1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine: An In-Depth Commentary

Historical Development

Back in the late 20th century, chemists explored piperazine derivatives for a range of uses, from treating infections to acting as central nervous system agents. 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine (also known by its shorthand, MPP), started showing up in laboratory journals as researchers hunted for new building blocks with both drug-like and industrial features. The compound’s synthesis, often traced to work by European and American research groups, became routine after improvements in selective N-methylation and arylation emerged. Over time, MPP worked its way from academic curiosity into practical applications. Its rise came amid broader movement in the chemical industry to tailor-make molecules for pharmaceutical leads, chemical sensors, and more.

Product Overview

Manufacturers and research labs use 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine because of its unique chemical backbone: a piperazine ring bearing a phenyl group and a methyl group. Chemists often rely on this compound as a starting point to build more complicated molecules, especially ones used in neuroscience and as chemical research tools. In some markets, MPP is available as a fine white crystalline powder or sometimes as a viscous oil, with purity grades above 98%. Before shipment, suppliers typically screen for residual solvents and enforce low moisture limits to avoid unwanted side reactions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine features a molecular weight near 190 g/mol. It melts between 47 and 51 °C, and dissolves in common organic solvents like ethanol, methanol, and dichloromethane. Its smell can be faintly aromatic but tends to be masked by solvent odors in the lab. The compound is stable at room temperature in closed containers, but extended exposure to light or strong mineral acids can cause slow decomposition. Its solubility in water stands at moderate levels, but hydrophobic interactions from the phenyl group tilt the balance toward organic solvent use during reactions.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Commercial and laboratory samples come with strict technical descriptions—content by HPLC or GC, water content, sulfate ashes, and, where needed, trace impurity profiling. Labels supply the UN number for safe transportation, along with hazard pictograms as required by GHS. In most reputable catalogs, the minimal assay starts at 98%, and labels identify handling instructions to minimize accidental contact or inhalation. Some producers stamp a batch number on every bottle, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain in case of recalls or anomaly checks.

Preparation Method

Lab technicians often produce MPP through a straightforward two-step synthesis. They first generate 3-Phenylpiperazine by reacting phenylhydrazine with diethylene glycol, followed by cyclization. Methylation occurs next, with methyl iodide or dimethyl sulfate under basic conditions. Purification involves simple extraction, recrystallization from low-boiling hydrocarbons, and vacuum drying. In some industrial setups, continuous flow reactors handle larger quantities, keeping heat and reagent exposure tightly controlled to protect workers and limit waste.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

Chemists use MPP as a platform for further modifications. The nitrogen atoms offer a convenient site for selective alkylation, acylation, or sulfonation, which leads to libraries of related molecules. Its aromatic ring reacts to typical electrophilic substitutions—nitration, halogenation, and even Friedel-Crafts acylation yield interesting derivatives. In drug discovery, medicinal chemists tweak both the phenyl and piperazine portions to search for specific activity—ranging from serotonin receptor modulation to histamine antagonist activity.

Synonyms & Product Names

MPP shows up under several names, often depending on the supplier or field. Some lists refer to it as 1-Methyl-3-phenylpiperazine, N-Methyl-3-phenylpiperazine, or simply MPP. In pharmacological research, reference texts sometimes use alternative identifiers like CAS 5271-27-2, helping regulatory and procurement teams manage inventories correctly. Online catalogs use these synonyms to reduce confusion, though older literature might contain misspellings based on regional naming conventions.

Safety & Operational Standards

Working with MPP means showing respect for chemical safety. Despite limited acute toxicity, skin and respiratory tract exposure can irritate. Labs use it under chemical fume hoods, with gloves and goggles standard for even brief procedures. Spill kits focus on adsorption and neutralization. Waste gets tagged for incineration or organic halide destruction under controlled conditions. Most universities and companies run regular safety briefings, and compliance teams check for correct storage—dry, ventilated rooms, away from heat sources or reactive acids and oxidizers.

Application Area

The pharmaceutical sector explores MPP as a ligand in serotonin and dopamine receptor studies, where it helps map out understanding of the nervous system. It has applications in early-stage drug development, particularly in antidepressant and antipsychotic screening. Chemical industries leverage its reactive sites for specialized polymer catalysts and organic intermediate synthesis. Analysts at forensic labs sometimes look for its traces in toxicological screens, after reports surfaced of recreational analogs in designer drugs. In academic research, MPP provides a solid scaffold for producing related compounds with activity beyond medicine, including agricultural and biochemical probes.

