9628. Trichloroacetonitrile

Nomenclature

CAS number: 545-06-2
Trichloromethylnitrile; Tritox.
C2Cl3N; mol wt 144.39.
C 16.64%, Cl 73.66%, N 9.70%.
CCl3CN.

Description and references

Prepd from ethyl trichloroacetate and aq ammonia, and physical and thermodynamic properties: Davies, Jenkin, J. Chem. Soc. 1954, 2374; by action of phosphorus pentoxide on trichloroacetamide: Carpenter, J. Org. Chem. 27, 2085 (1962) DOI. Manuf by reaction of methylnitrile, HCl and chlorine gas: Kbisch, US 2745868 (1956 to Degussa). Toxicity study: H. F. Smyth et al., Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 23, 95 (1962) PubMed.

Properties

Liquid, bp760 85.7°; d425 1.4403, d435 1.4223; nD20.0 1.4409, nD27.0 1.4375. Poisonous; flammable. LD50 orally in rats: 0.25 g/kg (Smyth).

Caution

A strong irritant to eyes, skin.

Use

Insecticide.