Benzonitrile
Agent Name
Benzonitrile
Alternative Name
Phenyl cyanide
CAS Number
100-47-0
Formula
C7-H5-N
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Benzene, cyano-; Benzenecarbonitrile; Benzenenitrile; Benzoic acid nitrile; Benzonitrile; Cyanobenzene; Fenylkyanid [Czech]; Phenyl cyanide; Phenylcyanide; [ChemIDplus] UN2224
Category
Nitriles
Description
Colorless oil with almond odor; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Used as a solvent and intermediate in industries making drugs, perfumes, dyes, rubber, textiles, resins, and specialty lacquers; [HSDB]
Comments
Highly toxic; [Quick CPC] When burned, benzonitrile releases hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides. Unlike the other nitriles, benzonitrile, an aromatic compound, does not release cyanide in the body after ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Its acts as a uncoupler similar to the toxicity of pentachlorophenol. [HSDB; Goldfrank, p. 179] A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Causes contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 219] See "Pentachlorophenol."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
IDLH (NIOSH)
14 ppm
Vapor Pressure
0.768 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 950 ppm/8h
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 167 deg F; VP from HSDB;
Adverse Effects
Nephrotoxin
Yes
Other Poison
Uncoupler
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: