Benzyl cyanide

Benzyl cyanide, α - Tolunitrile

Colorless oily liquid with aromatic odor

Liquid

1.02 g · cm -3

-26 ° C

234 ° C

0.07 hPa ( 20 ° C)

Poorly in water ( 1.7 g · l-1 at 20 ° C)

1.5211 (25 ° C)

Risk

270 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

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Phenylacetonitrile is (pure chem, but mostly yellowish ) a at room temperature as a colorless liquid present, highly toxic chemical compound. In nature, phenylacetonitrile found in garden cress. It is used as a fragrance of insects ( pheromone ).

Representation and extraction

Phenylacetonitrile can be obtained chlorination of toluene to benzyl chloride and subsequent reaction with sodium cyanide in ethanol in accordance with the Kolbe- nitrile.

Use

Phenylacetonitrile used as an intermediate in the chemical industry and as a fragrance. The compound is the starting material for the preparation of phenylacetic acid.