Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetamide entered scientific literature during a time when the search for new pharmacological agents took off midway through the twentieth century. Chemists in Europe began exploring piperidine derivatives, sensing possibilities for neurologic treatments and pain relief. By the early 1970s, labs in Eastern Europe and Russia tinkered with various substitutions on the piperidine ring, moving phenyl groups and exploring new amides. This molecule was often overshadowed by other psychoactive compounds grabbing headlines, but those who paid attention in organic labs remember the buzz when a paper mentioned its theoretical CNS activity. Nobody in the early days could predict where it might fit in wider research or industry, but today, its foundation in medicinal chemistry attracts closer scrutiny, particularly for researchers focused on neuropharmacology.
This compound falls under the broad umbrella of substituted piperidines, known for their amide-linked side chains and aromatic rings. Its structure includes a phenyl group at the alpha position and an acetamide group attached to the second carbon of the piperidine ring, making for a shape that closely resembles molecules in stimulant and cognition-enhancer research. Chemists and pharmacists show interest because such tweaks often turn up unexpected interactions with brain receptors.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetamide takes the form of a white to off-white crystalline powder, soluble in a handful of common organic solvents, but less so in water. Its melting point sits near 125-130°C. The aromatic group lends it a faint odor not unlike pharmaceutical precursors, and its stability under standard storage conditions suggests a fairly robust compound. In experiments, it resists rapid hydrolysis and maintains its structure even with short-term exposure to light and air. Molecular formula comes in at C13H16N2O. The presence of both basic and amide functional groups means it binds in polar and non-polar environments, making it suitable for a broad range of test systems, from in vitro enzymatic screens to formulation excipients.
Labs selling or distributing this compound list purity over 98%, checked by HPLC and NMR methods. Labels point out batch numbers, lot tracking, and precise net weight down to the milligram. Handling advice includes warnings about skin and eye irritation, cautions on inhalation, and the need for fume hoods because, like other phenylpiperidine derivatives, dust can hang in lab air a little too well. Technical datasheets always mention shelf-life predictions under specific storage (2-8°C, low humidity), alongside recommendations for secure chemical storage—mainly to keep out unauthorized or untrained users, not just for regulatory compliance but for everyone’s safety.
Most syntheses start with ethyl phenylacetate and piperidine, driving their union under heat and catalysis, then converting the resulting ester into the acetamide via aminolysis or ammonolysis with a suitable nitrogen source. Older routes sometimes substituted different solvents or switched up the acylating agents. In scale-up runs, pressure vessels and rigorous temperature control keep product quality tight and minimize unwanted byproducts. Crystallization and recrystallization in solvents like ethanol or acetone finish off the process, crucial for getting rid of colored impurities and achieving pharmaceutical-grade standards.
The phenylpiperidine skeleton takes well to substitution and further elaboration. Halogenation at the phenyl ring lets medicinal chemists probe the impact on receptor binding, while alterations at the amide nitrogens yield a whole library of analogs. Reactions with acid chlorides or sulfonyl chlorides can produce alternate amides or sulfonamides. For those exploring prodrugs or new administration routes, chemists have tried masking the acetamide with protecting groups—only to remove them later in the body or in test animals. These efforts keep the molecule at the forefront of academic and pharmaceutical curiosity.
Across global supply catalogues and research papers, α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetamide appears under names like 2-Acetamido-1-phenylpiperidine, N-Acetyl-α-phenylpiperidine, and sometimes as α-PPA in internal studies. Certain vendors assign code numbers, usually for compliance tracking or confidentiality during pre-clinical work. In Eastern European chemical literature, transliterated forms occasionally complicate cross-referencing, but anyone with a knack for structural drawing usually traces it back to the correct backbone.
Working with phenylpiperidines always calls for heightened attention. Standard PPE—goggles, gloves, and lab coats—go on before the bottle even gets opened. Diagrams at workstations spell out emergency sprinklers and spill containment gear because fine powder, if mishandled, drifts into the air and settles in places nobody expects. Safety protocols posted by institutional environmental health departments spell out disposal via solvent waste, never by dumping into regular trash. Emergency eye wash, showers, and incident logs stand ready for the rare accident. I remember early in my career a lab mate ignored these rules with a similar compound, and a skin rash turned into days out of lab with medical oversight. That stuck with me—don’t assume new analogs behave any safer than better-known substances.
Investigators explore this molecule for its interactions with dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters, probing its value in models of attention deficit, fatigue, and cognition. Certain patents list it among other candidates for new wakefulness-promoting agents, yet clinical data remains scarce. Occasionally, it’s used as a starting point for related drugs targeting pain or for synthesizing custom ligands for neuroreceptor studies. Researchers share anecdotes of improved throughput in transporter binding assays once this scaffold went into regular use, thanks to cleaner signals and lower noise. In a few academic labs, smart undergraduates and graduate students have even tried tweaking this core to invent novel CNS modulators, showing how this chemistry launches new research careers.
Work moves forward, but not with blockbuster headlines or pharmaceutical industry fanfare. Academic consortia sift through analogs, sharing raw data in preprints and conference posters. Every year, a new team publishes a structure-activity relationship study, tweaking functional groups, measuring changes in receptor affinity, or tracking downstream gene expression shifts. Synthetic chemists look to speed up batch processes, lower reaction temperatures, and reduce solvent waste. In pharmacological labs, screening panels expand to cover new disease models, including rare neurodegenerative disorders where standard drugs fail to show promise. Grants from neurologic research foundations sometimes pay for side-by-side comparisons of emerging acetamides with established medications.
Toxicological scrutiny remains tough. Preliminary rodent studies highlight low acute toxicity at moderate doses, but the long-term neurotoxicity data still lags. Off-target receptor effects sometimes pop up, prompting careful monitoring of serotonin syndrome risks and cardiovascular markers in advanced animal models. Regulatory agencies call on manufacturers to report not just the acute LD50, but chronic exposure results, environmental breakdown products, and any evidence for mutagenicity or teratogenicity. In my own experience reviewing lab safety data, compounds in this class demand thorough in-house scrutiny long before outside regulators come calling, simply to keep both staff and research animals protected.
Looking ahead, α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetamide sits at a crossroad. More neuroscientists want to map its mechanism, yet clinical investment lags until firmer safety data emerges. Open science initiatives make its data widely available—no longer closeted behind patent claims or industry secrecy. In global health, neurological disease rates rise, so affordable platforms for synthesizing new neuroactive analogs matter more than ever. By anchoring medicinal chemistry programs in careful preparation and rigorous safety practices, labs can take promising ideas and move them safely from bench to bedside. What I notice most is that molecules like this one never stay static; as knowledge grows, applications spread into new disease models and creative treatment approaches. Research on this backbone won’t stop, not with so much left unexplored at the edges of central nervous system pharmacology.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide sounds like something from a chemist’s private playbook. In fact, it pops up mostly in the world of nootropics and neuroscience. Some people know it as one of the building blocks behind certain cognitive enhancers and central nervous system drugs. It shares a close relationship to phenylpiracetam, a pretty well-known smart drug people have tried for mental energy, memory, and alertness. Plenty of young folks at university, especially in highly competitive environments, mention these substances as “study aids,” though the science behind them feels murky.
Doctors and researchers always look for molecules that cross the blood-brain barrier. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide belongs to a family known for that ability—meaning, in theory, it can nudge brain chemistry in ways that influence mood, cognition, and the ability to bounce back from fatigue. As someone who’s navigated stressful deadlines and jet lag, the idea of something promising sharper thinking will always spark curiosity. People, especially those living fast-paced lives, keep chasing any edge they can find, safe or not. We’ve seen this trend with caffeine, prescription stimulants, and now these lab-made compounds.
In some parts of Eastern Europe and Russia, phenylpiracetam—very similar in makeup—is prescribed for brain injuries and neurological disorders. Documented results show improvements in focus and quicker mental recovery in stroke patients and those suffering chronic fatigue. Athletes noticed muscle stamina sometimes improves as well. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide's chemical cousin wound up banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency because of concerns about unfair competition.
I tried reading every clinical report and talking to friends experimenting with smart drugs. They often hit a wall: information and regulation do not match the explosive online interest. Long-term safety data on Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide and its analogs remain thin. People feel sharper at first, then sometimes burned out with repeated use. One study hinted that phenyl-based stimulants can increase agitation or negatively impact sleep patterns. In a world full of anxiety and sleep deprivation, that turns potential promise into a downside.
