The story behind 1-Benzyl-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine combined with p-toluenesulfonic acid can’t be separated from the steady progress in neuropharmacology and organic chemistry. Back during the rise of structure-activity relationship studies in the late twentieth century, chemists explored tetrahydropyridines as both model compounds and as potential leads for neurological agents. Interest spiked after seminal work on MPTP and its analogs surfaced, where the scientific community began connecting these compounds to neurodegeneration research. As years rolled on, synthesizing substituted tetrahydropyridines allowed for more nuanced probing into brain chemistry, especially in efforts to understand dopamine pathways and their role in Parkinsonian syndromes. Work from both academic research and pharmaceutical R&D pushed forward modified tetrahydropyridines, seeing them adopted more broadly for their reactivity and as intermediates in developing new ligands for neuroreceptors. Pairing with p-toluenesulfonic acid, a stable sulfonic acid, grew out of a practical need for manageability and improved solubility during storage, characterization, and transport.
Chemists working hands-on with 1-Benzyl-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine quickly learn the product offers more than a mouthful of a name. In its salt form with p-toluenesulfonic acid, the compound brings together aromatic and heterocyclic chemistry, with the benzyl addition on nitrogen and para-fluoro substitution on the phenyl ring fundamentally influencing its electron distribution and subsequent reactivity. Its adoption doesn’t only rest on theoretical value—it emerges from cleaner handling, better crystallinity, easier purification, and reproducibility during scale-up. Across academic labs and industry, reproducibility has meant more reliable screening and less time wrestling with batch inconsistency.
On the lab bench, technicians will notice the crystalline, off-white to beige powder that carries this salt, much tougher than its free base. The melting point, often landing above 200°C, signals high thermal resilience—an advantage if subjected to rigorous chromatography or formulation processes. This stability rounds out with moderate solubility in water and better compatibility with polar organic solvents like ethanol and acetonitrile: crucial for both preparative separation and analysis. The para-fluoro group on the phenyl moiety makes the compound less prone to unwanted oxidation than other analogs without sacrificing the critical reactivity sought in many analog syntheses. Infrared, NMR, and mass spectroscopy data help confirm structure and purity, but chemists also appreciate the hardy nature of the salt as it sits in a well-stoppered bottle under standard storage conditions—reducing headaches from degradation or moisture pickup.
Every laboratory operator scans a label for fast facts: chemical formula, batch number, purity (typically not falling below 98% by HPLC), and certificate of analysis. Shipping this compound requires compliance with hazard classification—this salt doesn’t escape its irritant label, though it fares better than many free amines. Detailed labeling steps include indicating the granular form, moisture content (kept below 1%), and storage requirements (cool, dry, sealed container), crossing off uncertainties for QA teams. High-throughput labs and regulatory officials both push hard for transparent tracking: source, lot, test results, and expiry—leaving little room for mishaps from substitution or mislabeling.
Laboratories rely on concise methods when preparing 1-Benzyl-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. The route that wins favor begins with the condensation of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde and benzylamine in the presence of formaldehyde and a reducing agent, guided by the Pictet-Spengler cyclization. Each step requires strict temperature control and solvent management, especially during hydrogenation. Crude product yields an oily free base, which family hands convert by careful addition of p-toluenesulfonic acid in ethanol. The crystalline salt precipitates upon chilling and filtration, bringing in high purity that’s made solid by repeated recrystallizations. My own hands have scooped out that final product under a fume hood, each batch telling a story of meticulous titration and slow-filtration patience that separates research grade from unreliable cousin compounds.
Chemists approach this molecule as a starting point or intermediate. Whether tweaking the N-benzyl group for regioselective substitution or toggling electron density through aromatic substituents, the core tetrahydropyridine shows surprising range. The para-fluorophenyl moiety does more than just resist oxidative attack; it opens routes for fluorine-specific couplings, such as Suzuki or Buchwald-Hartwig methods, letting researchers extend structural diversity without sacrificing the backbone. Catalytic hydrogenation or oxidation can yield piperidine or pyridinium analogs, each with different pharmacological or analytical interest. In my experience, tinkering with such compounds can turn a single intermediate into half a dozen candidates for biological screening, and that’s a big draw for medicinal chemists.
No one likes paging through catalogs to find multiple listings for what ought to be the same chemical. Batches get shipped under names like “1-Benzyl-4-(p-fluorophenyl)-THP,” or “4’-Fluorophenyl N-Benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine p-toluenesulfonate,” and even the oddball register name “BFPTHP TsOH salt.” Expect international catalogs to jumble it more with CAS numbers and brand variations. My own workflow always keeps a cross-reference chart handy—a simple yet effective way to dodge redundant purchases and keep documentation straight.
