2-Oxopiperazine brings a unique set of characteristics to the world of organic chemicals. Sitting among the heterocyclic compounds, this substance carries the molecular formula C4H8N2O. It’s known for its six-membered piperazine ring, which hosts a carbonyl group at the second position of the ring (hence the ‘2-oxo’). It’s not just a molecule hidden away in textbooks—this compound shows up throughout pharmaceutical creation, polymer production, and research fields. Chemists often encounter it in research around drug design and peptide synthesis, since the ring’s configuration offers stability, reactivity, and a scaffold for new molecular development.
At the center of 2-Oxopiperazine lies a heterocycle that brings together two nitrogen atoms and four carbon atoms. The carbonyl at the second position shapes its electron distribution, impacting both its reactivity and compatibility with other materials. This molecular scaffold doesn’t just offer promise in theory; it behaves predictably under tests, letting researchers rely on its structure. The molecular weight stands at 100.12 g/mol, which positions it as a moderately small molecule—easy to handle in both academic and industrial labs. Chemical identifiers like CAS number 505-22-6 connect researchers to its full profile, while the HS Code sits usually at 2934999099 for international shipment and customs entries.
2-Oxopiperazine usually shows up as an off-white crystalline solid, though occasional batches take on powder or flake form. It doesn’t have a noticeable odor, which is comforting in lab work, and its density hits around 1.248 g/cm3. The melting point stays near 54-59°C, so regular laboratory equipment easily handles it. Water solubility is notable; this compound dissolves efficiently in water and partners well with methanol and ethanol. That makes prep work easier and lets it slip comfortably into both aqueous and organic solutions. This convenience means process chemists face fewer headaches while scaling up from milligram to kilogram lots—anyone who’s faced the nightmare of sticky, insoluble intermediates will appreciate this trait.
Depending on supplier and batch, 2-Oxopiperazine turns up in solid, powder, or crystalline states. Bulk shipments sometimes arrive in pearly or granular form, designed to pour easily and reduce dust formation (which is something you really value in busy production spaces). These forms don’t affect its core chemical properties. In terms of packaging, moisture-tight, airtight containers serve well for both small labs and commercial distributors—to maintain its integrity, nothing beats a solid, sealed drum or bottle.
This chemical doesn’t share the high toxicity risks of some industrial feedstocks, but working with 2-Oxopiperazine still calls for basic precautions. Dust can be irritating to the mucous membranes, and repeated skin exposure brings risk of mild sensitization. Eye protection, gloves, and standard ventilation measures keep you out of trouble—especially during weighing, mixing, and transfer. Its safety data sheet (SDS) marks the need for careful storage: keep it cool, dry, and away from strong oxidizers. Spills usually clean up with simple dry sweeping, placed in appropriate chemical waste bins. In my own experience, respect for PPE and tidy work habits keeps everyone healthy, especially during a crunch in the production schedule. You don’t want distractions or accidents with even moderately hazardous materials.
The real importance of 2-Oxopiperazine plays out as a raw material for pharmaceuticals and specialty polymers. Medicinal chemists rely on its ability to act as a building block in the synthesis of biologically active molecules—antiviral agents, cancer drugs, and neuroactive compounds draw on this core. This comes from the piperazine ring’s ability to stabilize target molecules and modify protein-ligand interactions. Beyond medicine, specialty plastics and coatings take advantage of its chemical stability and solubility profile. Polymer scientists incorporate it to strengthen performance and control degradation in high-stress environments. Some manufacturers also use it in corrosion inhibitors or as a precursor for more featured heterocycles. Reliability and reproducibility matter—once a supplier establishes a quality batch, everyone down the supply chain appreciates the consistency.
Every production shop knows that healthy material handling and modern safety culture make the difference on the factory floor. Simple steps, like using dust control hoods, automating powder transfer, and keeping real-time inventory logs, help reduce incidents from accidental exposure or mishandling. Investing in supply chain partnerships ensures that raw material batches meet stated purity and performance specs. On the research side, regular training on SDS information and chemical compatibility charts saves resources and prevents loss from improper mixing or corrosion. Wherever possible, labs use closed systems and vacuum transfer to keep operators removed from direct contact. As a final step, storage protocols—secondary containment, clear labeling, and frequent inspection of sealing integrity—keep this raw material safe for long-term use.
