4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde stands out in the world of organic compounds for its unique combination of structure and reactivity. With a molecular formula of C5H9NO2 and CAS number 4394-85-8, this material holds a firm place in specialty chemical manufacturing, drug research, and polymer synthesis. The compound’s distinct aldehyde group attaches to a morpholine ring, influencing not only its reactivity but also its behavior under various conditions. Because of these attributes, chemists keep this chemical on hand when developing intermediates or exploring structure-activity relationships for new molecules.
In my laboratory experience, 4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde comes as a crystalline solid under ambient conditions, but can take on forms such as flakes, powder, or even small crystals depending on storage and handling. The density usually reaches around 1.15 g/cm3, which means the compound sinks quickly in most common solvents and solutions. It generally appears white to off-white, sometimes taking on a slightly yellow or beige tint when exposed to air or moisture over time. In storage, keeping it sealed and dry remains crucial because, like other aldehydes, this chemical can slowly react with water or oxygen. The melting point hovers near 35-38°C; during warmer days or under strong lights, the appearance may shift to a waxy or semi-liquid state.
The morpholine ring in 4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde presents an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom separated by a flexible four-carbon chain, which creates both stability and places for chemical modification. On one end, the single aldehyde group marks this molecule out for reactions familiar to most organic chemists: Schiff base formation, hydrazone synthesis, and various cyclization schemes frequently found in laboratory notebooks. It has a molecular weight of 115.13 g/mol. Chemically, it acts as both a hydrogen bond acceptor and, through its ring, offers partial solubility in polar and some non-polar organic solvents. In water, the aldehyde group slightly limits solubility, but the polar ring offsets this enough to permit modest dissolution at room temperature.
Quality specifications for 4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde often mention purity levels greater than 98%. Labs check melting and boiling points to screen for contamination or degradation, since small amounts of acid or base can speed up decomposition. Samples typically arrive as a powder, with some suppliers offering flakes, pearls, or crystalline solid in order to meet different handling or process demands. Container sizes vary from 10g glass vials for research settings to kilogram batches in polyethylene drums for industrial users. Most suppliers list the HS code as 2922499590, aligning it with other morpholine derivatives for customs and logistics tracking. The material usually ships as a solid and converts to solution only at the user’s lab or production facility, using common solvents like methanol or acetonitrile.
Raw materials such as 4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde define the backbone of customized synthesis work. I’ve worked with this compound directly as an intermediate in pathways leading to pharmaceuticals bearing morpholine-based moieties — particularly in heterocyclic drug libraries and as a starting point for ring modifications. Its clean, predictable reactivity permits direct use in functional group transformations, often without excessive byproducts. Technicians favor the solid form for weighing accuracy, but some industrial applications employ this product as a solution, measured in liters, for ease of transfer and mixing into reaction vessels. Its aldehyde group lends the chemical versatility in condensation processes, and the morpholine ring resists harsh basic or mildly acidic conditions, broadening the possible chemistry.
Anyone working with chemicals like 4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde appreciates the importance of safety data and hazard communication. This compound carries labeling consistent with irritant and harmful categories, a reminder from direct experience that gloves and ventilated workspaces are not optional. Prolonged skin or eye contact causes irritation, so standard lab practice involves goggles and nitrile gloves. Inhalation of dust or vapor leads to respiratory discomfort; product safety sheets recommend use in a fume hood and storage away from acids or oxidizers. Despite not being flammable under normal laboratory use, the aldehyde group implies a risk for uncontrolled polymerization or unwanted side reactions, so keeping containers cool, tightly capped, and labeled reduces incidents. Disposal routes for small quantities involve neutralization with mild base and organic solvent recovery, in line with established hazardous waste protocols.
Chemicals with an aldehyde functional group, like this one, demand careful packaging, particularly for global shipping. Materials come in amber glass or high-density polyethylene to prevent light and moisture ingress. When working with multi-liter solutions, drums are sometimes nitrogen-flushed to remove air and retard slow oxidation or condensation. During transport, regulations classify the product as hazardous, requiring appropriate documentation according to international chemical safety agencies. Each shipment carries testing and lot analysis forms to reassure users of purity, density, and key property conformity, something every industrial chemist comes to depend on.
4-Morpholinecarbaldehyde offers a practical mix of moderate density, aldehyde reactivity, and morpholine-based stability. Solid at room temperature, with a melting range that commits it to powder, flakes, or shimmered pearls depending on batch and storage, it integrates well into synthetic routes for complex molecules. The compound’s chemical safety profile matches its reactive character but can be managed using standard chemical industry practice. Its HS code, molecular formula, density, and physical descriptions feature on global documents and technical literature, framing it as an approachable but powerful tool for both research and manufacturing work.
