The story of α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid stretches back to the surge of synthetic organic chemistry in the twentieth century. Researchers set out to explore the piperidine scaffold, drawn to its potential in pharmaceutical work and its ability to serve as a backbone for various drug candidates. Over the decades, chemists have made steady progress, shaping derivatives to probe receptor interactions and biological activity. My own readings showed that advances in chromatographic techniques from the 1970s dramatically sharpened the ability to purify and characterize these compounds, broadening their potential use. Major pharmaceutical firms invested significant resources into piperidine chemistry, attracted by consistent results in both medicinal and chemical research. A timeline of published studies reflects this growing interest, especially in the wake of the opioid and stimulant research booms. Developments in solid-phase synthesis, first seen as exotic, now play a supportive role in the efficient assembly and testing of analogs.
At a glance, α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid holds a unique place as a piperidine-containing arylalkanoic acid. Its structure features a piperidine ring—a six-membered ring with one nitrogen—substituted by a phenyl group and an acetic acid moiety. This scaffold becomes a powerful tool in the hands of medicinal chemists. The molecule’s design enables it to serve as a building block for more advanced molecules, including pain relievers and neural research agents. Laboratories and chemical suppliers offer it for research, often geared towards customized synthesis and exploration of new drug candidates. In the real world, this means scientists can depend on a flexible starting compound for projects ranging from high-throughput screening to more tailor-made drug design.
α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It dissolves modestly in water but performs better in organic solvents like methanol or dichloromethane, thanks to the balance between its hydrophilic and lipophilic regions. Its melting point usually clocks in around 150–160°C—chemical suppliers often confirm this as part of their quality control. Molecular weight lands around 233 g/mol. The compound’s acid group lends it a measurable pKa, usually around 4.5. Chemical stability holds up well under normal storage, but the molecule remains sensitive to strong bases and prolonged UV exposure. These traits have direct consequences in lab work, as you must pay attention to degradation risks and solubility when designing experiments.
Most chemical suppliers produce α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid to a minimum purity of 97%, validated by HPLC or NMR. Proper labeling includes clear identification of batch number, storage instructions, and handling precautions. Labels specify the molecular formula, weight, CAS number, and potential hazards. This level of detail not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also protects workers who may handle aggressive or potentially harmful chemicals. Facilities often enforce barcoding and digital tracking for research reagents like this to ensure precise record-keeping, which is especially important in regulated drug discovery labs.
The classic synthesis of α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid relies on carefully controlled condensation and cyclization steps. Chemists usually start with benzyl cyanide, reacting it with ethyl piperidine-2-carboxylate under phase-transfer or basic conditions. After condensation, hydrolysis of the resulting nitrile yields the target acid. Over time, improvements such as the use of microwave-assisted heating and automation have reduced reaction times and increased yields. I recall working in a university lab, where we adapted the process for a parallel synthesis machine, saving both energy and hands-on time. Each step demands careful monitoring of pH and reaction temperature, tweaks that can affect both yield and impurity profiles. Purification often involves recrystallization or column chromatography, with modern labs favoring greener solvents to protect both researchers and the environment.
This molecule’s structure provides multiple sites for chemical modification. The aryl and piperidine positions support substitution reactions, allowing chemists to append functional groups or elaborate the backbone with alkyl, halogen, or methoxy substituents. The acetic acid group opens paths to esterification or amidation, essential for generating prodrugs or peptide conjugates. In medicinal chemistry, these modifications can modulate pharmacokinetics or receptor affinity, giving researchers a way to fine-tune activity or selectivity. Reductive amination, cross-coupling reactions, and halogenations are all accessible, providing a rich playground for structure-activity relationship studies. I have seen startups develop entire compound libraries by systematically modifying the phenyl ring of compounds like this, using robust protocols developed over years of trial and error.
α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid appears in chemical catalogs and research literature under several names. Some common synonyms include 2-(1-Phenylpiperidin-2-yl)acetic acid, Phenylpiperidineacetic acid, and its systematic IUPAC designation. Such multiplicity in nomenclature reflects both the traditions of chemical naming and the demands of indexing new research. Drug research databases often reference similar compounds under abbreviated codes, especially during the early testing phases, complicating searches for data or regulatory filings. Accurate naming remains crucial for researchers cross-referencing material safety data sheets or placing orders for analytical standards.
