1-Benzoylpiperazine hydrochloride stands out as a specialty chemical used in various fields, from research to chemical manufacturing. This compound builds on the piperazine backbone, pairing it with a benzoyl group for unique physical and chemical properties. Many know this material not by its mouthful of a name, but by its working role in synthesis, as an intermediate, or as part of larger, multistep chemical processes. Commercial supply usually comes in the form of a crystalline, off-white powder that pours easily due to its small, defined grain structure.
Touching 1-Benzoylpiperazine HCl, you find it is neither greasy nor sticky, breaking apart without a fuss. Bulk shipments arrive as flakes or free-flowing powder, sometimes pressed into pearls for easier metering in labs that manage quantities by the gram or kilogram. Its solid form is stable under standard storage conditions, showing little in the way of physical change when sealed away from moisture and light. The molecular formula for this compound, C11H13N2O·HCl, translates to a molecular weight that sits at 240.7 g/mol. Solubility checks show it disperses well in water, helped along by the hydrochloride group, though solutions tend to be acidic. There’s no common scent, and while it stays solid at room temperature, heating it leads to decomposition long before it reaches classic boiling points. The density comes in around 1.2 to 1.3 g/cm³, so it weighs a little more than common salt for the same volume.
Structurally, the piperazine ring offers a six-membered ring with two nitrogens opposite each other. The benzoyl group attaches to a nitrogen and brings rigidity to the molecule, which can be confirmed under spectroscopic analysis. X-ray diffraction and NMR studies in academic settings confirm the crystalline nature of the hydrochloride salt, which also has implications for how the compound behaves in solvents versus in solid mixtures. Purity tests matter, as trace impurities can change how the product works in reactions. So, suppliers aim for purities above 98%. Tech sheets—my go-to before opening a new container—often detail melting points, specific rotation, and the appearance in bulk, helping ensure the material matches intended use.
HS codes matter for trade and tracking. 1-Benzoylpiperazine HCl generally ships under HS Code 293359, which includes heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Border agents look to this code for proper tariff classification and to check regulatory paperwork. I’ve found that, in most countries, handling and import or export require compliance with chemical safety laws. The HS code also helps in customs documentation and freight forwarding databases, making sure there’s traceability for raw materials beyond just the commercial invoice.
Manufacturers offer the compound in different forms—open a bulk sack and you’ll find fine powder or crystalline flakes, which make it easier to weigh out exact measures by hand. A few suppliers pack this chemical as pearls for automated dosing in larger process setups, since pearls cut down on dust. Powder form dominates in labs because it mixes into solutions more predictably. Crystals signal good storage, while any sign of clumping means moisture found its way in, degrading shelf life and potentially affecting purity. Carriers like glass or HDPE keep it dry. Liquid forms are rare; most chemists prepare solutions fresh in water or alcohol right before use.
Solid density offers the foundation for calculations in both reaction scaling and shipping. You can pack quite a bit into a liter when shipping in solid form, which brings cost efficiencies for both suppliers and buyers. Preparing a solution, you’ll see rapid dissolution with agitation, with solubility levels plenty high for most bench-scale applications. That makes custom concentrations for experiments easy to dial in. From my own lab days, measuring solid density accurately matters for doing precise stoichiometry, so we’d always calibrate balances before weighing out each batch.
1-Benzoylpiperazine HCl carries typical lab chemical risks, though toxicity remains less than many industrial chemicals. Still, it does not deserve casual handling. Avoiding ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact makes sense. Dust has a way of spreading unexpectedly, so gloves, masks, and eye protection stay mandatory. Material safety data sheets warn that, while acute risks may be moderate, chronic exposure or improper lab practices could build to health concerns. Disposal has to follow chemical waste protocols—never down the drain. I’ve worked with similar compounds and learned quickly to pay attention to air handling and keeping waste streams clearly labeled. Some regions add extra scrutiny since derivatives may fall under regulatory controls or require registration.
As a raw material, 1-Benzoylpiperazine HCl enters more systems than many realize. Its main role shows up in chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and occasionally specialty plastics or resin production. Considering the global supply chain, slight changes in raw material availability can complicate production for downstream users. Secure storage, clear batch records, and reliable sourcing protect quality and limit production stoppages. I’ve seen how a single mis-shipment can slow whole production lines, especially if quality assurance teams send back material for failing even small specification checks.
Moving forward, companies can boost safety and traceability by digitizing inventory, keeping environmental controls tight, and sourcing only from vetted suppliers. Research into improved synthesis yields and less hazardous derivatives stands to minimize environmental impact. Clear labeling, up-to-date MSDS, and ongoing worker training keep accidents down and improve trust in the final products built from this raw material. Many in the chemical trade lean on automation to cut handling risk, and electronic records help with compliance, from local workplace inspections up to international customs verifications. Taking shortcuts with hazardous materials rarely pays off. Attention to detail, rigorous storage, responsible disposal, and regular staff education form the backbone of good chemical management—no matter the scale.
