4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine: Properties, Uses & Handling Guide

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine is a crystalline arylmorpholine compound widely employed as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and structure–activity relationship studies.

CAS Number

4743-17-3

Molecular Formula

C₁₁H₁₅NO₂

Molecular Weight

193.24 g/mol

SKU / Catalog Number

M183360

Compound Class

Arylmorpholine / N-aryl heterocycle

Appearance

Solid (powder or crystals)

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine (CAS 4743-17-3) is an N-aryl morpholine derivative in which the morpholine nitrogen is directly bonded to a para-methoxyphenyl (anisyl) group. Its molecular formula is C₁₁H₁₅NO₂ and its molecular weight is 193.24 g/mol. The compound is typically obtained as a white to off-white crystalline solid at ambient temperature.

The molecule combines the electron-donating methoxy substituent on the phenyl ring with the saturated morpholine ring, giving it moderate lipophilicity and a basic nitrogen centre. These features make it soluble in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while exhibiting limited solubility in water. The para-methoxy group stabilises the N–C(aryl) bond through resonance, contributing to the compound's chemical stability under standard laboratory conditions.

Applications in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine serves primarily as a synthetic building block and intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research. The arylmorpholine scaffold is a privileged motif in drug discovery because the morpholine ring simultaneously provides aqueous solubility, metabolic stability relative to open-chain amines, and a defined three-dimensional shape that can complement enzyme or receptor binding pockets.

Key application areas include:

• Pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis: Used in the preparation of bioactive molecules bearing the 4-methoxyphenyl and morpholine pharmacophores, enabling structure–activity relationship (SAR) exploration.
• Cross-coupling chemistry: The compound or its analogues can participate in palladium- or copper-catalysed C–N bond-forming reactions, making it relevant to modern transition-metal-catalysed synthesis.
• Building block for heterocyclic libraries: Incorporated into combinatorial and parallel synthesis workflows for the generation of compound libraries screened in drug discovery programmes.
• Reference standard and analytical chemistry: Used as a reference compound in method development and analytical validation studies.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Regulatory Guidance

When working with 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine, standard laboratory safety precautions for organic compounds should be followed. Although a full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) specific to this product should be consulted before use, the following general guidelines apply:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear nitrile gloves, safety spectacles or goggles, and a laboratory coat. Where dust generation is possible, use a dust mask or work in a fume hood.
• Ventilation: Handle in a well-ventilated area or under a laboratory fume hood to avoid inhalation of dust or vapour.
• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidising agents and strong acids. Store at room temperature unless otherwise specified on the product label.
• Waste disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations governing chemical waste. Do not pour down drains.
• First aid: In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with copious water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Researchers should always consult the current SDS supplied with the product (available from Aladdin Scientific upon request) for authoritative hazard and handling information.

Quality, Purity, and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific supplies 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine under catalog number M183360. The reagent is intended for research and development use only and is not approved for use in diagnostic, therapeutic, or food applications.

Researchers and procurement teams should note the following when ordering:

• Purity specification: Consult the current Certificate of Analysis (CoA) available from Aladdin Scientific for lot-specific purity data, typically determined by techniques such as HPLC or GC.
• Available pack sizes: Contact Aladdin Scientific or visit the product page for current pack-size options and pricing.
• Lot traceability: Each batch is assigned a unique lot number, and the corresponding CoA can be requested to verify identity, purity, and physical form.
• Lead time and shipping: Standard reagents are typically held in stock; confirm availability and shipping conditions with Aladdin Scientific at the time of order.

For bulk quantities, custom specifications, or technical enquiries, contact the Aladdin Scientific technical support team directly.

Frequently asked questions

What is 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine used for in research?

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine is primarily used as a synthetic building block and intermediate in organic and medicinal chemistry. It is employed in pharmaceutical compound synthesis, transition-metal-catalysed C–N coupling reactions, and the construction of heterocyclic compound libraries for drug discovery screening.

How should 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine be stored to maintain stability?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location, away from strong oxidising agents and strong acids. Unless the product label specifies otherwise, storage at room temperature is generally appropriate. Always refer to the current SDS and CoA for lot-specific recommendations.

What solvents are suitable for dissolving 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine?

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine is soluble in common organic solvents including dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and DMSO. Its solubility in water is limited due to its moderate lipophilicity. For aqueous applications, a small volume of DMSO or ethanol may be used to prepare a stock solution prior to dilution.

Where can I obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for SKU M183360?

The SDS and CoA for 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine (SKU M183360) are available from Aladdin Scientific. You can download them from the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website or contact the customer service and technical support team directly to request the documents for your specific lot number.

Is 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine suitable for in vivo or clinical use?

No. 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine supplied by Aladdin Scientific (SKU M183360) is intended strictly for research and development purposes only. It is not approved, certified, or intended for use in diagnostic procedures, therapeutic applications, or any human or veterinary clinical use.

References

1. Clayden, J.; Greeves, N.; Warren, S. Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed.; Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2012. (General reference for morpholine chemistry and N-aryl heterocycles.)
2. PubChem Compound Summary for CAS 4743-17-3, 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine. National Library of Medicine.
3. Aladdin Scientific. Product page for 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)morpholine, SKU M183360. Aladdin Scientific Corporation.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.