Acetone Cyanohydrin CAS NO: 75-86-5

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

75-86-5=-16

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-Hydroxy-2-methylpropanenitrile

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

FAQs

What is Acetone Cyanohydrin (CAS No: 75-86-5)?
Acetone Cyanohydrin is an organic chemical compound mainly used as an intermediate in the production of methacrylate plastics and other specialty chemicals.
What are the common uses of Acetone Cyanohydrin?
It is widely used in the manufacture of methyl methacrylate (MMA), acrylic plastics, resins, and synthetic materials.
What is the chemical formula of Acetone Cyanohydrin?
The chemical formula of Acetone Cyanohydrin is C₄H₇NO.
Is Acetone Cyanohydrin hazardous?
Yes, Acetone Cyanohydrin is considered hazardous because it can release hydrogen cyanide under certain conditions, so it must be handled with proper safety precautions.
How should Acetone Cyanohydrin be stored?
It should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, acids, and strong oxidizing agents.