What Is Piperazine?
Piperazine, a heterocyclic amine with the formula C4H10N2 and a molecular weight of 86.14, is found in various forms including its hexahydrate C4H10N2.6H2O. It forms salts such as citrate and adipate, used in medical and industrial applications.
Uses of Piperazine
Piperazine salts are employed as parasiticides against pinworms and roundworms in animals, acting on GABA receptors to paralyze these parasites for expulsion. It is known for its strong basicity, moisture absorption, and reaction with carbon dioxide.
Properties of Piperazine
This colorless crystal dissolves in water and ethylene glycol but not in diethyl ether. It forms a basic aqueous solution, absorbing moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. Piperazine’s structure, replacing two methylene groups in cyclohexane with NH, creates a piperazine ring.
Other Information on Piperazine
1. Synthetic Method of Piperazine
Piperazine is synthesized via the reduction of pyrazine, the reaction of 1,2-dichloroethane with ammonia, or the dehydration condensation of ethylene glycol and 1,2-diaminoethane.
2. Reaction of Piperazine
Its amino groups react with carbon dioxide to form carbamates or bicarbamates, affecting its solubility and volatility.
3. Carbon Dioxide Recovery With Piperazine
As part of amine mixtures, piperazine enhances carbon dioxide capture in industrial processes due to its stability and efficiency, especially when used with methyl diethanolamine.
4. Pharmaceuticals Containing Piperazine Rings
Many drugs feature piperazine rings, including phenylpiperazine and benzylpiperazine, highlighting its significance in pharmaceutical chemistry.