N-Boc-Piperazine stands out as a valuable intermediate for chemists who work with heterocyclic compounds. Chemists recognize it by the formula C9H18N2O2. Many call it a foundation in both pharmaceutical and agrochemical research. Its full name, 1-Boc-piperazine, refers to a piperazine ring bearing a tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group. The Boc group plays a part in making this molecule stable and easy to handle, especially compared to free piperazine. Structural features lead to its popularity: a six-membered saturated ring containing two nitrogen atoms, and a Boc group attached to one nitrogen. This arrangement keeps it from reacting too soon in synthesis, making it an ideal building block.
The appearance of N-Boc-Piperazine speaks for itself: off-white to pale yellow solid, usually seen as flakes, crystalline powder, or sometimes as small pearls. You might see the substance described as a solid—powder or crystals—rarely as a liquid, since pure samples stay solid under ordinary conditions. Stored properly, it maintains stability and doesn't clump, which keeps dosing and weighing accurate in the lab. The property of melting at around 78-83°C signals purity and practical value for synthetic chemistry. With a density close to 1.05 g/cm³, the material pours and packs predictably, which anyone weighing it regularly comes to appreciate. Molecular weight lands at about 186.25 g/mol, an important figure for stoichiometric calculations.
Structural clarity helps researchers draw out synthesis plans. The ring system sticks to a symmetric piperazine core, two nitrogen atoms opposite each other, and a Boc group on one of them. Chemists often check for precise specification—GC and HPLC purities often exceed 98%. In many commercial samples, moisture content stays below 0.5% and minimal residual solvents give confidence for downstream use, especially in pharmaceuticals. Each batch lists key specs: assay, loss on drying, individual impurity levels, and melting range. The crystal structure, confirmed by X-ray analysis, proves this compound won't change form under normal use and handling.
C9H18N2O2 describes both the backbone and side groups that influence how the molecule reacts. Each atom connects in a way that keeps the ring systems rigid and gives the protecting Boc group enough bulk to hinder unwanted reactions. SMILES annotation for digital chemists: CC(C)(C)OC(=O)N1CCNCC1. This string helps keep digital chemical inventories tidy and lets software quickly spot reactivity patterns. Chemists using the full formula care deeply about these tiny differences; even a small impurity or wrong group can throw off entire batches and research progress.
Material comes in several forms based on the supplier and order requirements. Flakes assist with dissolving in solvents. Pure powder lines up for rapid mixing and use in pharmaceutical blending. Pearlized granules have distinct advantages during automatic dosing, letting machines scoop and measure accurately. Transparent, slightly flaky crystals speak to purity and quality in lab shipments. Consistency of form helps analysts compare one batch to the next. Few experience more frustration than opening a jar expecting powder and finding a sticky lump or off-color residue. Genuine N-Boc-Piperazine holds its structure under cool, dry storage. Some scientists use the solid mass in scaling up reactions, carefully weighing each gram for synthesis of drug intermediates, protected amines, and advanced functional materials.
The compound dissolves in common laboratory solvents such as dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and dimethylformamide. Water solubility remains low, which suits the needs of most protected group strategies. Experience shows that material should stay tightly sealed to avoid absorbing water or other airborne contaminants. Density clocks in at 1.05 g/cm³, matching what’s needed for precise, reproducible weights in gram-scale and kilogram-scale processes. Quality glassware and airtight containers maintain this property during long-term storage at room temperature, away from light and humidity.
On international shipping manifests, N-Boc-Piperazine frequently falls under HS Code 2934.99.99—a broad code for heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatoms. Knowing the correct code streamlines customs and prevents shipments from getting stuck at borders. Proper labeling helps buyers avoid regulatory headaches, especially since products containing protected piperazine rings play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical supply chains and research labs. Accurate documentation protects both sellers and buyers in a tightly regulated global market.
Lab safety rests on information and respect for hazardous substances. N-Boc-Piperazine, while not classified as acutely toxic, can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Extended or repeated contact calls for gloves, goggles, dust masks, and thorough washing. Accidental ingestion or inhalation can still cause harm, so proper laboratory training remains critical. In a major spill, cleaning up involves using inert absorbents and avoiding water to reduce forming sticky messes. Storage protocols call for cool, dry rooms, away from incompatible oxidizers or acids. Material safety data sheets outline its physical and chemical dangers alongside first aid protocols for accidental exposure, spills, or fire. Packaging in tough, sealed containers keeps staff and chemicals safe through transport.
Making N-Boc-Piperazine starts with piperazine and di-tert-butyl dicarbonate as major raw materials. A mild base and organic solvents bring about the reaction. Producers look for high yields, low byproducts, and uniform batches for sale. Bulk producers supply their own and third-party pharmaceutical companies who synthesize painkillers, antibiotics, and advanced intermediates using this versatile building block. Its true popularity comes from reliability: purity keeps side reactions low and ensures safe, efficient development of new drugs. Researchers in materials science, too, prefer this compound when exploring new functional polymers and surface modifiers due to predictable reactivity and ease in removing the Boc group later. Most scientists who work with it remember its distinctive smell and pale color, signs of a clean, fresh sample direct from a trusted producer.
N-Boc-Piperazine supports progress in pharmaceutical synthesis and organic chemistry labs. Those who handle it appreciate clear data on purity, crystal form, and hazard information for reliable, safe, and creative research. This material keeps production lines moving, discovery teams inventing, and regulatory bodies satisfied with transparent supply chains. As new therapies and materials appear, the demand for precisely characterized building blocks—like N-Boc-Piperazine—remains strong.
