Acrylonitrile is a colorless, volatile liquid compound primarily used in the production of synthetic fibers and plastics. It is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H3N and is also known by its systematic name, 2-propenenitrile.
Acrylonitrile is highly flammable and has a distinctive pungent odor. It is commonly produced through the ammoxidation of propylene, a petrochemical, with ammonia and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction gives rise to acrylonitrile as the main product along with some byproducts.
The compound is widely used in the manufacture of acrylic fibers, such as acrylic and modacrylic, which are lightweight and have excellent softness, durability, and resistance to sunlight and chemicals. Acrylonitrile is also a key ingredient in the production of various forms of synthetic rubber, such as nitrile rubber, which has high resistance to oil, fuel, and chemicals. This type of rubber is commonly used in automotive applications, gloves, seals, gaskets, and hoses.
Moreover, acrylonitrile serves as an important monomer in the production of several types of plastics, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). These plastics find extensive application in automotive parts, appliances, electronic casings, and pipes due to their mechanical strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability.
While acrylonitrile has numerous industrial uses, it is essential to handle it with care and in well-ventilated environments due to its flammability and potential health hazards associated with its vapor, including respiratory and skin irritation and toxic effects on liver and kidneys
