4-Anilino-1-benzylpiperidine-4-carbonitrile

The title molecule, C19H21N3, an important precursor in the synthesis of porphyrin–fentanyl conjugates, has its piperidine ring in the chair conformation, with endocyclic torsion-angle magnitudes in the range 53.26 (8)–60.63 (9)°. The C[triple-bond]N group is axial, while the CH2Ph and NHPh groups are equatorial. The NH group does not engage in strong hydrogen bonding, but forms an intermolecular N—H...N interaction.