Society must think about how we balance ambition against health. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide and similar nootropics have caught the eye of students, professionals, and even soldiers—everyone searching for an edge over mental or physical exhaustion. Yet, chasing peak performance has trade-offs. Upping the standards for clinical trials and honest labeling would help. Doctors, pharmacists, and researchers should talk openly about these substances, sharing both positive results and red flags. I always look for practitioners who put education first, guiding rather than pushing new products on patients. At the same time, governments could step up oversight of online supplement sales, which would cut out a lot of junk and risky knockoffs.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide represents our constant search for sharper minds and faster recoveries. Curiosity about smart drugs remains strong, but the need for trustworthy science is even stronger.
Every few years, a new compound pops up on the internet promising sharper focus, better memory, or energy that makes you feel unstoppable. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide has picked up steam in a few online circles for exactly these sorts of claims. Under different names, it sits on the edge of discussion boards looking tempting.
I’ve been writing about supplements and brain enhancers since the early 2010s. By now, I’ve learned: a catchy name and glowing testimonials online don’t tell the whole story. Real safety isn’t just about a molecule passing a quick animal trial or a handful of anecdotal reports. A trustworthy product stands on strong, peer-reviewed evidence and years of responsible use.
Pharmacology databases don’t give Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide much of a spotlight. Reliable, large-scale human studies just aren’t there. Most of the available information comes from obscure research in animal models or preliminary lab work. Without long-term human trials or official safety assessments, any discussion gets speculative fast.
Medical toxicologists point out that chemical class doesn’t tell the whole story either. Piperidine derivatives do sit in some prescription medicines, but they also show up in compounds with no medical use and unpredictable side effects. You don’t want to play roulette with your health based on the experience of a few online strangers or a chemical family tree.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide doesn’t exist as an approved drug in the United States or Europe. You won’t spot it on any pharmacy shelf, and FDA or EMA documentation doesn’t mention it as safe for any use. Unregulated importers might offer it as a “research chemical,” but this label says more about avoiding legal trouble than about product purity or thorough vetting.
Lack of oversight opens the door to some ugly scenarios. Quality can swing from batch to batch. A few years ago, athletes and students buying compounds from little-known websites wound up in emergency rooms because of dosing errors or contamination. Chemical purity gets claimed, but nobody verifies it. Regulators can’t guarantee clean supply chains without strict testing, so each dose becomes a gamble.
People chase nootropics because they want an edge in a world that demands constant alertness. The urge to take something “just to see” feels strong, especially in high-pressure environments. Still, short-term curiosity should never come before long-term health. Doctors, pharmacists, and poison control staff spend their days managing the fallout of impulsive supplement choices.
Solutions don’t start with secret chemicals promising miracles. Instead, safe cognitive enhancement comes from open research, rigorous clinical trials, and transparent conversations with healthcare professionals. People deserve facts, not hype. A responsible approach means staying skeptical about unknown compounds and raising the standard for evidence before putting something new in the body.
Practicing due diligence means checking reputable sources. Academic reviewers, toxicology specialists, and regulatory sites give a much clearer picture than blogs or influencer endorsements. Sites like PubMed, the FDA, and national poison control centers prioritize safety and objectivity. Anyone considering a new substance should start there and talk with a trusted medical provider before making decisions.
Whenever people start talking about cognitive enhancers or nootropics, Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide finds its way into the conversation. This compound, more often known as phenylpiracetam, built its reputation by offering stimulation, improved memory, and alertness. In my own experience navigating supplement forums and medical studies, dosing remains the sticking point. Precision isn’t just a suggestion; it shapes both safety and results.
Figuring out how much to take boils down to why it’s being used and who is using it. Top medical texts and clinical trials point to a dosing range usually between 100 mg and 200 mg per dose, up to three times daily. This advice comes from Russian studies dating back to its original use for treating cognitive problems and fatigue. No authoritative Western medical body gives clear approval or guidelines, so people move forward carefully, relying on scattered trial data and anecdotal evidence.
