Plenty of chemical names sound intimidating until you start breaking them down and looking at their backbone and side chains. (R)-1-Tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-Aminopiperidine, or (R)-Boc-3-aminopiperidine as most in the industry call it, plays its part as an intermediate more often than as a spotlight-stealer. At first glance, the chemical name alone hints at a structure with protective and reactive features. The tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) part shows up in synthesis labs as a protecting group, clamping down on the reactivity of the amino function until it’s time for action. The piperidine skeleton shows up often across pharmaceuticals, whether you’re talking about pain relief, psychoactive medications, or other elaborate molecules people hope will change the world.
This compound typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid, sometimes with the powder settling into soft clumps depending on storage. Occasionally, under different handling or process histories, small flakes or even pearlescent crystals show up. Those who measure out dozens of grams or prep small batches for the next reaction quickly spot the modest but unmistakable density—the physical feel sits somewhere comfortable for solids in a busy synthesis routine, with pourable qualities that are easier than stickier, waxy organics but not as fluffy as some amines. The molecular formula C10H20N2O2 aligns with the calculated molecular weight of 200.28 g/mol, and the chemical structure traces out a piperidine ring with a Boc-protected nitrogen at the 1-position and a chiral amine resting at carbon 3, which is what earns the ‘R’ designation in its name. The chiral purity matters to folks working on strictly enantiomeric targets, as two seemingly similar molecules can lead to dramatically different biological effects.
On the logistical side, buyers and sellers look to the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2933.39, slotting it under heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atom(s) only, a spot packed with a crowd of related molecules. Detailed product specs typically cover chemical purity—something like 98% or better for most lab work—combined with maximum tolerated impurities, water content by Karl Fischer titration, and melting point which commonly lands between 54 and 57 °C. Those who need tight controls on enantiomeric excess or trace metals push for certificates of analysis that spell out every nitty-gritty lab result. Packaging can range from 25- or 100-gram bottles for research use, all the way up to kilogram drums when industrial scale synthesis gets involved.
Depending on the preparation and ambient humidity, (R)-1-Tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-Aminopiperidine can come as powder, small flakes, or crystalline chunks. Some chemical suppliers ship it gently pressed into solid pearls to reduce issues with clumping and static. Most labs find storage at room temperature sufficient, ideally in a dry environment and sealed container to keep degradation and atmospheric moisture at bay. In solution, it dissolves in common organic solvents like dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, or even alcohols, a property that helps with handling and dosing. The transition from neat solid to homogenous solution paves the way for reliable reactivity in coupling chemistry, particularly in peptide synthesis and medicinal chemistry campaigns.
There’s no getting around the popularity of the Boc group as an amine protector. It lets chemists build up molecular complexity while avoiding unwanted side reactions or toxic byproducts. For (R)-1-Tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-Aminopiperidine, this role serves drug development, agrochemical research, and the broader chemical manufacturing industry. As a raw material, it gives researchers a reliable building block that feeds into a thousand different routes—whether the goal is attaching other functional groups, working through chiral separation, or slowly constructing a complicated molecule brick by chemical brick.
Although not classified as among the most hazardous chemicals, (R)-1-Tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-3-Aminopiperidine still earns respect in handling. Direct contact with skin, eyes, or prolonged inhalation should be avoided; gloves, goggles, and basic PPE make sense, especially when moving the material between flasks or weighing stations. Appropriate ventilation is a must, since even seemingly mild organic intermediates can trigger reactions for those with sensitivities or with repeated exposure. Labels list the standard warnings: avoid ingestion, keep from open flames, wash up if splashed. Standard storage means keeping it cool, dry, and away from strong acids, since Boc groups react away in acid and could release isobutylene and carbon dioxide—byproducts you don’t want ballooning out in the hood or inside a glovebox.
Measured density varies slightly depending on packing and form but typically falls around 1.06-1.08 g/cm³ for the crystalline solid. In practice, this means a liter of solid would reliably weigh a little over a kilogram. For solutions, density depends on the chosen solvent; chemists note these values when planning reaction scale-up or mixing with sensitive or volumetric processes.
Consistent performance starts at the supplier but often comes down to how the chemist keeps and dispenses the material. Using clean tools, tracking lot numbers, and double-checking the chemical identity reduce headaches later. If someone ends up with a batch that’s gotten sticky or clumpy, gentle drying under vacuum sometimes restores it, but any off-smell or discoloration calls for a new bottle. Ships well under most weather conditions, survives reasonable heat, cold, and shaking, though rough shipping or bright sunlight can sometimes lead to unwanted melting or degradation. This becomes more important on the kilogram scale, where small impurities or loss of chiral purity could mean big issues for batches and regulatory filings.
Reducing exposure through closed handling systems and automated powder dispensers, especially in manufacturing settings, helps limit risk. Training and regular safety audits lower the chances of accidental exposure or mishap. Suppliers who can demonstrate rigorous quality control and batch traceability simplify life for everyone down the pipeline. As demand for chirally pure chemical intermediates climbs, establishing clearer standards and more transparent safety data will serve a rapidly evolving market.