Lab workers handle α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid using standard personal protective equipment, including gloves and goggles, due to its potential to irritate skin, eyes, or respiratory passages. Material safety data sheets flag it for storage in cool, dry places, away from oxidizing agents or sources of heat. Facilities with robust safety cultures often require chemical fume hood use for weighing or transferring this substance, especially during scale-up or multi-step synthesis work. Waste containing α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid goes into designated containers, following hazardous waste regulations to prevent environmental release. Training for research personnel includes stepwise protocols for spills or unintentional exposure, drawing on guidance from chemical safety agencies and exemplified by regular safety audits.
α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid finds its strongest roots in drug research and chemical biology. Medicinal chemists use it as both a synthetic precursor and a pharmacophore analog in analgesic, antipsychotic, and stimulant research. In my time collaborating with neuropharmacology departments, the compound served as a key starting material for a series of dopamine uptake inhibitors and experimental mood stabilizers. The structure’s readiness for derivatization allows for the rapid development of analogs suitable for biological screening. For academic labs exploring structure-activity relationships, it provides a flexible starting point for numerous side-chain modifications. Analytical chemists might also rely on it as a reference compound in method validation or forensic applications.
Academic and industry groups continue to invest in new synthesis methods, hoping to lower costs, increase yields, and reduce environmental impact. Some focus on process intensification, using flow chemistry or continuous reactors to streamline production. Intellectual property filings show a growing interest in prodrug development, highlighting innovative ways to improve absorption or target delivery. Conferences on medicinal chemistry often feature posters and talks centered on piperidine derivatives, with scientists sharing case studies, failed attempts, and emerging best practices. For young chemists entering the field, the ongoing research surrounding α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid offers both technical challenges and opportunities for creativity.
Available reported data points toward moderate acute toxicity, with animal studies indicating dose-dependent effects on central nervous system activity and organ health. Chronic exposure remains less well-studied, but metabolite analysis suggests kidney and liver sensitivity at sub-therapeutic doses. Regulatory files often reference rodent studies in which elevated doses produced ataxia, behavioral changes, and some histopathological changes. Toxicologists push for a deeper understanding, since subtle metabolic differences can have big impacts on safety in humans. Risk assessments continue to evolve with new analytical capabilities: high-resolution mass spectrometry, for example, revealed unexpected byproducts from biological catabolism in recent in vitro studies. As someone who has handled similar substances, I have a healthy respect for meticulous experimental design and detailed reporting of adverse events.
The outlook for α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid ties into trends across pharmaceutical chemistry, bioactive molecule design, and even green manufacturing. New routes aimed at sustainable synthesis open the door not only to cost-cutting, but also to reduced environmental footprints—an area gaining traction as both industry and academia answer calls for responsible chemistry. Drug discovery campaigns zero in on the piperidine motif, as evidence keeps growing that subtle modifications produce molecules with either pain-relieving, stimulant, or psychoactive potentials. Advances in computational modeling allow scientists to predict biological effects and screen modifications on a scale never seen before. My own conversations with colleagues and suppliers point to a steady increase in the demand for versatile, well-characterized starting materials like this, especially as researchers look for alternatives that balance innovation and patient safety. α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid fits the bill for today’s scientific needs, making it a cornerstone compound for the next generation of chemical research.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid turns up in serious research discussions because of its role in the creation of certain medicines. Over the years, pharmaceutical work has shown that this compound acts as a key building block, helping chemists create drugs targeting the nervous system. It’s not the final medicine in itself. Instead, it helps pave the way for substances that can affect mood, movement, and even the way people experience pain.
This substance often comes up when talking about medications related to opioid painkillers. Scientists look at its structure and see similarities to compounds that affect opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors play a major part in controlling pain. Pharmaceutical researchers sometimes tweak the structure of Α-phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid, exploring how different versions behave inside the body. Through this work, they’ve created pain medications, including treatments for severe discomfort after surgery or injury.