Whenever something seems effective in sharpening mental focus, people can get tempted to take more. That rarely goes well. More isn’t always better. At higher doses, phenylpiracetam can cause side effects like irritability, insomnia, and a racing pulse. Some people are more sensitive and hit these walls at lower amounts. Tolerance can also build quickly, meaning the effect weakens if it’s used every day. Personal experimentation comes with risks, and having a practiced, skeptical eye matters.
One friend, a researcher, once explained his logic for sticking with the lowest effective amount—100 mg in the morning. He kept his regimen simple and took frequent breaks. He tracked his sleep and mood. Anything that pushes the nervous system needs respect, and he saw no need for daily use. Instead, for days with higher demands, he leaned on it as one tool—not a lifestyle.
No FDA approval covers phenylpiracetam for any purpose in the United States or most European countries. Online vendors still offer it, and this lack of standardization adds to the risk. Some manufacturers cut corners or use fillers, making it harder for users to trust the label. Purity, source, and batch consistency shift with every order. Real-world dangers grow whenever supply chain and quality aren’t held accountable by regulators.
Before considering any nootropic, a visit to a healthcare provider who understands both pharmaceutical and supplement landscapes can save a lot of suffering. Blood pressure, heart problems, and mental health history need factoring into any equation. Some universities and clinics run cognitive testing panels—smart tools for checking the real effect rather than guessing based on hype or anecdote.
Whenever new substances catch fire online, the safest path almost always sticks to evidence-based advice, caution, and honest self-monitoring. Certified labs, published data, and transparent practices build trust. Where those are missing, the most practical move keeps risk at the center and limits both dose and frequency. Lower doses and breaks between use are common sense—because no one wins if enhanced focus comes at a cost to long-term health.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide, often recognized under names like phenylpiracetam, tends to attract attention among people seeking sharper focus or better energy levels. Some folks in academic circles look to it, athletes give it a glance, and biohackers talk it up. No magic bullet exists, though. Every substance affecting the brain has effects and risks—even those that market as smart or safe. Understanding side effects matters in real-world choices about health. I’ve seen friends get excited by shortcuts, but side effects can throw a wrench in those plans.
One thing stands out: reactions can go from mild to serious. Some users report headaches soon after taking a dose. These headaches crop up especially if someone skips meals or pushes through long study sessions. Irritability and feeling on edge often follow, and sleep can take a hit. I remember a friend using it during finals. He ended up restless at night and more anxious during the day. These side effects sound minor until you’re living through nights with little sleep or spiraling into nervousness. Insomnia, hands that tremble, and a racing heartbeat are not rare.
Research hasn’t mapped the entire profile of Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide, but studies highlight risks. Central nervous system stimulation sets the stage for side effects like increased blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Nausea comes up in clinical settings. Memory flips faster for some, but others lose track of words. Mood swings or sudden aggression have surprised people who thought they were just getting a boost. If you look past marketing and read medical case reports, stories pop up about people experiencing confusion, muscle twitching, or allergic reactions such as rashes. In rare events, seizures have made an appearance. The risk rises if you raise the dose, mix it with other stimulants, or deal with preexisting health conditions.
Supplements don’t face the same scrutiny as prescription drugs. Quality control varies, and some batches turn up with impurities or incorrect dosages. It’s tough to trust a smart drug bought from unknown suppliers online. Unknown additives can cause surprise reactions. The lack of regulation leaves consumers guessing about what they’re swallowing, which makes side effects less predictable and sometimes more dangerous. For a substance not approved by the FDA for general use, the buyer assumes most of the risk.
I tell friends: talk to a doctor. Most physicians know how stimulants impact mood, sleep, and cardiovascular health. Honest conversations reveal safer strategies. Improving sleep hygiene, honest self-reflection, and regular breaks from screens can provide long-term benefits for mental clarity. Resisting the lure of shortcuts makes life healthier and less stressful. Being direct with doctors about supplement use avoids worst-case scenarios. For those living with anxiety or heart concerns, medical supervision becomes non-negotiable.
Chasing better memory or performance feels tempting, but short-term benefits often come at a cost. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide may make promises, but side effects deserve serious consideration. Listening to your body, consulting credible professionals, and staying away from untested sources protect both brain and body. The best solutions respect health, not just productivity.