There’s no shortcut to safe handling, and this compound reflects that principle. Protective gloves, goggles, and fume hood usage are standard, reflecting its moderate toxicity and potential for irritation. Spill response relies on common sense—neutral absorbents, careful disposal, and scrupulous record-keeping. Techs and students I’ve trained learn right away that skin or inhalation risks aren’t to be downplayed, and SDS sheets back this up with details on first aid for accidental exposures. Waste management procedures focus on both halogenated and sulfonic acid residues, flagged for oxidizing and corrosive potential respectively. Equipment cleaning upholds a multi-step process, using detergent, water, and solvent rinsing, capped by detailed entry logs.
Work with this salt takes researchers deep into pharmacology, especially those unraveling neurodegeneration. As a close cousin to MPTP model compounds, it informs animal studies that dive into mechanisms of dopaminergic neuron loss. Screening libraries flag it for potential receptor mapping thanks to its fluorinated ring, while larger pharma teams look at it as a useful intermediate in building drug candidates for depression, psychosis, or cognitive decline. Analytical chemists leverage its stable salt form for calibration standards in GC-MS or LC-MS assays, anchoring accurate readings. Collaborative teams in biotech lean on such well-characterized compounds to pilot small batch syntheses, linking upstream discovery with downstream formulation.
In both academic and private sectors, fresh ideas stem from this compound’s established backbone. Structure-based drug design labs optimize analogs by retuning electron-withdrawing groups or shifting side chains, seeking subtle shifts in pharmacokinetics. Imaging teams apply radiolabeling with fluorine-18 to study brain-binding in PET scans, a big plus for translational neuroscience. There’s no shortage of papers outlining affinity profiles against dopamine, serotonin, or sigma receptors, and each project builds off the physical control and chemical predictability of this salt. Keeping pathways open for greener, more efficient syntheses gets ongoing attention too—solid-phase approaches, continuous-flow hydrogenations, and catalyst recycling save time, money, and waste.
Not all the science here serves development; much of it describes risk. Toxicity studies highlight neurotoxic potential in animal models, with a focus on damage to substantia nigra neurons. Such findings keep the compound safely behind controlled access in most labs, and animal ethics boards demand justification prior to work. Chronic exposure data remains sparse outside these models, so repeated risk assessments and careful dose titration remain central, both in preclinical research and in regulatory review. Inhalation scares or spills underline how fast a routine experiment can turn urgent, teaching newcomers to respect both the uncertainty and the necessity of up-to-date training.
Chemistry and life sciences keep pushing boundaries, and this salt stands as a launchpad for the next set of breakthroughs. Expansion into CNS-active compound libraries looks likely to accelerate, especially as imaging technologies require structurally-controlled, fluorinated ligands. Improved methods in selective fluorination and scalable, environmentally conscious syntheses promise to trim costs and environmental impact, opening doors for broader screening. Collaboration between academic and pharma teams keeps new analogs rolling in, chasing not just symptom relief but disease modification in neurodegenerative trials. As funding cycles turn towards precision neuroscience, regulatory clarity, and safer lab protocols, confidence grows that carefully characterized intermediates like this salt won’t just linger on a shelf—they’ll drive the next wave of discovery.
Oversized chemical names tend to scare folks away, but 1-Benzyl-4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine salt with p-toluenesulfonic acid has been making waves for reasons that reach beyond the laboratory. This compound gets the most attention as a crucial starting point for making certain pharmaceuticals, especially those involved in treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
Levodopa stands out as the main therapy for Parkinson’s, but scientists want more than a quick fix — they chase safer options, and they want to cut back on side effects. Here, this salt fits in because it serves as a precursor in making drugs related to selegiline, a medication that tweaks how the brain uses dopamine. Tetrahydropyridine derivatives, in particular, set the backbone for synthesizing these therapies. That’s why this compound appears so often in published research on dopamine-related disorders.
The synthesis itself can take on many forms. Chemists leverage this compound for its ability to provide a core structure easily modified in the next steps of drug creation. When making treatments for neurological issues, shaving time off the synthesis pathway brings these drugs to people quicker. I’ve met researchers in medicinal chemistry who rely on such solid intermediates to boost productivity in their labs.