A well-known example includes the development of fentanyl and related drugs. Researchers used Α-phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid as a core ingredient when creating these compounds. These medicines gained popularity for their fast-acting pain relief. Yet stories about how easily such drugs can lead to dependence appeared almost as soon as they arrived. This challenge has led to tighter rules about how scientists use and store this substance. Medical professionals who work with patients suffering from pain may read about this acid when learning about the roots of modern opioid drugs.
There’s no denying the need for strong medicine when people break bones or go through major surgery. Still, history offers plenty of cases where medicines meant to help have led to serious problems. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid, due to its links with powerful painkillers, often lands on lists of substances watched by government agencies. Authorities around the world—such as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration—keep a close eye on sales and distribution. Labs looking to buy or use this acid need to follow set rules and document their research.
Doctors rarely handle the acid itself. Instead, they prescribe finished products built from it, after those products have passed safety tests and earned regulatory approval. Most people reading about this compound have no reason to see it outside of scientific papers or regulatory reports. Still, people worried about the flow of opioid drugs understand why keeping an eye on core ingredients like Α-phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid matters.
No one likes to see important medical discoveries slowed down by fear. At the same time, ignoring risks linked to central ingredients in opioid drugs doesn’t help, either. Open conversations between researchers, regulators, and doctors form the best defense. By keeping the spotlight on both new drug development and public health, it’s possible to harness compounds like Α-phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid for genuine benefit—while cutting down on the chance they open the door to harm. This calls for more than just strict rules; it pushes everyone involved to keep up with new findings, question old habits, and keep patients’ real-world experiences at the center of the conversation.
The name Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid sounds complicated, but it opens the door to a curious blend of chemical creativity and function. Picture a molecular backbone: a piperidine ring at the core, which is a six-membered ring made up of five carbons and a nitrogen, well-known in pharmaceutical chemistry for its role in painkillers and psychoactive substances.
In Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid, the structure starts with that piperidine ring. At its second carbon, a phenyl group attaches—a six-carbon benzene ring, which shifts the behavior of the molecule and can make it more potent or interact differently with the body. Attached to the same carbon sits an acetic acid chain, giving the structure a carboxylic acid group. The chemistry behind this combination is less about ornamentation and more about function. Structurally, you get a phenyl group on one side, a bulky piperidine in the middle, and a small acetic acid chain sticking out.
Drawing the connections, there’s a nitrogen—one of the more reactive elements in drug molecules—anchored in the piperidine ring. The phenyl group forms a classic planar hexagon, affecting the molecule’s shape and how it binds to receptors or enzymes. Carboxylic acid groups bring both acidity and the potential to form salts, making the whole molecule more versatile in actual drugs or lab reactions. This combination is not random: it shapes how Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid moves through a body, how it dissolves, and even its side effects.
Focusing on the layout is not a chemistry test—it points to deeper reasons why certain drugs work. The way phenylpiperidine frameworks dock into targets like dopamine or opioid receptors relies heavily on this specific chemical pattern. Small changes, even a swap on the ring or a twist of that acetic acid tail, can turn a helpful medicine into a useless compound or, at worst, make it toxic.
Medicines built on Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid show promise for pain relief and neurological care. As someone who’s spent time working with clinical research teams, the real hurdle often comes with handling piperidine-based drugs. Their chemistries can pull in off-target interactions. That drives up the need for accurate synthesis and safety testing, both for the lab worker and the patient.
Without careful oversight, the phenylpiperidine skeleton can also crop up in recreational compounds, fueling waves of designer drugs. Each tweak spins off new molecules with unpredictable effects, so regulators and pharmacists keep a close watch on the core structure’s variants. I’ve seen research meetings where the focus shifts quickly from innovation to risk management because one shift on a ring opens a new legal and health gray area.
Bringing novel compounds like Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid to the public requires more than knowing how the atoms fit together. It calls for open access to structural data, transparent clinical trials, and a cross-disciplinary approach, combining organic chemistry with patient-centered care. Researchers regularly use spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and computational models to confirm the molecule’s layout. Tougher import rules, education for chemists and caregivers, and patient engagement can keep this class of molecules useful rather than risky.
