1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine: Properties & Lab Use Guide

1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine is a bifunctional tertiary amine compound featuring both a piperazine ring and a dimethylaminoethyl side chain, making it a versatile building block for pharmaceutical synthesis and specialty chemical research.

Chemical Name

1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine

SKU

D169928

Molecular Formula

C8H19N3

Functional Groups

Piperazine ring (secondary amine N–H) and dimethylaminoethyl group (tertiary amine)

Primary Research Use

Pharmaceutical intermediate and ligand scaffold in medicinal chemistry

Physical State

Liquid at room temperature (expected for low-molecular-weight aliphatic amine)

Chemical Identity and Structure

1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine (SKU D169928, molecular formula C₈H₁₉N₃) is a piperazine-based tertiary amine compound. Its structure consists of a six-membered piperazine ring substituted at one nitrogen with a 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl chain. The molecule therefore presents three amine nitrogen atoms: two within the piperazine ring and one dimethylamino terminus.

The presence of both a secondary amine (the unsubstituted piperazine nitrogen) and two tertiary amine centers confers a range of nucleophilic and basic properties. The compound is expected to be a clear to slightly yellow liquid at ambient temperature, fully miscible with water and common polar organic solvents such as ethanol and dichloromethane, consistent with its aliphatic, low-molecular-weight amine character.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Guidelines

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always handle 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine in a well-ventilated fume hood. Wear nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical splash goggles, and a laboratory coat. As with all low-molecular-weight amines, vapor inhalation and skin or eye contact should be avoided due to potential irritancy.

Storage: Store the reagent in a tightly sealed container under cool, dry conditions away from heat sources, strong oxidizers, and strong acids. Refrigeration at 2–8 °C is recommended to maintain stability and minimize volatilization. Keep containers closed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption and vapor release.

Spill Response: In the event of a spill, ventilate the area immediately. Absorb small quantities with inert material (e.g., vermiculite or dry sand) and transfer to a labeled waste container for disposal in accordance with local regulations. Avoid contact with skin; if contact occurs, wash with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Note: Consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete hazard information before use. The SDS takes precedence over any abbreviated guidance presented here.

Research Applications and Synthetic Utility

The bifunctional amine architecture of 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine makes it a valuable intermediate in medicinal chemistry and materials science. Key application domains include:

• Pharmaceutical intermediate: The compound serves as a building block in the synthesis of biologically active molecules, particularly central nervous system (CNS) agents, antihistamines, and antipsychotic scaffolds, where piperazine moieties are widely employed to tune pharmacokinetic and receptor-binding properties.
• Ligand design: Its multiple amine donors make it suitable for constructing chelating ligands for coordination chemistry and metal-complex catalysis.
• Polymer and epoxy cure chemistry: Tertiary amine-containing piperazine derivatives are used as accelerators and curatives in epoxy resin systems.
• Chemical biology probes: The compound can serve as a linker or handle in the preparation of functionalized probes, particularly where basic, hydrophilic character is desired.

Researchers should optimize reaction conditions (solvent, temperature, stoichiometry) empirically, as published protocols for this specific compound may be limited. Cross-referencing literature on analogous N,N-dimethylaminoethyl piperazine derivatives is advised.

Purity, Specification, and Quality Considerations

For research-grade applications, reagent purity is a critical determinant of experimental reproducibility. When ordering 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine (SKU D169928) from Aladdin Scientific, researchers should review the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each lot for:

• Purity (GC or HPLC): Verify the reported purity percentage and identity-confirmation data (e.g., NMR, MS) to ensure suitability for your application.
• Water content: As an aliphatic amine, the compound may be hygroscopic. Confirmed water content (e.g., by Karl Fischer titration) is important for stoichiometry-sensitive reactions.
• Color and appearance: Any significant discoloration may indicate degradation or contamination; reject lots that deviate substantially from specification.

If higher-purity material is required for sensitive assays, contact Aladdin Scientific customer support to inquire about available grades or custom purification options. Lot-to-lot comparison is recommended when transitioning between batches in long-running studies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine?

The molecular formula of 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine is C8H19N3. The corresponding molecular weight is approximately 157.26 g/mol, calculated from atomic masses of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Researchers should confirm this value against the product CoA or SDS provided by Aladdin Scientific.

How should 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine be stored to maintain stability?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container at 2–8 °C, away from heat, moisture, strong acids, and oxidizing agents. Keeping the container sealed minimizes hygroscopic moisture uptake and vapor loss. Always verify storage recommendations on the current SDS and CoA for the specific lot received.

What are the primary applications of 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine in research?

This compound is primarily used as a pharmaceutical intermediate and synthetic building block in medicinal chemistry, particularly for the preparation of CNS-active compounds, antihistamines, and other piperazine-containing drug candidates. It also finds use in coordination chemistry for chelating ligand synthesis and in polymer chemistry as an epoxy cure accelerator.

Is 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine water-soluble?

Yes, as an aliphatic amine with multiple protonatable nitrogen centers, 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine is expected to be miscible with water and soluble in common polar solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and dichloromethane. Solubility should be verified experimentally for specific concentration and pH requirements in your assay.

What safety precautions are required when handling this compound?

Handle 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine exclusively in a ventilated fume hood while wearing nitrile gloves, chemical splash goggles, and a lab coat. Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin or eyes. In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Always consult the full SDS before first use.

References

1. Aladdin Scientific. Product page and Safety Data Sheet: 1-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]piperazine, SKU D169928. Aladdin Scientific Corp.
2. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. 4th ed. Wiley-Interscience, 1992. (General reference for amine reactivity and piperazine chemistry.)
3. Clayden, J.; Greeves, N.; Warren, S. Organic Chemistry. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 2012. (Textbook-level reference for amine handling and functional group reactivity.)

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