Benzyl cyanide
Agent Name
Benzyl cyanide
Alternative Name
Phenylacetonitrile
CAS Number
140-29-4
Formula
C8-H7-N
Major Category
Nitrogen Compounds
Synonyms
Phenylacetonitrile; (Cyanomethyl)benzene; 2-Phenylacetonitrile; Acetic acid, phenyl-nitrile; Acetonitrile, phenyl-; Benzeneacetonitrile; Benzyl nitrile; Benzylkyanid [Czech]; Benzylnitrile; Phenyl acetyl nitrile; Toluene, alpha-cyano-; alpha-Cyanotoluene; alpha-Tolunitrile; [ChemIDplus] UN2470
Category
Nitriles
Description
Colorless liquid; [HSDB] Faintly yellow liquid, soluble in water; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used in organic synthesis; as a chemical intermediate for pharmaceutical drugs; with esters for perfumes and flavors; in the synthesis of optical bleaches for fibers; in the production of insecticides; [HSDB]
Comments
A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant, possibly burning skin and eyes; Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption; [CAMEO] Highly toxic; Oral LD50 (mouse) = 45.5 mg/kg; Skin LD50 (rat) = 2000 mg/kg; [MSDSonline] See "NITRILES."
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
0.089 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 430 mg/m3/2hr
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 102 deg C; [HSDB] bp = 233.5 deg C; [Ullmann]
NFPA
must be preheated
Adverse Effects
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: