behavior. Defined molecular-weight grades are useful when these relationships are being studied systematically.
7. Are other P(3HB) molecular weights available?
Yes. Related grades include P(3HB), Mn ~1,000, P(3HB), Mn ~2,000, and P(3HB), Mn ~5,000.
8. How should P(3HB), Mn ~3,000 be stored?
Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location.
9. Can I request a larger quantity?
Yes. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment during handling. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling and safety information and the Product Specification for current quality-control information.
