Nomenclature
CAS number: 107-12-0
Propanenitrile; ethyl cyanide.
C
3H
5N; mol wt 55.08.
C 65.42%, H 9.15%, N 25.43%.
Description and references
Prepd by dehydration of propionamide (or propionic
acid + NH3) or by distilling ethyl sulfate and concd aq
KCN, also by reduction of acrylonitrile. Studies as duodenal ulcerogen
in rats: S. Szabo et al., Res. Commun. Chem. Pathol. Pharmacol. 16, 311 (1977); L. M. Lichtenberger et al., Gastroenterology 73, 1305 (1977). Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup. Med. 4, 119 (1951).
Properties
Liquid. Flammable. Poisonous
when heated to decompn or on contact with acids. Pleasant,
ethereal, sweetish odor. d40 0.8020; d420 0.7818; d430 0.7716; d456 0.7515; d470.2 0.7291. mp -91.8°. bp760 97.2°; bp400 77.7°; bp200 58.2°; bp100 41.4°; bp60 30.1°; bp40 22.0°; bp20 8.8°; bp10 -3.0°; bp5 -13.6°; bp1.0 -35.0°. nD15 1.36812; nD20 1.36585; nD30 1.36132. Flash point, closed cup: 43°F (6°C). Soly in water
at 40° = 11.9 g/100 g H2O; at 100° = 29 g/100 g H2O. Misc with alcohol, ether, DMF. LD50 orally in rats: 39 mg/kg (Smyth).Caution
Readily absorbed through skin; irritating
to eyes and respiratory system. Potential symptoms of overexposure
are nausea, vomiting, chest pains, weakness, stupor, convulsions.
See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical
Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 266.Use
Reagent and solvent in organic synthesis.