Trouble can appear when mishandling these intermediates. In the 1980s, researchers discovered that a related compound, MPTP, converted in the brain to a toxin causing parkinsonism. Now, chemists keep a careful eye on every step involving these building blocks. Education, clear protocols, and secure handling make the difference. The principle is simple: respecting the power of these chemical tools protects the people in the lab and, eventually, the patients who use the medicines.
Reports from journals like Neuropharmacology and statements from the World Health Organization highlight the ongoing push to understand and refine how precursors like this salt move from bench to bedside. Drug regulators demand exhaustive research, robust documentation, and traceability from labs that use or sell these materials.
Anyone who’s seen a drug lab in action knows how tedious and precise the work can get. Each milligram gets logged and monitored. Waste products face strict controls. Every student and technician spends hours mastering safety routines. Industry-wide, this vigilance reflects lessons from past mistakes involving less-regulated precursors.
More transparency between the chemical supply chain and pharma manufacturing supports better tracking. Open databases, shared safety data, and training sessions guide responsible use. Online certification programs let chemists stay sharp on new findings and regulations. Open channels with policy-makers ensure these efforts pay off and lead to safer therapies.
The story here doesn’t end with chemistry. Thoughtful stewardship of these complex molecules links science, industry, and public trust. Getting this right means patients see new, more effective medications sooner, and researchers stay one step ahead — where the next breakthrough might start.
Over the years, I’ve seen too many mistakes happen not because people didn’t care, but because storage instructions got ignored or misunderstood. Take any chemical compound, and one small error — using a plastic shelf that reacts just a bit with the compound, letting a storage room hit the wrong temperature, stacking similar bottles too close together — turns into an accident no one saw coming. This isn’t about a checklist; it’s about real safety.
Let’s talk temperature. Some compounds handle room temperature fine, but many show their unpredictable side if things climb above 25°C or dip below 10°C. I once worked in a lab where shoddy insulation sent the stockroom from chilly mornings to sweltering afternoons. So many samples degraded that we calculated the losses in thousands of dollars monthly. Cooler storage, properly insulated, paid for itself.
Refrigeration isn’t just about preserving food. In professional settings, compounds that get exposed to the wrong temperature can react, change state, or evaporate. I’ve opened cabinets where humidity crept in, and suddenly powders clumped, vials sweated, and everything felt off. It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s precise range and use thermometers. Digital data loggers now catch trending problems before product quality slips.
Many chemicals degrade quickly under light. I used to doubt this until I watched a colorless solution turn yellow overnight under lab bench fluorescents. The simple solution? Store light-sensitive materials in amber bottles — thick glass blocks out most UV. Cabinets that shut tight after use, and minimal exposure while handling, avoid expensive waste.
I’ve seen people reuse old soda bottles or makeshift containers for storage. It rarely works out. Acids etch away at plastics. Solvents chew through seals. Glass holds up better for most aggressive compounds, but shatter risk stays real. Manufacturers offer containers tested for each material, and sticking to these prevents silent leaks or contamination.
Labeling stands out as simple but lifesaving. Handwritten tape wears off. Permanent printed labels with full details, hazard icons, and date of receipt help knife through confusion during busy shifts. Re-labeling even once a year catches fading ink and worn tags.
Years ago, a storeroom near my office used a tiny fan for ventilation. One lunchtime, fumes built up, exceeding safe exposure levels. Better systems filter out harmful vapors before air re-enters common spaces. Storing volatile or odorous chemicals in dedicated ventilated cabinets with real airflow, not fans, makes all the difference.
People rarely realize how storage errors stack up. Putting chemicals from different hazard classes—like acids next to bases, oxidizers near flammables—raises the risk for accidental mixing. I always keep a printed chart handy showing which groups must stay separate. Shelves marked for single categories, physical barriers, and staff accountable for their section of a storeroom prevent mix-ups.
Manufacturers know best practices but staff on the ground often spot trouble first. Training by example, walking new hires through the storeroom, and reviewing near-misses openly brings a safety mindset alive. It’s important to use guidance from regulatory agencies like OSHA, as well as local safety codes, because shortcuts in storage and handling never pay off.
Getting these basics right protects health, saves expensive material, and creates a safer workplace culture. That’s always worth the effort.
Ever stood in an aisle, holding a bottle, squinting at tiny letters and scratching your head? Happens to the best of us. Some products don’t make it clear if they’re meant for people or for animals, and that can turn a regular trip to the pharmacy or pet store into a guessing game. It’s not just annoying. It can be risky.
