Benzonitrile (CAS 100-47-0)

Benzonitrile is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring bonded to a nitrile group. The presence of the nitrile functional group makes benzonitrile a polar molecule and provides it with a distinctive dipole moment, as well as the ability to engage in dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding with suitable partners. This aromatic nitrile is a colorless liquid under standard conditions and is known for its high dielectric constant and good solvent properties. In research, benzonitrile has been used as a solvent in the preparation of various chemical reactions, particularly where the solvation of polar substrates is required. It is also frequently used as a starting material in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as amides, by nucleophilic addition reactions through the cyano group. In the realm of material science, benzonitrile′s properties as a solvent are exploited for the dissolution and manipulation of polymers and other organic materials that require a polar environment. Furthermore, its simplicity and stability have made it a model compound in spectroscopic studies, such as infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, to understand the vibrational modes of nitrile groups. In analytical chemistry, it′s used as a standard in calibrating chemical analysis equipment due to its well-defined physical properties. Benzonitrile′s robustness against harsh conditions and its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds also make it an ideal medium for conducting various organic reactions, including catalytic transformations where its inertness is a valuable asset.