Benzyl Cyanide

Name:
Benzyl Cyanide
Detailed information:

Chemistry name:	phenylacetonitrile; α-tolunitrile
M Formula:	C6H5CH2CN
Properties:
Colorless, oily liquid; aromatic odor. D 1.0157, fp −24C, bp 230C, refr index 1.5211 (25C). Soluble in alcohol and ether; insoluble in water.
Derivation:
Interaction of benzyl chloride and potassium cyanide.
Grade:
Technical.
Hazard:
Highly toxic, absorbed by skin. TLV: 5 mg(CN)/m3.
Use:
Organic synthesis, especially penicillin precursors.