A friend of mine once picked up a cream for her dog's itchy skin. She thought about using it on her own rash. She’s a nurse, so she checked the ingredients. Turned out, the cream contained something that’s totally fine on canine fur but can irritate human skin. She dodged a bullet. Not everyone gets that lucky.
Each year, poison control centers across the U.S. handle thousands of calls about accidental ingestion of veterinary meds by people—and vice versa. Take painkillers: dogs and cats can’t handle even small doses of acetaminophen, what most of us know as Tylenol. Mistakes like that happen, especially when packaging and branding look similar.
Most of us aren’t scientists or veterinarians. We rely on clear, direct labels to tell us what a product is and who or what it's made for. When companies don’t spell it out, confusion creeps in. A bottle covered with little icons or jargon about “all-natural” this or “fast-acting” that doesn’t help much. Straightforward language like “For Veterinary Use Only” or “For Human Use Only” could spare families a night in the emergency room.
Studies by the Food and Drug Administration have shown that simple labeling goes a long way. Folks make fewer mistakes when labels focus on who the product is for, listing doses in plain numbers, and warning about cross-use. Right now, not every company follows these rules, and not every country has tough regulations.
Veterinarians often warn pet owners: don’t self-diagnose pets with your own medicine. Many folks know chocolate is bad for dogs. Fewer people realize non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—what you reach for after a tough workout—can cause organ failure in pets. I keep pet meds on a separate shelf at home, far from where we keep the family’s painkillers and cough syrup. Not everyone has the space, and not everyone thinks to do this until after something goes wrong.
Simple tweaks could help. More countries could push companies to slap bold, color-coded warnings on every veterinary product. Stores could set aside separate shelves for animal and human meds so shoppers don’t mix them up in a hurry. Pharmacies and pet stores could run public awareness campaigns. Digital tools help too: QR codes on bottles could link folks right away to user-friendly, trustworthy information.
If we make it clear who—or what—a product is for, we’ll see fewer tragic mistakes. For something as basic as buying medicine, nobody should have to play detective. Clear labeling protects lives, both two-legged and four-legged. That’s worth getting right.
People love to talk about what a substance can do. Few ask about the numbers that hide in its chemical formula or the molecular weight that tags along in every lab report. Without this basic data, a conversation about any chemical—dangerous, miraculous, or downright boring—never quite gets off the ground.
Working in the lab, I saw formulas scribbled everywhere: C6H12O6 for glucose, H2O for water, and on rough days, a spill of something much scarier. These aren’t just groupings of letters; they open a window into what something is and, more importantly, how it behaves. A formula shows the types and numbers of atoms that make up a molecule. You can spot a pattern, spot dangers, and even reverse-engineer a lot just from those letters and numbers.
A formula like NaCl (table salt) tells you it’s made from one sodium and one chlorine atom. Get the formula wrong, the results can go sideways fast. In classrooms and warehouses full of neatly labeled bottles, people depend on chemical formulas to stay safe, run experiments, and avoid mixing things that don’t play nice together.
Anyone who’s ever measured out grams in a chemistry lab knows that weight means more than just how heavy something feels in your palm. The molecular weight takes the formula and counts up the atomic weights of each atom in the molecule. For water (H2O), you take two hydrogens (about 1 gram per mole each) and one oxygen (around 16 grams per mole)—so one water molecule comes out to about 18 grams per mole.
Why does it matter? In medicine, it means getting the right dosage. In construction, the wrong calculation could mean weak concrete or dangerous fumes. I’ve seen plenty of people mistake milligrams for grams, or forget that a liquid’s volume doesn’t always line up with its molecular mass. That one overlooked number can change a reaction’s speed, the outcome of a production batch, or even the safety of a classroom demonstration.
A pharmacy labels a drug dose based on the active component's molecular weight. Crop scientists pick fertilizers and their application rates by understanding the exact compounds involved. In environmental testing, the difference between a harmless sample and a toxic spill often sits in the chemical equation on a label.
Back in the lab, I remember weighing sodium hydroxide. If you slip up and use the wrong molecular weight, the solution turns out too strong or too weak—rarely a happy accident. The chemical formula paired with the molecular weight keeps mistakes from creeping in. It sounds simple, but it’s the difference between clean data and a headache that lasts all afternoon.
Teaching students or training new lab techs, the focus always lands on careful measurement: double-check the formula, confirm the molecular weight, label things right. Digital tools help now, but old-fashioned double-checking saves skin. There’s no replacement for learning the basics—understanding what the letters and numbers mean puts you ahead, whether you work in a hospital, run experiments, or keep a factory line moving safely.
