Piperidine is an organic compound with the molecular formula (CH₂)₅NH. This heterocyclic amine consists of a six-membered ring containing five methylene bridges (--) and one amine bridge (-NH-). It is a colorless fuming liquid with an odor described as ammoniacal or pepper-like; the name comes from the genus name Piper, which is the Latin word for pepper. Piperidine is a widely used building block and chemical reagent in the synthesis of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals.