Acrylonitrile

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Acrylonitrile
Image:Acrylonitrile-skeletal.png
General
Systematic name	2-propenenitrile
Other names	cyanoethene, vinyl cyanide
Molecular formula	C₃H₃N
SMILES	C=CC#N
Molar mass	53.1 g/mol
Appearance	Colourless liquid
CAS number	[107-13-1]
Properties
Density and phase	0.81 g/cm3 @ 25 °C
Solubility in water	7 g/100 mL at 20 °C
Other solvents: ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform	soluble
Melting point	-84 °C(189 K)
Boiling point	77 °C (350 K)
Acidity (pK_a)	4.25
Viscosity	1.3 cP at 20 °C
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
Main hazard	flammable, reactive, toxic
NFPA 704
Flash point
R-phrases
S-phrases
RTECS number
Supplementary data page
Structure and properties
Thermodynamic data
Spectral data
Related compounds
Related Carboxylic acids
Related compounds	acrylic acid, acrolein
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Acrylonitrile is the chemical compound with the formula CH₂CHCN. This pungent-smelling colorless liquid often appears yellow due to impurities. It is an important monomer for the manufacture of useful plastics. In terms of its molecular structure, it consists of a vinyl group linked to a nitrile.

1 Uses
2 Production
3 Safety
4 External links

[edit] Uses

Acrylonitrile is used principally as a monomer in the manufacture of synthetic polymers, especially polyacrylonitrile which comprises acrylic fibers. It is also a component of synthetic rubber. Dimerization of acrylonitrile affords adiponitrile, used in the synthesis of certain Nylons. Small amounts are also used as a fumigant. Acrylonitrile and derivatives such as 2-chloro-acrylonitrile are dienophiles in Diels-Alder reactions.

[edit] Production

Acrylonitrile is probably the nitrile manufactured on the largest scale. Most industrial acrylonitrile is produced through the Sohio process, the catalytic ammoxidation of propylene:

2CH₃-CH=CH₂ + 2NH₃ + 3O₂ → 2CH₂=CH-C≡N + 6H₂O

World annual production in 2001 was 4 million tonnes, with just under half of that coming from the United States. In 1996 the Sohio acrylonitrile process was designated a ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of the innovative single-step method of production that made acrylonitrile available for chemical manufacturing worldwide.[1]

[edit] Safety

Acrylonitrile is highly flammable and toxic. It undergoes explosive polymerization. The burning material releases fumes of hydrogen cyanide and oxides of nitrogen. Acrylonitrile is classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC group 2B).