Research & Development

Scientists remain busy with investigations into new uses for MPP and its derivatives. At leading universities, graduate students and career researchers publish papers showing modifications of the piperazine ring to enhance blood-brain barrier penetration or target selectivity. In contract research organizations, teams screen libraries containing dozens of piperazine analogues, many using MPP as a starting point. At international chemical symposiums, speakers discuss advances in cleaner, more efficient synthetic methods, and the push for greener, less hazardous reagents. Funding agencies often prioritize proposals tied to neurological disorders, where MPP forms a core part of preclinical studies.

Toxicity Research

Animal studies from the last few decades indicate that acute oral and dermal toxicity remain low, though data gaps persist, especially for chronic exposure. Some cell assays suggest high doses could damage liver and kidney tissue, leading researchers to call for long-term epidemiological follow-ups. In regulatory filings, agencies like ECHA and the US EPA highlight the importance of controlling workplace exposure, mandating closed system transfers and regular air quality checks. The rise in recreational interest in piperazine analogs brought renewed attention to neurotoxicity. Toxicologists use both rodent models and in-vitro neuron cultures to clarify the risks of repeated or accidental intake. Public health experts stress the importance of clear labeling and swift communication about risks as new findings emerge.

Future Prospects

Demand for new nervous system agents and chemical research tools strengthens interest in molecules like MPP. As the world’s labs grow more connected, open-source screening programs will probably identify new activities tied to its structure. Industrial chemists predict that modifications to its core could lead to breakthroughs in greener chemical processes, with MPP as a catalyst or chiral auxiliary. As AI-driven molecule design picks up speed, expect to see MPP sitting at the base of even more advanced analogues. Education remains crucial, not just for synthetic chemists but for regulatory auditors and public health professionals, who watch for both the next big therapy and emerging risks. Everybody in the chemical value chain stands to gain from responsible, transparent sharing of research and safety data, since it helps drive progress while keeping the public safe.




What is 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine used for?

A Closer Look at Its Applications

1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine shows up in various corners of the chemical industry, popping into labs as a useful chemical intermediate. Chemists recognize this compound by its bowl-shaped ring structure, which lets it influence other reactions and help craft more complex molecules. Its main job involves acting as a building block in pharmaceutical research. Researchers value its flexibility because it fits into projects focused on developing new medications or improving old ones.

People working in drug development often explore new compounds to treat depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or even rare disorders that standard therapies miss. 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine helps scientists tweak molecules just slightly, which can change how a drug acts in the body. By changing the side groups on this piperazine ring, researchers test batches of new candidates for future antidepressants or antipsychotics. Some medicines that aim to balance chemicals in the brain started in the lab with structures similar to this one.

Hidden Risks and Hard Realities

Not everything tied to this compound brings good news. Its role as a research ingredient means it occasionally drifts into the world of designer drugs. Around the early 2000s, piperazine derivatives, including mCPP (m-chlorophenylpiperazine) and similar substances, popped up in party scenes. Some users tried them looking for energy, mood shifts, or altered states of mind. 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine has played a part in the toolkit of underground chemistry, even though official records tie it mostly to legitimate research work.

This kind of crossover between lab benches and street corners creates some headaches. Governments and health experts face a tough challenge: How do you keep doors open for innovation in chemistry, but shut out shortcuts toward misuse? Reports from public health agencies show that testing can get tricky when a compound has both medical and recreational uses. Doctors in emergency rooms sometimes scramble to figure out which chemical a patient has taken, since so many piperazine spin-offs exist, and symptoms overlap with other drug reactions.

Weighing Responsible Action

Regulators and scientists can both take bigger steps toward transparency around this molecule. Instead of waiting until a new street drug pops up, health agencies can keep their ears close to the ground, tracking distribution channels and lab suppliers. Chemistry teachers and researchers can help as well, making sure students understand the downsides of repurposing lab compounds. In my own time working with research chemicals, I saw how easily misunderstandings about purity and dose can lead to hospital trips.

Pharmaceutical firms also carry some responsibility. By designing new medications with safety as a main goal, chemists can help reduce the risk that piperazine derivatives slip into risky territory. Companies that sell research chemicals can educate buyers, flagging where a purchase lands in the gray area between experiment and endangerment. The best outcomes happen when all the players involved—regulators, scientists, teachers, suppliers—share information and treat each other as partners, not just gatekeepers or enforcers.

