Piperidine is an organic compound with the molecular formula C5H11N. It is a cyclic amine with a six-membered ring containing five carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. It is a clear liquid with a pepper-like odor.
The piperidine structural motif is present in numerous natural alkaloids such as piperine, the main active chemical agent in black pepper and relatives (Piper sp.), hence the name. Piperidine is also a structural element of many pharmaceutical drugs such as raloxifene and minoxidil.
Piperidine is listed as a Table II precursor under the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances[1] due to its use (peaking in the 1970s) in the clandestine manufacture of PCP. It is also a byproduct of burning phencyclidine (PCP, phenylcyclohexylpiperidine).
Piperidine is often used as a solvent for its mild basic properties, most notably in Fmoc-strategy solid phase peptide synthesis.
The major industrial application of piperidine is for the production of dipiperidinyl dithium tetrasulfide, which is used as a rubber vulcanization accelerator.
Another use for it is in fire ant venom; it causes a burning sensation when injected into the skin.