1-Aminopyrrolidine holds a spot among specialty amines. It brings together a pyrrolidine ring and an amine group, giving it the molecular formula C4H10N2. At a glance, it looks simple, but in real-world chemical work, the structure means more than its neat little formula reveals. The actual compound comes packed either as a pale solid, colorless flakes, or clear liquid, based on temperature and storage conditions. 1-Aminopyrrolidine shifts between physical forms, which matters during transport or processing in the lab or plant. That’s not just a curiosity for chemists—this influences how companies treat it and the safety measures they choose.
On the bench, 1-Aminopyrrolidine reveals an amine-like odor, a boiling point edging into the range of 150-160°C, and a melting point near -10°C. Density sits around 0.96 to 1.02 g/cm3, making it slightly less dense than water in its liquid state. The material shows up as a solid, a pale powder, or, under certain conditions, in pearls or flakes. Since it's hygroscopic, it draws water from the air—leaving an open container will lead to clumping or, in some cases, a sticky mess. Once, in a teaching lab, improper sealing meant a whole jar became a semi-solid that gummed up equipment for weeks. Water dissolves it easily, which has both upsides and downsides for cleanup and application. Chemically, it reacts readily with standard acids to form salts and may join condensation reactions easily. Anyone handling it for synthesis appreciates that reliability in reactivity.
The ring structure—a five-membered saturated cycle—gives 1-Aminopyrrolidine a twist. Unlike linear amines, the cyclic nature affects how it slips into more complex molecules or acts as a raw material in pharmaceutical or specialty chemical production. Synthetic chemists make use of that amine sticking off the ring, which acts as a handle for attaching new bits and building up molecules with bioactivity. In medicinal chemistry, such structures strike a sweet spot between flexibility and rigidity, helping drug molecules reach targets without flopping around. The hydrogen-bonding possibilities, along with moderate basicity, allow for interesting salt formation, crucial in materials development.
The empirical formula C4H10N2 means every molecule brings together four carbons, ten hydrogens, and a pair of nitrogens. That gives a molecular weight of about 86.14 g/mol. Structural diagrams show the amine group (–NH2) sitting firmly on the pyrrolidine ring, contrasting with something like simple ethylamine or even piperidine. Properties like these help predict solubility—high in most polar solvents, moderate in alcohols and lower alkanes, which narrows the choices when scaling up or purifying.
Industrial supplies of 1-Aminopyrrolidine often list purity at 98% or higher, as impurities can interfere with reactions downstream. In my past work preparing heterocyclic scaffolds, I've had headaches caused by lower grade batches, where trace byproducts led to colored solutions and side reactions. Product data sheets flag such things: water content (less than 1%), residual solvents, and sometimes trace heavy metals if made poorly. Physical forms can vary, with crystalline or flaky powder best for weighing and mixing, while liquid or solution form simplifies dosing in automated systems. Packing is usually in drums or high-density PE containers since this amine does not play nicely with glass if you leave it too long—it can etch or cause stubborn residues. One shipment I handled arrived as sticky pearls rather than intended powder, showing how handling on route impacts end use and disposal.
Trading 1-Aminopyrrolidine means knowing the HS Code for customs: 29333990 fits this compound, nestled under “heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen only.” This tag helps with declaring shipments and paying the right taxes or tariffs. In Europe, the REACH regulations list it for certain controls, not as a high-concern chemical but requiring careful record-keeping. Importers and users learn this the hard way if forms aren’t completed right. In the US, it’s not on the DEA lists but needs to appear in inventory systems under TSCA, and workplace safety guidelines kick in from OSHA due to its hazardous status.
As a raw material, 1-Aminopyrrolidine turns up where fine chemicals need construction blocks—drug design, specialty polymers, and even in low-level use as a corrosion inhibitor. I’ve come across it mostly in medicinal chemistry, where its ring system provides a backbone for alkylation or amidation steps. In research, small batches make new molecular probes or imaging agents. Industrial plants prefer its powdered or flaked form for ease in reactors. Sometimes you find it pre-dissolved in water or alcohol, which speeds processing, but storage and handling must keep the solution airtight and dry, or contamination starts creeping in. In synthesis, it tolerates moderate temperatures and doesn’t fume badly, so it integrates well into batch and continuous processes.
1-Aminopyrrolidine comes with safety baggage. Contact with skin or eyes causes irritation—standard lab gloves and goggles are basic precautions, but any splash feels like fire. During one synthesis run, an accidental spill on a benchtop meant clearing the area and bringing in a neutralizing solution—ventilation is non-negotiable. Vapors may irritate the respiratory tract; drying or heating up can release them, so fume hoods earn their keep. The compound has moderate toxicity, and, like many small amines, it can mess with the central nervous system if inhaled in quantity. Environmental agencies class it as hazardous for disposal. Waste streams meet treatment with acid to render it less harmful, then diluted before entering any effluent plant. I’ve seen companies face stiff fines for letting untreated amines slip into drainage, a reminder that responsible disposal isn’t just rule-following—it’s protection for the local water table and the people who rely on it. Safety Data Sheets flag details like flash points, recommended extinguishing agents (foam, CO2), and incompatibility with strong oxidizers and some acids, so training and clear labeling save time and accidents.
1-Aminopyrrolidine stands as more than just another catalog chemical. Its properties—ring structure, density, boiling and melting points, and reactivity—shape everything from shipping logistics to reaction planning. Mismanaging its storage or use leads to real safety issues and potential production loss—not worth the risk or cost. For anyone handling chemicals, staying grounded in the practical facts—the form on receipt, the needed purity, the specifics of safe handling—means better science and better business. Thinking through the details, rather than treating it as just another commodity, ultimately protects both people and the bottom line.
