1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol grows out of piperidine chemistry, marked by a benzyl group attached to the nitrogen and an alcohol group sticking to the third carbon of the piperidine ring. This molecule presents a range of physical profiles, making it an interesting candidate for many chemical processes. Its molecular formula reads C12H17NO, pointing to a structure that supports richness in hydrogen and allows for creative manipulation in organic synthesis. Lab handling has shown that 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol isn’t a wild card on the bench but brings predictable features that chemists and material scientists appreciate, thanks in part to its distinct physical state and dependable reaction properties.
At room temperature, 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol shows up as a solid. More specifically, it takes the form of flakes, powder, or crystals, depending on how it was sourced or processed. Sourcing from reputable suppliers, I always check the appearance for consistency since fine powder signals different handling than large crystalline chunks. Typical density sits around 1.06 g/cm3, so handling and measuring do not require unusual equipment or precautions, but weighing up for reactions does call for accurate scales because the texture can lead to static or clumping. Color often sits near white to off-white, and I have to watch out for yellowing, which usually means exposure to moisture or air has kicked off unexpected side reactions.
This compound falls into the category of secondary amines, and the benzyl ring sticks off the nitrogen, meaning it provides both aliphatic and aromatic character. The alcohol group at the 3-position pulls in polarity, helping with solubility in polar organic solvents like ethanol and DMSO. From working with it in the lab, the molecular structure does more than occupy space on a whiteboard—it guides how building blocks attach and how the compound weaves itself through larger synthetic routes. Chemical properties of 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol open possibilities for nucleophilic substitutions, reductions, and other transformations that feed pharmaceutical, material, or research work.
Handling either powder or crystalline versions requires care, not just for accuracy but for safety. I always respect the need for gloves and goggles, as even compounds that look harmless, like this one, can release dust. Solutions in water or organic solvents need proper labeling, and I never underestimate the risk of inhalation when weighing large batches. The form chosen for a particular application—flakes, solid, powder—shapes not only how I measure or transfer the compound but how it dissolves and reacts down the line.
International trade requires the correct HS Code for legal and logistical reasons, and 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol lands under HS Code 29333999, which covers heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only. Anyone dealing with procurement, export, or import documentation knows how vital this number gets, especially when raw materials cross borders and fall under stringent chemical control protocols. Regulatory bodies watch precursors like these closely, and failing to comply can sink an operation fast. Dealing with customs or audits, clear documentation with the correct HS code avoids major headaches and helps demonstrate compliance with local chemical safety legislation.
Though 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol does not explode or catch fire easily, its chemical structure means it can act as a skin and eye irritant. Inhalation of dust causes mild respiratory irritation. Based on experience, proper PPE mitigates nearly all of these risks. Storage calls for a cool, dry place, with a tight cap that blocks out air and humidity. Disposal procedures matter—aqueous waste and solid leftovers need collection for hazardous waste treatment because the compound, while not acutely toxic, should never drain into public waterways. Working with any piperidine derivative, I keep a tidy bench and never eat or drink in the lab, and I recommend similar caution to anyone in chemical manufacturing or research.
1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol finds itself at the core of research and synthesis, acting as a jumping-off point for pharmaceuticals, specialty coatings, and functional materials. Properties such as manageable melting point and ready solubility in common solvents push it into synthetic pathways for drug intermediates and advanced polymers. Chemists trust its reactivity in forming C–N bonds, making it a staple for testing ideas in medicinal research. In my own research, having a reliable stock of 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol opens up new routes for analog development, speeding up troubleshooting when time gets tight and budgets grow thin. Manufacturing scale-up relies on dependable quality, and quality checks—melting point, NMR, purity tests—form a daily part of the workflow.
The molecular weight settles at 191.27 g/mol, and analytical chemists refer to this value for both purity checks and mass balance assessments. Often, the solid feels dry but can pick up water from air, raising the importance of proper storage. Crystal forms shine under the microscope, giving cues for polymorph screening, while powder poses straightforward dissolution in routine lab solvents. Melting points commonly measure between 62-64°C, and this range enables recrystallization protocols or purification after synthesis. Quality batches flow from attention to density, morphology, and absence of colored impurities. Consistency in molecular form lays the groundwork for reproducibility, a need that grows sharper each step toward scale-up and regulatory approval.
Industry interest in 1-Benzylpiperidin-3-ol continues to rise as companies hunt for reliable piperidine-based intermediates. With demand climbing for ever more precise raw materials, labs and businesses must focus on quality control, safety, and regulatory paperwork as much as on chemistry itself. One area that often invites trouble: lack of clear safety information upon handover. From experience, sending a batch forward without a material safety data sheet (SDS) risks not only delay but shutdown. Giving end users detailed guidance on storage, handling, and disposal saves time, money, and stress. Enhanced container labeling, solid logistics chains, and upstream hazard assessments can go a long way toward minimizing accidents and regulatory setbacks.