1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine serves as a powerful reminder. Any compound capable of making big changes in biology, for better or worse, deserves both respect and careful watch. Real safety shows up in good information, honest labeling, and regular communication across the full chain of use, from lab glassware to pharmacy shelves.

Is 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine legal to purchase?

Exploring the Background

New chemicals keep popping up on online markets each year, and one question people ask is: Can buying 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine (also called MPP or 1-Methyl-3-phenylpiperazine) land you in trouble? If you have a scientific background or even a general interest in chemistry, you've probably seen debates about so-called “research” compounds, legal highs, and gray-market substances. MPP sits in a strange spot for law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and everyday people.

Regulation Changes All the Time

Laws surrounding chemicals like MPP shift faster than anyone can keep up. In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration adds new substances each year to Schedule I or II lists under the Controlled Substances Act. At the time of writing, MPP does not appear by name on these federal lists. This doesn’t mean it’s a free pass. Some states enforce broader analogue laws, which let them charge people if prosecutors think something looks or acts enough like a banned substance. That risk becomes real if someone intends to use MPP for anything other than legitimate lab research.

International Patchwork

In Europe, rules differ from country to country. The United Kingdom brought in the Psychoactive Substances Act in 2016, which bans most substances that affect mental function, unless specifically exempted (like alcohol or caffeine). MPP likely lands under this catch-all law, making purchase or possession illegal unless you meet narrow scientific exceptions. Other countries like Germany and Australia rely on slightly different lists or broad chemical definitions. What’s allowed in Poland or Canada might trigger a raid in Norway or New South Wales.

Why the Concern?

MPP shares a chemical backbone with piperazine-based compounds that once filled the gap left by outlawed “party pills.” Similar substances have shown up in hospital records as causes of seizures, rapid heart rates, or confused states. Because these new compounds escape formal testing, their long-term safety profile stays mostly blank. Some people believe if a substance doesn’t show up on a federal list, it's safe. Nobody can count on that. Just because something isn’t banned yet doesn’t mean it’s wise to use it, or even safe to order it online.

What Can Be Done?

To make sense of this kind of chemical landscape, a person should start by checking their own country’s laws, sometimes even down to city or county rules. Contacting local authorities or consulting with a qualified attorney helps a lot more than relying on online forums. Lawmakers benefit from direct conversations with scientists. Clinical chemists and emergency doctors often see the fallout of unregulated drug use first-hand. Including their data in policy discussions can help balance public safety and personal freedom.

For anyone selling or buying a new compound, full transparency is the only ethical path. Suppliers need to spell out any legal liabilities. Platforms selling these chemicals should never claim them “legal worldwide” without evidence. Clear labeling, access to chemical analysis, and real warnings could slow down the cycle where one banned substance gets replaced by another risky product. This is how society keeps pace with new chemicals without trampling individual rights.

What is the recommended dosage for 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine?

Getting the Facts Straight

1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine, often called MPP, finds discussion mostly in the domain of chemical research. Plenty of folks who ask about it are not talking about government-approved medication, but a compound that has raised some eyebrows in scientific circles. Trying to find a recommended dosage for MPP is a bit like searching for clear water in a muddy stream—nothing official jumps out. Neither the FDA nor global health agencies have given it a stamp of approval for use in humans. Outside laboratory research, almost no concrete information exists about how much is “safe” to use for anything else.

The Risks Eat Up the Mystery

There’s a reason medical experts haven’t rushed to slap a dosage label on MPP. Studies in clinical settings stay scarce. The National Institutes of Health and major toxicology resources don’t keep lists of dosing numbers like they do for aspirin or even caffeine. From my own time combing through scientific journals and toxicology reports, the pattern stays the same: not enough data, too many unknowns. Even forums where researchers exchange protocol tips seem wary of handling this substance directly, and that’s saying something in an era where almost anything gets discussed online.

MPP isn’t just riding low on the risk radar. There have been reports that related piperazine compounds—ones with similar molecular shapes—sometimes show up in designer drug blends, supposedly acting as stimulants. The World Health Organization, among others, has flagged several cases where users ended up with agitation, hallucinations, or in worst-case scenarios, hospital stays. The powdered chemistry doesn’t care about intentions—if someone decides to experiment without knowing the limits or the way it affects the nervous system, the results might not go as planned.

