BENZONITRILE Meaning and
Definition
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Benzonitrile is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CN. It is a colorless liquid that has a distinct almond-like odor. Benzonitrile is classified as a nitrile, which means it contains a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. It is also referred to as phenyl cyanide due to its chemical structure, which consists of a phenyl group attached to a cyano (CN) group.
Benzonitrile is mainly used as a solvent in various industrial applications, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and polymers. It has a low boiling point and is relatively volatile, making it ideal for use in liquid-phase reactions and extraction processes. Additionally, benzonitrile can be used as a precursor for the synthesis of other chemicals, such as benzylamines and benzylsulfonamides.
In terms of its chemical reactivity, benzonitrile is relatively stable and does not easily undergo chemical transformations. However, its cyano group can participate in a range of reactions, including nucleophilic substitution, reduction, and hydrolysis. These reactions allow for the synthesis of various derivatives and substituted compounds.
From a safety perspective, benzonitrile is considered toxic and should be handled with caution. It can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon contact or inhalation. Proper handling procedures, including the use of appropriate protective equipment, should be followed when working with this compound.
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Phenyl cyanide, a colorless oil with the odor of bitter almonds, derived from benzoic acid by the action of lead sulphocyanate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BENZONITRILE
- venzonitrile
- nenzonitrile
- henzonitrile
- genzonitrile
- bwnzonitrile
- bsnzonitrile
- bdnzonitrile
- brnzonitrile
- b4nzonitrile
- b3nzonitrile
- bebzonitrile
- bemzonitrile
- bejzonitrile
- behzonitrile
- benxonitrile
- bensonitrile
- benaonitrile
- benzinitrile
- benzknitrile
- benzlnitrile
Etymology of BENZONITRILE
The word "benzonitrile" comes from a combination of two words: "benzo" and "nitrile".
- The term "benzo" is derived from "benzene", which refers to a six-carbon aromatic ring structure. "Benzene" ultimately originates from the German word "Benzin", meaning "gasoline", which was derived from "benzoin", a resin that was used to produce a similar-smelling substance.
- The suffix "-nitrile" is added to the name "benzo" to indicate the presence of a nitrile functional group (-CN) within the molecule of benzonitrile. The term "nitrile" comes from the French word "nitryle", which is a derivative of the Latin word "nitrum", meaning "saltpeter", as nitriles were initially derived from this compound.
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