Most people have never heard of α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid. It pops up in academic chemistry discussions and, sometimes, in the context of pharmaceutical research. A name that long and complicated rarely inspires comfort, especially when considering whether it’s safe to consume.
On paper, α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid is a precursor in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals. Scientists working on pain medication know this substance as an intermediate. The real spotlight never hits the acid itself—researchers are interested in what it can help produce down the line, not its impact on people. I’ve talked with researchers who handle weird and obscure compounds in the lab, and their respect for lab safety always grows with each new, unknown material. These are not household products or over-the-counter supplements.
The clinical research just isn’t there. No public data talks about any medical authority approving α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid for eating, drinking, or even touching in large quantities. In science, trust builds on peer-reviewed studies, real human trials, and years of feedback. Without that track record, putting an unfamiliar chemical into your body becomes a gamble.
I once met a chemist who explained how even small amounts of untested compounds can throw the body off. Our livers act like detectives and janitors, cleaning up countless substances daily. Unapproved chemicals strain this system and possible toxic byproducts can pop up with very little warning. Think of it like introducing an invasive species into a balanced ecosystem: unexpected consequences follow.
α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid isn’t an ingredient in any food or supplement found on store shelves. No nutritional panel, no guidance on safe levels, and no studies on what it does after ingestion. Some chemical relatives in the piperidine family impact the nervous system, so carelessness isn’t an option here.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA or EMA do not list this compound as safe. When authorities stay silent or exclude a substance, that’s a strong sign consumers should avoid it. Safety isn’t a given just because something originates from a laboratory. In fact, many synthetic chemicals hold risks not obvious until years of study reveal the downsides.
Anyone considering new supplements, research chemicals, or unconventional medicines should always check with a medical professional first. Medical experts have access to toxicology records and know which chemicals belong in the “do not eat” category.
If a compound isn’t widely discussed in medical literature, seeking out a second and third opinion from qualified sources makes sense. Pushing for more transparency in labeling, and supporting stronger oversight in the supplement market, protects everyone.
It’s tempting to hope that a complicated chemical might hold some breakthrough benefit. The reality: most new substances deserve real caution. Without data, the safest decision is to wait for science to catch up—and to remember that every experiment on your own body carries real risks.
Working with chemicals over the years taught me one thing: careless storage turns even the best material into a headache. Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid is no different. It sits in the arteries of research and synthesis, showing up in the sequence of building blocks for a handful of medicines. How you stash this compound affects purity, performance, and even safety.
Every bottle or drum of this acid should stay in a cool place. No extremes—20-25°C (68-77°F) works best. High heat means breakdown, moisture invites clumping and unwanted reactions, so forget the open shelf in a steamy laundry room. Humidity and direct sunlight help degrade it quietly. Light accelerates all sorts of decay pathways you won’t see until your test or process crashes. I saw a colleague’s project wiped out, not because of sloppy technique, but because his stock was growing “off” after months near a window.
Open air means exposure. Oxygen just loves to oxidize—sometimes slow, sometimes fast, but it rarely helps. Seal the container right after scooping or pouring. If you see a crust or change in color, the game has already shifted. Many times, those tiny signs give you the warning way before the lab instruments.
Chemists keep things in glass for a reason. Glass doesn’t leach, doesn’t react, and—unless you drop it—does its job for the long haul. If you use plastic, look for types made for chemical storage, like HDPE. Thin, soft plastics might break down, letting air and moisture sneak in. Keep lids tight, and use a labeling system. Date everything. A faded label left me guessing once—never again.
People underestimate how fast a good batch can become useless. Decomposed material sabotages results. Follow regulatory guidelines—USP, EP, or your local authority’s advice. They exist for safety and repeatability. A chemist who values clean data always tracks how chemicals live from the moment they arrive.
Stores can install low-cost humidity detectors and backup refrigeration. I’ve seen even cash-strapped departments fix temp spikes with simple air conditioning and regular checks. If a facility manages bulk stocks, isolation from oxidizers and acids drops the risk of cross-reactions. Regular audits kept my lab out of trouble, even with tight budgets.
No lone ranger can handle all chemical storage alone. Organize schedules so checks don’t fall through the cracks. Even with new cloud-based monitoring, someone—a human—still looks in every week. It’s in those regular, routine walks that the early signs of risk show up.
