Succinonitrile, also butanedinitrile, is a
nitrile
In organic chemistry, a nitrile is any organic compound that has a functional group. The prefix '' cyano-'' is used interchangeably with the term ''nitrile'' in industrial literature. Nitriles are found in many useful compounds, including me ...
, with the
formula of C
2H
4(CN)
2. It is a colorless waxy solid which melts at 58 °C.
Succinonitrile is produced by the addition of
hydrogen cyanide
Hydrogen cyanide, sometimes called prussic acid, is a chemical compound with the formula HCN and structure . It is a colorless, extremely poisonous, and flammable liquid that boils slightly above room temperature, at . HCN is produced on a ...
to
acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is an organic compound with the formula and the structure . It is a colorless, volatile liquid although commercial samples can be yellow due to impurities. It has a pungent odor of garlic or onions. In terms of its molecular ...
(
hydrocyanation):
:CH
2=CHCN + HCN → NCCH
2CH
2CN
Hydrogenation
Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecular hydrogen (H2) and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium or platinum. The process is commonly employed to reduce or saturate org ...
of succinonitrile yields
putrescine
Putrescine is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)4(NH2)2. It is a colorless solid that melts near room temperature. It is classified as a diamine. Together with cadaverine, it is largely responsible for the foul odor of putrefying flesh, ...
(1,4-diaminobutane).
See also
*
Malononitrile
Malononitrile is an organic compound nitrile with the formula . It is a colorless or white solid. It can be prepared by dehydration of cyanoacetamide.
Malononitrile is relatively acidic, with a p''K''a of 11 in water. This allows it to be use ...
- A di-nitrile with 3 carbon atoms
*
Glutaronitrile - A di-nitrile with 5 carbon atoms
*
Adiponitrile
Adiponitrile is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH2)4(CN)2. This viscous, colourless dinitrile is an important precursor to the polymer nylon 66. In 2005, about one million tonnes of adiponitrile were produced.M. T. Musser, "Adip ...
- A di-nitrile with 6 carbon atoms
References
External links
WebBook page for C4H4N2
Alkanedinitriles
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