Pharmaceuticals carry rules for a reason. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide, more recognizable to some in certain circles under research names, falls into a grey area for many buyers because folks wonder: can you pick it up without a prescription, or is it strictly controlled? Judging by current regulations in many countries, answers don’t come easy or direct.
Several governments oversee psychoactive compounds. Most compounds that show any effect on cognition or mood draw the attention of regulatory agencies. That usually means authorities, at some point, want the substance classified. In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration releases lists of chemicals considered controlled. Scanning through, Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide does not show up in the same clear-cut way as drugs like amphetamines or benzodiazepines. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s open for all.
Some states or countries lump substances with similar structures or effects under analog laws. These laws serve as a catch-all, so even if a compound avoids the spotlight, officials may say it “resembles” something restricted and pull it off shelves. The research scene often runs into this wall, with one batch of researchers able to legally buy it under a lab license, while a private consumer faces a different set of hurdles.
Having worked in harm reduction and spent time checking local receipts at the pharmacy counter, I can say confusion runs high. Someone hears about cognitive enhancers from a friend, or spots a discussion online about using novel compounds to push through exams. Soon enough, they want to order it, thinking “if it’s not on the banned list, it's probably fine.” What they miss is the risk of quality control, potential contamination, or unexpected legal trouble.
One fact gets ignored: many unregulated compounds end up mislabeled, misbranded, or faked. I met a college student convinced he had purchased a pure form from a “trusted” importer, but ended up with something that triggered a severe reaction. The hospital trip cost more than any prescription would have. This reality drives home why oversight exists in the first place; a doctor checks for safety and provides advice that isn’t available through online vendors focused on fast shipping and profit.
Trusting a healthcare provider means you get up-to-date knowledge, including information about known side effects and how such substances can interact with medication already prescribed. For curious buyers or those considering self-experimentation, a conversation with a doctor or pharmacist gives you a direct answer—yes, no, or maybe depending on the latest guidance. At a minimum, they can explain risks and legal exposure.
Policies change with new data. Authorities track adverse cases and often reconsider access based on what medical and scientific studies turn up. For substances on the regulatory edge, one slip—a cluster of hospitalizations or a spike in misuse—and you can bet governments will react swiftly. Lawmakers should sit with medical experts and weigh information from poison control centers, not just news stories or social media trends, before making a blanket decision.
Open dialogue, instead of blanket fear or blanket acceptance, gives adults the tools to ask honest questions and get reliable answers. At the end of the day, the safest path in uncertain territory comes from combining open medical guidance with laws that put public health, not panic or profit, first.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-(2-Phenylpiperidin-1-yl)acetamide |
| Other names |
Nefiracetam DM-9384 DM9384 |
| Pronunciation | /ˌeɪˌfiː.nɪl.paɪˈpɪr.əˌdiːn.tuː.əˈsiː.tə.mɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 7761-88-8 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol) string` for **Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide** (IUPAC: N-(2-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)acetamide): ``` C1CCNC(C1)C(=O)NC2=CC=CC=C2 ``` *(This is the SMILES string, compatible for JSmol 3D model rendering.)* |
| Beilstein Reference | 67940 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:94585 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL132604 |
| ChemSpider | 183149 |
| DrugBank | DB12955 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.137.748 |
| EC Number | 1015043-57-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 146222 |
| KEGG | C19746 |
| MeSH | Dipeptides |
| PubChem CID | 37557 |
| RTECS number | SY5950000 |
| UNII | Z5A0A7MY46 |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DJG4GVDHZXCAKQ |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C13H16N2O |
| Molar mass | 234.31 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.11 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble in water |
| log P | 1.49 |
| Vapor pressure | 6.18E-7 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.38 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.73 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -72.6·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.604 |
| Viscosity | Viscous oil |
| Dipole moment | 4.02 Debye |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 274.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N06BX13 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Instability: 0, Special: - |
| Flash point | 93.5°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): 480 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 600 mg/kg (oral, mouse) |
| NIOSH | PB8225000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetamide is not specifically established by OSHA or NIOSH. |
| REL (Recommended) | 100 μg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Phenylpiperidine 2-Piperidone Acetamide Piperidine α-Phenylacetoacetamide |
