Physical Properties
-
Molecular Formula: C₄H₇NO
-
Molecular Weight: 85.11
-
Appearance: Colorless liquid
-
Density: 0.932 g/mL at 25°C
-
Boiling Point: 82°C at 23 mmHg
-
Melting Point: -19°C to -21°C
-
Refractive Index: n20/D 1.399
-
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, and ether
-
Vapor Pressure: 0.3 psi at 20°C
-
Flash Point: 165°F (74°C)
-
Stability: Decomposes upon heating or when exposed to water, acids, or alkali, releasing hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
Synonyms
-
α-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile (Alpha-hydroxyisobutyronitrile)
-
2-Methyllactonitrile
-
Acetone cyanhydrin
-
2-Cyano-2-propanol
-
2-Hydroxyisobutyronitrile
-
Acetoncyanhydrin
-
Acetoncianidrina
-
2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropionitrile
-
Cyanohydrin-2-propanone
Uses
Acetone Cyanohydrin (CAS No: 75-86-5) is primarily used as a key intermediate in the production of methyl methacrylate (MMA), which is essential for manufacturing acrylic plastics and resins. It also acts as a source of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in various chemical synthesis processes. Additionally, it is used as a raw material in the preparation of insecticides and in specialized organic reactions such as the Strecker reaction.
Key Applications
-
Cyanation reactions of aryl halides, aldehydes, and alcohols
-
Stereospecific epoxide ring opening reactions
-
Strecker reaction of α-amido sulfones to synthesize α-amino nitriles
-
Intermediate in the manufacturing of acrylic plastics and specialty chemicals
-
Chemical synthesis processes in pharmaceutical and industrial chemistry
