Propionitrile

Propionitrile, also known as ethyl cyanide and propanenitrile, is an organic compound with the formula CH3CH2CN.

It is also prepared by the ammoxidation of propanol (propionaldehyde can also be used instead):[7] Propionitrile is a byproduct of the electrodimerisation of acrylonitrile to adiponitrile.

In the laboratory propanenitrile can also be produced by the dehydration of propionamide, by catalytic reduction of acrylonitrile, or by distilling ethyl sulfate and potassium cyanide.

Propionitrile is a solvent similar to acetonitrile but with a slightly higher boiling point.

[7] In 1979, the Kalama (Vega) plant in Beaufort, South Carolina experienced an explosion during the production of propionitrile by nickel-catalyzed hydrogenation of acrylonitrile.

Skeletal formula of propanenitrile
Skeletal formula of propanenitrile
Skeletal formula of propanenitrile with all explicit hydrogens added
Skeletal formula of propanenitrile with all explicit hydrogens added
Ball and stick model of propanenitrile
Ball and stick model of propanenitrile
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g. VX gas Flammability 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasoline Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code
Chemical structure of 2-MDP