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Benzoyl cyanide

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H5NO
CAS number
613-90-1
IUPAC name
benzoyl cyanide
State
State

Benzoyl cyanide is typically found in a liquid state near room temperature, owing to its low melting point of 30°C.

Melting point (Celsius)
30.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
303.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
233.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
506.15
General information
Molecular weight
131.13g/mol
Molar mass
131.1440g/mol
Density
1.0988g/cm3
Appearence

Benzoyl cyanide is a colorless to pale yellow oil that can appear as a liquid. It has a distinctive, pungent odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzoyl Cyanide

Benzoyl cyanide, with the chemical formula C8H5NO, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are noteworthy for scientists and industrial applications alike.

Solubility Profile

This compound is known to be:

  • Soluble in organic solvents: Benzoyl cyanide dissolves well in various organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and chloroform.
  • Practically insoluble in water: The polarity of the water molecule creates a challenging environment for the solubility of benzoyl cyanide, thus limiting its solubility in aqueous solutions.

Factors Affecting Solubility

The solubility of benzoyl cyanide can be influenced by several factors, including:

  • Temperature: Increasing temperature may enhance solubility in organic solvents as molecular motion increases.
  • pH Levels: As a mildly acid or neutral compound, its solubility may vary under extreme pH conditions.
  • Solvent Polarity: The choice of organic solvent affects solubility; non-polar or moderately polar solvents enable better dissolution.

In summary, benzoyl cyanide presents a unique solubility profile that is beneficial for its use in organic synthesis, highlighting its utility while also posing challenges in aqueous environments. Understanding these solubility characteristics is essential for harnessing its full potential.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Benzoyl Cyanide

Benzoyl cyanide is a fascinating compound primarily used in organic synthesis and the production of various chemical intermediates. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Functional Groups: It features both a benzoyl group and a cyano group, making it a versatile building block for many chemical reactions.
  • Synthetic Applications: Benzoyl cyanide is especially important in the synthesis of alpha-amino acids and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
  • Role in Organic Chemistry: This compound is often utilized in the formation of isocyanates, which are critical in the production of certain polymers and pharmaceuticals.
  • Safety Considerations: Due to the presence of cyanide, benzoyl cyanide should be handled with care, following strict safety protocols to minimize exposure.
  • Environmental Impact: As with many organic compounds, studying the environmental fate of benzoyl cyanide helps in understanding its degradation and potential impact on ecosystems.

Considering its unique structure and functionalities, benzoyl cyanide exemplifies how even seemingly simple compounds can play a crucial role in advanced chemical synthesis and industry. Its ability to react and form different molecular entities makes it a valuable compound in both academic research and practical applications.


Synonyms
BENZOYL CYANIDE
613-90-1
Phenylglyoxylonitrile
Benzoyl nitrile
Oxo(phenyl)acetonitrile
Glyoxylonitrile, phenyl-
Benzeneacetonitrile, .alpha.-oxo-
alpha-Oxobenzeneacetonitrile
alpha-oxo-alpha-tolunitrile
.alpha.-Oxobenzeneacetonitrile
alpha-Tolunitrile, alpha-oxo-
Benzeneacetonitrile, alpha-oxo-
9R5O6C18O8
EINECS 210-359-7
PHENYL GLYOXONITRILE
NSC 401920
NSC-401920
AI3-13150
DTXSID2060626
CHEBI:51853
PHENYLGLYOXALIC ACID NITRILE
2-(OXO)-2-(PHENYL)ACETONITRILE
Glyoxylonitrile, phenyl-(8CI)
DTXCID5043007
210-359-7
Benzoylcyanide
Phenyl glyoxonitrile; Phenylglyoxalic acid
MFCD00001837
Phenylglyoxylo-nitrile
Benzoyl cyanide, 98%
2-oxo-2-phenylacetonitrile
2-oxo-2-phenyl-acetonitrile
SCHEMBL158535
UNII-9R5O6C18O8
GJQBHOAJJGIPRH-UHFFFAOYSA-
.alpha.-Tolunitrile, .alpha.-oxo-
NSC120506
NSC401920
STL445580
2-oxidanylidene-2-phenyl-ethanenitrile
AKOS009156479
NSC-120506
AS-16152
BP-13276
DB-053862
B0835
NS00034672
EN300-36184
C21329
D88699
A833197
Q15632897
F0001-1615
InChI=1/C8H5NO/c9-6-8(10)7-4-2-1-3-5-7/h1-5H