Why Caution Wins Out

Some chemists argue that any chemical should go through years of animal and controlled human testing before showing up in anything intended for the body. With MPP, no reputable authority has collected enough data to tell if microgram or milligram ranges pose health problems. The compound often stays in a gray zone—used mostly for scientific investigation where everything gets tracked down to the tiniest detail. In these settings, safety protocols require personal protective equipment and specialized fume hoods, an extra layer of reality around just how careful work with new chemicals has to be.

As someone who has spent years navigating both newsrooms and science reporting, I’ve learned how quickly an unfamiliar chemical can go from sounding harmless to turning into a headline for all the wrong reasons. No one wins from playing dosage roulette, and the legal penalties for misusing or distributing unapproved compounds are very real, far beyond the lab.

Solutions: Only One Clear Path

The simplest solution stands out: until trustworthy, peer-reviewed research on MPP appears, nobody should claim a recommended dosage exists. Responsible people reach out to licensed clinical pharmacologists if they run across unfamiliar substances. Universities and regulatory agencies work to keep emerging chemicals out of the hands of the public, for everyone’s safety. Good science believes in patience and facts—taking cues from real data, not guesses or second-hand comments.

For now, questions about dosage belong in laboratories, behind locked doors, with experts recording every step—not in settings where the only guideline is hope or hearsay. Real knowledge builds over time, not in a race to try the next untested thing.

Are there any side effects associated with 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine?

Understanding What This Chemical Is

1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine, often called 1-MPP, sometimes shows up in labs, research chemicals, and the world of party drugs. Its roots link to other substances found in designer drugs, and not much quality control happens in those circles. Researchers describe it as a psychoactive compound that may trigger stimulation or mood changes. People may stumble onto it unwittingly, mixed into pills or powders sold online. So, it’s crucial to look at what happens if someone takes it.

Short-Term Effects People Report

From the scattered reports and a few case studies, some common physical effects stand out. Folks taking 1-MPP have experienced increased heart rate and blood pressure. Sweating and agitation pop up too. Nausea and headaches sometimes hit after using this compound. For people who already have heart issues, these side effects might not just feel unpleasant—they carry real risk.

On the mental side, people have described feeling restless, anxious, or paranoid. No one likes feeling out of control or too wound up, and for someone not expecting these effects, that can turn a night sour fast. 1-MPP’s close relatives, like mCPP, have been connected to nervousness and even panic attacks in certain users. It’s reasonable to suspect similar trouble from 1-MPP.

Longer-Term Risks Aren’t Clear

There isn’t a big stack of studies tracking people over weeks or months on 1-MPP. That leaves a pretty big knowledge gap. But the body eliminates many piperazine compounds through the liver and kidneys. If someone takes a lot, or uses it repeatedly, stress piles up on those organs. In theory, that can damage them—no one can say for sure, since research is thin. Synthetic chemicals like 1-MPP sometimes show up in combination with other substances in the same pill, which can make identifying the real culprit tough. Those cocktails increase the odds of unpredictable effects.

Why Testing and Regulation Matter

The lack of formal testing for 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine throws up a red flag. Pharmaceutical drugs pass rigorous phase trials to measure safety and side effects over time, but chemicals like this don’t get that scrutiny before hitting the market. Without that information, hospital staff and users end up guessing about what’s safe. This creates extra pressure on emergency rooms and toxicologists to figure out what someone took and how to treat it.

Health agencies like the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the US Drug Enforcement Administration track these types of chemicals and issue alerts when clusters of bad reactions show up. Still, the law only moves so fast, and new chemicals pop up all the time. Education and honest conversations with young people and online communities will help people spot the risks early.

Basing Policies on Science

Chemicals that affect the brain or heart demand careful consideration. Medical professionals lean on research before making recommendations for a reason. Expecting policymakers and schools to provide up-to-date information, even about new synthetic drugs, would go a long way toward reducing accidental poisonings and scary hospital visits. Instead of focusing on fear, information that sticks to the facts about 1-MPP’s effects—drawn from the scrutiny of toxicologists and front-line medical staff—will keep people safer and better informed.

How should 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine be stored?

Respecting the Risks in Chemical Storage

Anyone who’s spent time in a laboratory or around industrial chemicals knows the headaches that come from shortcuts in storage. Keeping 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine safe makes a difference not only for product quality but also for the health of everyone in the workplace. Mishandling even a single container leads to spills, exposure, or chemical degradation. Many ignore these risks until a strong smell leaks from a storage closet or someone rushes to an eyewash station. Good practices start out boring and rote but make all the difference later on.