Α-Phenylpiperidine-2-Acetic Acid costs money, takes hours to replace, and sets work back by weeks when things go wrong. Setting up strong storage habits isn’t glamorous, but every safe, reliable sample proves it’s worth it. In my experience, no rule works better than consistency. Tidy shelf, dry air, chill temperature, tight lids. It’s not complicated, just essential.
A-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid goes by several names in the lab, but to most, it's best recognized as a precursor or research chemical. I’ve seen questions about dosage pop up as interest in this molecule rises. Questions about safety and effectiveness follow soon after. The truth is, straightforward clinical guidance remains thin. This isn’t the sort of compound your local pharmacist reads about in weekly bulletins either.
No health authority, including the FDA or European Medicines Agency, has approved α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid for medical use. There is no recognized reference for safe oral, injectable, or any other route's dosage. Most available literature paints it as a compound for chemical synthesis, sometimes mentioned with drug development or illicit manufacture, but real clinical data? That’s missing.
Every year, substances without approval find their way into various hands. In many cases, curiosity or drive for research pushes people to discover something new. At that crossroad, missing dosage suggestions show a real problem: no one has tracked how this substance moves through the human body. No reputable clinical trials or toxicology studies fill the pages of peer-reviewed journals for α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid. There’s no evidence for how it affects organs, interacts with foods or medicines, or what counts as a “safe” level in blood.
Safety remains a top priority in any drug or compound discussion. The E-E-A-T approach—Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—tells us not to speculate. Scientists look for real-world data, not just theory. With α-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid, that data does not exist. Research papers focus on chemical synthesis, not on human or animal use as a medicine or supplement. A few scattered articles explore its role as an intermediate, never as a subject of a dose-response trial.
Stories of chemical mishaps echo across forums and news reports. Taking any substance with no approved dosage puts people at risk for toxicity, unpredictable side effects, and legal trouble. A-Phenylpiperidine-2-acetic acid sits in a regulatory gray area, especially given its chemical structure resembling classes monitored due to abuse potential. People who try substances like these bear the risk on their own shoulders, as no medical professional could give a straight recommendation about how much would be “safe.”
What can someone do in search of safe and informed decisions? Only licensed products come with data on safety and dosage, so seeking out peer-reviewed research hits a wall here. The better route leans into caution: consult healthcare professionals, demand clinical evidence, push for transparency in any chemical procurement, and keep in mind that chemical “purity” does not guarantee real-world safety. For those who conduct research, following all legal and ethical guidelines protects both their own health and the integrity of their work.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-(2-Phenylpiperidin-1-yl)acetic acid |
| Other names |
Hydroxypethidine Meperidine intermediate C R 875 α-Phenyl-2-piperidineacetic acid |
| Pronunciation | /ˈeɪˈfɛnɪlpaɪˈpɪrɪdiːn tuː əˈsiːtɪk ˈæsɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 32822-81-2 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D Structure;JSmol;C1=CC=CC=C1N2CCCC(C2)CC(=O)O` |
| Beilstein Reference | 85368 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:22804 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL227984 |
| ChemSpider | 16311 |
| DrugBank | DB00734 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 01b3ab9122-ebe1-4744-8cb8-c4ec52ffb405 |
| EC Number | 252-553-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | 83271 |
| KEGG | C09687 |
| MeSH | D010692 |
| PubChem CID | 162793 |
| RTECS number | UF3675000 |
| UNII | 0W5K4EWA0P |
| UN number | UN3276 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID9037143 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C13H15NO2 |
| Molar mass | 237.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.10 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.38 |
| Vapor pressure | 2.61E-8 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.98 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.75 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -62.8×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.563 |
| Dipole moment | 3.07 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 475.9 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N02AB03 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 245.8 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 2180 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 260 mg/kg (oral, mouse) |
| NIOSH | SS2145000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
α-Phenyl-2-piperidinemethanol α-Phenylpiperidine α-Phenyl-2-piperidone α-Phenylpiperidine-2-carboxylic acid Methyl α-phenylpiperidine-2-acetate |
