Benzonitrile is the chemical compound with the formula C, abbreviated PhCN. This aromatic organic compound is a colorless liquid with a sweet bitter almond odour. It is mainly used as a precursor to the resin benzoguanamine.
It is convenient to use a sealed stirrer, such as the Trubore stirrer, which may be left in the flask during the distillation of thionyl chloride and benzene at reduced pressure; however, the stirrer cannot be left running during this distillation, for it is stopped by the cake of acid chloride hydrochloride. The distillations are accomplished most conveniently if the dropping funnel is removed and replaced by a capillary and the stirrer is left in place but not running during the distillations.
| Physical state at 20 °C : | Liquid. |
| Odour : | Strong, vinegar-like |
| Odour threshold : | No data available. |
| pH value : | No data available. |
| Melting point [°C] : | 16.2 °C |
| Decomposition point [°C] : | N/A |
| Critical temperature [°C] : | N/A |
| Auto-ignition temperature [°C] : | 485 °C |
| Flammability (solid, gas) : | N/A |
| Flammable liquid and vapour | |
| Flash point [°C] : | 40°C |
| Boiling point [°C] : | 117 - 118 °C |
| Initial boiling point [°C] : | 117°C |
| Final boiling point [°C] : | 118°C |
| Evaporation rate : | 0,97 |
| Vapour pressure [20°C] : | 15.2 hPa at 20°C |
| Vapour pressure mm/Hg : | N/A |
| Vapour density : | 2,1 |
| Density [g/cm3] : | 1,049 |
| Relative density, gas (air=1) : | N/A |
| Relative density, liquid (water=1) : | N/A |
| Solubility in water [% weight] : | Complete |
| Solubility in water : | N/A |
| Log Pow octanol / water at 20°C : | No data available. |
| Solubility : | 2,4 |
| Viscosity at 40°C [mm2/s] : | N/A |
| Explosive properties : | N/A |
| Explosion limits - upper [%] : | 19,90% |
| Explosion limits - lower [%] : | 4% |
| Oxidising properties : | No data available. |
Benzonitrile is a useful solvent and a versatile precursor to many derivatives. It reacts with amines to afford N-substituted benzamides after hydrolysis.
Benzonitrile is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs and rubber chemicals through the reactions.