Temperature Means Everything

No one likes having to monitor a thermostat, but storing this compound at room temperature means more than convenience. Exposing it to heat kicks off decomposition, puts stress on packaging, and increases the likelihood of vapor formation—all recipes for workplace accidents. People in regions with humid summers or poorly cooled facilities should invest in dedicated storage rooms or temperature-stable cabinets. A few degrees often separate a calm afternoon from an emergency response drill.

Get a Handle on Air and Moisture

Even folks without a chemistry background understand water and oxygen mess with many stored compounds. Keep 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine in tightly sealed containers. Resealing isn’t just for the warehouse manager; anyone who opens a drum must take a few seconds to check for a proper seal. Constant humidity or oxygen exposure downgrades chemical purity and adds unpredictable side effects. Desiccant packs in the storage area can make a big difference, especially in older facilities where air leaks through every gap.

Labeling and Segregation: Details That Matter

An extra label—or even a quick date on the cap with a marker—avoids the “what’s in this bottle?” conversation. Every large facility has found surprise chemicals when auditing storage, and it usually leads to extra disposal costs or, in the worst cases, cross-contamination. Store 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine away from strong acids, oxidizing agents, and reactive metals. Some people skip segregation because it takes up more shelving, but unexpected reactions ruin more budgets and reputations than a few extra feet of space ever will.

Real-World Safeguards Everyone Forgets

Fire-resistant cabinets might sound like overkill, but insurance companies and fire marshals pay close attention to such steps for a reason. I’ve worked in places where one electrical spark or knocked-over bottle could escalate quickly. Beyond that, secondary containment trays catch leaks before they roll across the floor. A little preparation offsets costly, messy cleanups. Only once you mop up a chemical spill at 3 a.m. do you realize the value of these basics.

Keep Eyes on the Prize: Routine Inspections

So much gets missed once a storage area fills up. Label dates fade, packaging wears down, and inventory sheets lag behind actual usage. Walking through chemical storage once a week quickly identifies swelling containers or poor seals. It also sends a clear message to newcomers: shortcuts won’t fly here. Good documentation and real attention cut down on near misses and keep people honest.

Too many treat chemical storage as an afterthought. Respecting the peculiarities of 1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine sets the tone for safety and quality in every batch that follows. If no one complains about the storage area, you’re probably doing it right.

1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine
Names
Preferred IUPAC name 1-methyl-3-phenylpiperazine
Other names N-Methyl-N-phenylpiperazine
1-Methyl-3-phenylpiperazine
3-Phenyl-1-methylpiperazine
Pronunciation /waɪˈmɛθ.əl θriːˈfiː.nɪl waɪ paɪ.pəˌreɪ.zɪn/
Identifiers
CAS Number 5271-27-2
3D model (JSmol) `3D model (JSmol)` string for **1-Methyl-3-Phenyl-1-Piperazine**: ``` C1CN(CCN1C)C2=CC=CC=C2 ```
Beilstein Reference 110894
ChEBI CHEBI:78103
ChEMBL CHEMBL15003
ChemSpider 20440773
DrugBank DB04440
ECHA InfoCard ECHA InfoCard: 100.024.351
EC Number 219-587-8
Gmelin Reference 87130
KEGG C11768
MeSH D010696
PubChem CID 13612
RTECS number TM3150000
UNII KZJ4O1MEQX
UN number UN3431
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) urn:CST:6D6D2488
Properties
Chemical formula C11H16N2
Molar mass 206.29 g/mol
Appearance White to off-white solid
Odor amine-like
Density 1.08 g/cm³
Solubility in water slightly soluble
log P 1.95
Vapor pressure 0.00127 mmHg at 25°C
Acidity (pKa) pKa = 9.8
Basicity (pKb) 5.08
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -67.4·10^-6 cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD) 1.5700
Viscosity 51.8 cP (25°C)
Dipole moment 3.49 Debye
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 326.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) 84.2 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -4693 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code N06AX15
Hazards
Main hazards Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation.
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS07
Pictograms GHS07
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H302 + H312 + H332: Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled.
Precautionary statements P261, P305+P351+P338
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) NFPA 704: 1-1-0
Flash point 117 °C
Autoignition temperature Autoignition temperature: 475 °C
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 oral rat 584 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (oral, rat): 210 mg/kg
NIOSH RN8755
PEL (Permissible) PEL: Not established
REL (Recommended) Not established
IDLH (Immediate danger) Unknown
Related compounds
Related compounds 1-Phenylpiperazine
3-Methyl-1-phenylpiperazine
4-Methyl-1-phenylpiperazine