Methyl isonipecotate
Methyl isonipecotate (CAS 2971-79-1; methyl 4-piperidinecarboxylate) is the methyl ester of isonipecotic acid, with the molecular formula C7H13NO2 and a molar mass of 143.18 g/mol. It is a liquid piperidine building block (density 1.06 g/mL at 25 C; n20/D 1.465) carrying a secondary-amine ring nitrogen and a 4-position ester, giving two reactive handles for synthesis. It is used chiefly as an intermediate in pharmaceutical and fine-chemical synthesis. Tech Serve Solutions supplies and exports it worldwide.
- IUPAC
- Methyl 4-piperidinecarboxylate
- Synonyms
- Methyl isonipecotateMethyl 4-piperidinecarboxylateMethyl piperidine-4-carboxylateIsonipecotic acid methyl esterPiperidine-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester4-(Methoxycarbonyl)piperidine

Pharmaceutical intermediate
The piperidine-4-carboxylate motif is a recurrent scaffold in medicinal chemistry. Methyl isonipecotate serves as a starting material and intermediate in routes towards active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug candidates.
Heterocyclic building block
As a substituted piperidine, it is a versatile C5 to C7 building block for constructing more complex nitrogen heterocycles in organic and chemical synthesis.
Two-point functionalisation
The free ring nitrogen allows N-alkylation or N-acylation, while the methyl ester can be hydrolysed, reduced or converted to amides. This dual reactivity enables ready derivatisation onto a piperidine core.
Research and discovery chemistry
Supplied as a research-grade reagent for laboratory-scale synthesis, route scouting and the preparation of screening libraries.
| Molecular weight | 143.18 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C7H13NO2 |
| Boiling point | 85-90 °C(lit.) |
| Density | 1.06 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.465(lit.) |
| Application | Precipitate may form upon standing which should not affect application. |

Hazard statements
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H335May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statements
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | Eyeshields, full-face respirator (US), Gloves, multi-purpose combination respirator cartridge (US), type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Flash point | 89 °C / 192.2 °F |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xi |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Methyl isonipecotate used for?
+
It is used mainly as a building block and intermediate in pharmaceutical and fine-chemical synthesis. The piperidine ring carries a secondary-amine nitrogen and a 4-position methyl ester, both of which are readily functionalised, making it a convenient scaffold for building more complex molecules.
What is the CAS number and molecular formula of Methyl isonipecotate?
+
The CAS number is 2971-79-1 and the molecular formula is C7H13NO2, with a molar mass of 143.18 g/mol. The MDL number is MFCD00190578. It is also known as methyl 4-piperidinecarboxylate.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
+
Tech Serve Solutions supplies Methyl isonipecotate as a technical/research-grade reagent for synthesis and laboratory use. We do not represent it as USP, BP or EP pharmacopoeial grade. The exact assay and specification are confirmed on the certificate of analysis for each batch; please state your required specification when enquiring.
Is Methyl isonipecotate hazardous, and how should it be handled?
+
Yes. It is classified GHS07 with the signal word Warning and the hazard statements H315 (causes skin irritation), H319 (causes serious eye irritation) and H335 (may cause respiratory irritation). Handle with gloves and eye protection under adequate ventilation, avoiding skin and eye contact and inhalation of vapour. It has a flash point of about 89 C and is assigned WGK 3 (a severe hazard to waters), so prevent release to drains and watercourses. Always consult the SDS before use.
What does it look like, and are there any storage notes?
+
Methyl isonipecotate is a liquid (density 1.06 g/mL at 25 C; refractive index n20/D 1.465). A precipitate may form on standing; this should not affect its application. Store in tightly closed containers away from heat and incompatible materials.
How is Methyl isonipecotate packed, shipped and exported?
+
It is packed in suitable sealed containers sized to the order, labelled in line with GHS, and dispatched with the relevant safety data sheet and certificate of analysis. Tech Serve Solutions exports worldwide and prepares the necessary transport and export documentation. Packaging and quantities can be tailored on request.
How do I request a sample or a quote?
+
Contact Tech Serve Solutions with the quantity, required specification and destination, and whether you need a sample or bulk supply. We will respond with availability, lead time and a quotation.
▶ Related products

4-Amino-2-chloropyridine
C5H5ClN2
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
4-Ethynyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole
C6H6N2
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
4-Hydroxyquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
C12H11NO3
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
4-isocyanatopyridine
C6H4N2O
Heterocyclic Building Blocks
5-Chloro-2,8-dimethylquinoline
Heterocyclic Building Blocks

5-Chloro-2-methylene-1,3,3-trimethylindoline
Heterocyclic Building Blocks

5-Chloro-2-thiophenecarbonitrile
Heterocyclic Building Blocks

5-ethynyl-1H-pyrazole
C5H4N2
Heterocyclic Building Blocks▶ Explore more

3-Methyl-1,5-di-p-tolyl-1,4-pentazadiene
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine
C11H13N3
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(3′-sulfoamidophenyl)-5-pyrazolone
C10H11N3O3S
Chemical Synthesis