Molecule structure of 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile (CAS NO.91-15-6):

IUPAC Name: Benzene-1,2-dicarbonitrile 
Molecular Weight: 128.13076 g/mol
Molecular Formula: C₈H₄N₂ 
Density: 1.24 g/cm³ 
Melting Point: 137-139 °C(lit.)
Boiling Point: 304.6 °C at 760 mmHg 
Flash Point: 153.3 °C
Index of Refraction: 1.565
Molar Refractivity: 35.88 cm³
Molar Volume: 110 cm³
Polarizability: 14.22×10^-24 cm³
Surface Tension: 55.6 dyne/cm 
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 54.5 kJ/mol
Vapour Pressure: 0.000865 mmHg at 25 °C 
Solubility Benzene: 50 mg/mL, clear
Water Solubility: 0.56 g/L (25 °C)
XLogP3: 1
H-Bond Acceptor: 2
Exact Mass: 128.037448
MonoIsotopic Mass: 128.037448
Topological Polar Surface Area: 47.6
Heavy Atom Count: 10
Complexity: 178
Canonical SMILES: C1=CC=C(C(=C1)C#N)C#N
InChI: InChI=1S/C8H4N2/c9-5-7-3-1-2-4-8(7)6-10/h1-4H
InChIKey: XQZYPMVTSDWCCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
EINECS: 202-044-8
Product Categories: Industrial/Fine Chemicals; Organics; Functional Materials; Phthalonitriles & Naphthalonitriles; Phthalonitriles (Building Blocks for Phthalocyanines); C8 to C9; Cyanides/Nitriles; Nitrogen Compounds

In 1896, the first formation of 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile was reported  by Johannes Pinnow. It was noted to be a byproduct of the reaction between orthamidobenzonitrile hydrochloride, sodium nitrite, and hydrochloric acid to synthesize orthodicyanodiazoamidobenzene. In 1907, the first intentional method derived for the synthesis of 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile appeared, when 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile was boiled with acetic anhydride. While initial yields were small, it was a precursor that eventually to the contemporary large-scale synthesis seen today.

 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile (CAS NO.91-15-6) is widely used for the sythesis of phthalein sulfonamide durgs, phthalocyanine pigments and dyes, high-resistance polyamide fiber, xylyl, di-isocyanate plastic and desulfuration catalyst. It is also used for dyes, pigments and other organic synthesis.

 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile is made by the ammoxidation of o-xylene in the presence of a vanadium oxide-antimony-oxide catalyst over heat (480 °C). This process passes a gaseous mixture of ammonia, oxygen, ando-xylene through a distributor plate into a fluidized bed reactor, containing the catalyst.

Cyanide and its compounds are on the Community Right-To-Know List. Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

Hazard Codes: T
Risk Statements: 25-23/24/25 
R25 :Toxic if swallowed. 
R23/24/25:Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Safety Statements: 36/37/39-45-28A 
S36/37/39:Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. 
S45:In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible.) 
S28:After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of soap-suds.
RIDADR: UN 3439 6.1/PG 2
WGK Germany: 1
RTECS: TI8575000
HazardClass: 6.1
PackingGroup: II
HS Code: 29269095
Hazardous Substances Data: 91-15-6(Hazardous Substances Data)
Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, and intraperitoneal routes. Questionable carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of CN⁻ and NO_x.

 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile (CAS NO.91-15-6) is also named as 1,2-Benzodinitrile ; 1,2-Dicyanobenzene ; AI3-00049 ; CCRIS 8898 ; Ftalodinitril ; Ftalodinitril [Czech] ; Ftalonitril ; Ftalonitril [Czech] ; HSDB 5273 ; NSC 17562 ; Phthalic acid dinitrile ; Phthalodinitrile ; Phthalonitrile ; USAF ND-09 ; o-Benzenedicarbonitrile ; o-Benzenedinitrile ; o-Cyanobenzonitrile ; o-Dicyanobenzene ; o-Pdn ; o-Phthalodinitrile ; ortho-Dicyanobenzene . 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile (CAS NO.91-15-6) is off-white to tan powder. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform and benzene, insoluble in oil. It can be volatile with steam. 1,2-Benzenedicarbonitrile is stable and incompatible with strong bases, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents.