1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol stands out as a specialized organic chemical, carrying the molecular formula C6H13NO. This compound comes from the piperidine family, a set of nitrogen-containing heterocycles recognized for utility in synthesis and research chemistry. On the surface, 1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol appears as a colorless to light yellow solid, often sold as crystalline flakes, although it shows up in powder form, and sometimes as a pearl or viscous liquid if the environment allows. In chemical supply, clear identification matters, supported by a CAS number (6946-71-2) and recorded with the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) for global trade tracking.
Shifting attention to its composition, the molecular weight of 1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol clocks in at 115.18 g/mol. This makes it lightweight among nitrogen-based intermediates, which often slip through the process chain without much trouble. Density typically lands in the territory of 0.97 g/cm³ at room temperature, so it sits just below water, floating easily in dilute mixtures. The solid breaks cleanly, forming fine crystalline edges, a sign of relative purity if sourced from a reliable supplier. In lab storage, this material holds up reasonably well, provided it stays sealed, away from airborne moisture.
The odor carries a faint amine signature, noticeable without being overpowering. Solubility tells another tale: partial miscibility with water, but more favorable solubility in methanol, ethanol, and other polar organic solvents. Chemists often exploit its hydroxyl group at the 4-position and the lone methyl branch at the nitrogen for targeted reactions, such as creating building blocks for pharmaceutical intermediates or specialized polymers. Melting points range, but usually fall around 55-59°C, which is ideal for controlled handling in both solid and melted states. The boiling point sits just above 200°C, lending some versatility to synthetic protocols.
Piecing together its structure, the N-methyl modification enhances both reactivity and the kinds of transformations chemists can pursue. A saturated six-membered ring forms the backbone. Attached to this ring, the 4-position supports a hydroxyl group, while the nitrogen position features a methyl group. That simple tweak helps steer reactivity during downstream processes. For industrial users purchasing raw materials, consistent particle size, purity above 98%, and documentation of trace impurities shape the baseline for safe use. Proper batch analysis catches anything that could disrupt a planned synthesis or cause regulatory headaches.
Most substances with either nitrogen or alcohol groups call for respectful handling; 1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol serves as no exception. Skin and eye irritation can pop up after even brief exposure, particularly when working without gloves. Vapor release increases as temperature rises, so keeping the material covered limits inhalation risk. Toxicological data suggest moderate acute toxicity, reminding anyone who uses raw materials to lean on proper personal protection equipment—think splash goggles, gloves, and lab coats—and to work under a ventilated hood. For bulk shipments, UN shipping codes and GHS classification spell out essential hazard statements, emergency measures, and storage conditions.
Spillage clean-up requires sorbent materials, ventilation, and a steady hand. In my own work, mixing this compound alongside other amines, I’ve learned to quickly identify when the odor sharpens or a small spill evaporates more quickly than expected. Running a tight ship in storage, away from oxidizers and acids, reduces chances of unwanted reactions or shelf-life surprises. Waste disposal must run through licensed chemical waste handlers, as seen in most regulated labs and production plants.
1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol attracts attention because it bridges the roles of research reagent and scalable intermediate. Drug researchers use the molecule in the search for novel agents, leveraging its ring structure as a stepping stone in the synthesis chain. The presence of both a methyl group and a secondary alcohol opens the door to customized molecules, each tuned for specific biological or material science outcomes. Small-scale makers use it in resin curing agents, while manufacturers source it as an input for certain ligands, surfactants, and pharmaceutical excipients. Finding a steady supplier matters, since tracking purity and batch-to-batch consistency influences the reliability of end products, especially under regulatory eyes.
Even if your business rests far from chemistry’s inner circles, recognizing the importance of detailed product specification sheets pays off. I can remember times when a slightly lower density reading flagged an off-spec batch, prompting us to halt a whole order rather than risk downstream headaches. Quality always connects back to rigorous storage, good supplier relations, and checking every container label twice.
Chemicals such as 1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol require careful attention to environmental consequences. The compound’s moderate volatility means accidental release could evaporate into the atmosphere, especially if mishandled. Wastewater controls stop it from slipping into streams or municipal systems. Most professional users now log handling date, shelf life, and batch details, sharpening the accountability trail. The HS Code system—often 2933.39 for this sort of organic nitrogen compound—links the chemical to systems for customs and tariffs. Regulatory filings in North America, Europe, and Asia demand safety data sheets (SDS) with details about hazardous, flammable, or harmful properties. Overlooking compliance in labeling or transport invites time-wasting audits and fines.
I’ve worked through safety audits where documentation about molecule density and boiling point made all the difference in calculating ventilation needs or how much chemical an exhaust could handle over a shift. Smarter chemical management makes workplaces safer and improves confidence when dealing with raw materials or authorities.
Selecting or recommending 1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol in any project means focusing on more than price or catalog promise. Scrutiny of batch specification, close reading of certificates of analysis, and steady communication with the supplier’s technical team help minimize process disruptions and support regulatory filings. Technical teams and researchers now lean into digital inventory management and closed-loop waste handling, reducing both chemical losses and environmental footprint. In my day-to-day experience, I’ve seen this substance open new experimental doors in synthetic labs and production lines, often serving as an anchor for more complex molecules.
Anyone evaluating its use as a raw material should expect robust technical sheets—density, melting and boiling points, full structure, and hazardous property notations. Only then does the decision to use or recommend this compound find healthy ground, driving progress in labs and on shop floors safely and efficiently. From bulk powder bags to tiny crystalline vials on a research bench, 1-Methylpiperidin-4-ol’s properties shape its every interaction, insisting on respect for details, safety, and the broader needs of any research or industrial community.
