Acrylonitrile (CAS 107-13-1)

Acrylonitrile is a colorless, volatile liquid organic compound characterized by the presence of a vinyl group linked to a nitrile function, which is a cyanide group attached to a carbon atom. Chemically represented as CH2=CH-CN, this structure enables acrylonitrile to undergo a variety of polymerization reactions, making it a crucial monomer in the production of synthetic polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyacrylonitrile, which are used extensively in the manufacture of plastics, fibers, and rubber products. The vinyl group in acrylonitrile provides sites for free-radical reactions, typically initiated by heat or chemical catalysts, leading to the formation of polymer chains. This mechanism is central to its role in the creation of high-performance, durable plastics and fibers that exhibit significant resistance to heat and chemical degradation. In research, acrylonitrile is extensively studied for its polymerization characteristics and the properties of its copolymers. Furthermore, its ability to form copolymers with other monomers like styrene and butadiene enhances its applications, allowing scientists to engineer materials with specific mechanical and thermal properties tailored to particular industrial needs. Additionally, acrylonitrile′s reactivity with nucleophiles, such as water and alcohols, in hydrocyanation reactions is an area of academic interest, exploring pathways to synthesize valuable organic compounds and understanding the kinetics and mechanisms underlying these reactions. This reactivity also makes acrylonitrile a subject in environmental and safety research, where its impact and degradation in ecosystems are studied to mitigate potential adverse effects.