Good science roots itself in details. The chemical formula and molecular weight create a foundation, not just for scientific accuracy, but for safe and effective work in any setting using chemicals—whether it’s a kid’s science set or a high-stakes industrial plant.
Living in a world surrounded by new products, it pays to look beyond the shine and convenience. Every tool, gadget, or chemical sitting on a shelf tells a story about what can go wrong if you handle it carelessly. My years in a lab showed me how even something as common as drain cleaner can land someone in the ER. Folks grab it off the store aisle, but miss the small print warning about not mixing it with bleach. That’s not just lawyer talk; mixing the wrong chemicals releases poisonous chlorine gas. One whiff hits the lungs and sends you gasping for air. Reading instructions, though boring, saves lives.
Manufacturers attach warning icons for a reason. Take the skull and crossbones on plant fertilizers or household cleaners. That image shows up after real-life emergencies. Poison control centers report thousands of calls linked to accidental exposures every year. Children, drawn by colorful bottles, top that list. Storing these products out of reach, preferably in locked cabinets, keeps curious hands safe. Adults can slip up too. I’ve seen cases where someone stored pesticides in a soda bottle “just for a minute,” and a thirsty guest took a gulp. That doesn’t end well. Keeping original containers and double-checking labels before use is a habit worth building.
One hidden hazard comes up during disposal. Tossing lithium batteries or old paint in the trash sounds harmless, but landfills catch fire from improper dumping all the time. Firefighters blame chemical reactions from mixing products never meant to touch each other. Local hazardous waste pickups exist to help you safely clean house. Communities often post online schedules or send simple leaflets in the mail. It’s easy to ignore these notices, but taking advantage helps everyone avoid major incidents down the line.
Personal experience teaches the value of gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. I learned early that skipping gloves while handling solvents leads to red, cracked skin, sometimes burns that last for days. Chemical goggles seem awkward, but splashes can steal eyesight in seconds. Open windows or use fans when fumes turn strong; too many people think headaches just “happen” with cleaning, but good airflow makes a huge difference. A study from the CDC highlighted hospital visits linked to poor ventilation near cleaning chemicals – proof that a little fresh air protects lungs far more than the strongest face mask.
Manufacturers update instructions as they learn more about real-world accidents. Reading safety sheets, watching recall notices, and asking questions at purchase all count. Schools can help by teaching safety alongside science. At home, open conversations with kids, roommates, or coworkers create smarter habits. Picking up PPE from the hardware store only eats a few dollars from a budget. Time spent checking a product’s official website for the latest safety news pays off in peace of mind.
Staying safe with new products calls for respect, clear thinking, and small daily habits. Each precaution, from wearing gloves to separating recyclables, adds up to safer homes and communities. Experience has taught me that reading, preparation, and action always win out over luck.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid (1:1) |
| Other names |
GBT4406 GBT-4406 1-Benzyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, p-toluenesulfonic acid salt |
| Pronunciation | /wʌn-ˈbɛn.zəl fɔːr fluː.rəˈfen.ɪl wʌnˌtuːˌθriːˌsɪks tɛ.trəˌhaɪ.drəˈpɪr.ɪˌdiːn sɒlt wɪð piː təˈluː.ɪnˌsʌlˈfɒn.ɪk ˈæs.ɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 1778141-18-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3358732 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:131346 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2105934 |
| ChemSpider | 23483870 |
| DrugBank | DB01361 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-211-8921316160-01-0000 |
| EC Number | EC Number: 939-503-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 10532047 |
| KEGG | C18994 |
| MeSH | Dopamine Agents |
| PubChem CID | 71586470 |
| RTECS number | KH8575000 |
| UNII | 2HF0110C6X |
| UN number | UN2811 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C18H18FN · C7H8O3S |
| Molar mass | 383.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | Off-white solid |
| Density | 1.18 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble |
| log P | 3.9 |
| Vapor pressure | Vapor pressure: <0.0001 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 10.33 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.1 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -82.74 × 10^-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.605 |
| Dipole moment | 3.77 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 528.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N06AF05 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | H302 + H312 + H332 Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P362+P364, P501 |
| Flash point | > 133.5 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 25 mg/kg (mouse, intravenous) |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.03 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1-Benzyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine P-toluenesulfonic acid 1-Benzyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine 4-Fluorophenylacetone Benzylpiperidine 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine derivatives Toluenesulfonate salts |
