Tetracyanoethylene
Agent Name
Tetracyanoethylene
CAS Number
670-54-2
Formula
C6-N4
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
1,1,2,2-Ethenetetracarbonitrile; Ethenetetracarbonitrile; 1,1,2,2-Tetracyanoethene; 1,1,2,2-Tetracyanoethylene; delta(sup 2,2')-Bimalononitrile; delta2,2'-Bimalononitrile; Ethene, tetracyano-; Ethylenetetracarbonitrile; TCNE; Tetracyanoethene; Tetrakyanethylen [Czech]; [ChemIDplus] UN3439
Category
Nitriles
Description
Solid; [Merck Index] Colorless crystalline solid; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used to make spiro compounds, in modified Diels-Alder reactions, and as an aromatizing agent; [Merck Index] "Because of its planarity and its ability to accept electrons, TCNE has been used to prepare numerous organic superconductors, usually by serving as a single electron oxidant of an organic electron donor. Such charge-transfer salts are sometimes called Bechgaard salt. TCNE hydrolyzes in moist air to give hydrogen cyanide and should be handled accordingly." [Wikipedia]
Comments
Causes conjunctive irritation and respiratory obstruction in ocular lethal-dose studies of rabbits; Causes convulsions, regional or general arteriolar or venous dilation, dyspnea, and respiratory obstruction in oral lethal-dose studies of mice; [RTECS] A skin and strong eye irritant; Highly toxic by ingestion and skin absorption; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "NITRILES." See "Hydrogen cyanide."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Nitriles, toxic, solid, n.o.s."
Adverse Effects
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.