C6H7N

C6H7N is a molecular formula that denotes several distinct aromatic compounds containing six carbon atoms, seven hydrogen atoms, and one nitrogen atom. Because different arrangements of these atoms can yield different structures, C6H7N does not refer to a single substance but to a set of constitutional isomers.

Prominent examples include aniline (phenylamine), with the structural formula C6H5NH2. Aniline consists of a benzene ring bearing an amino group and is widely used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, polymers, and some pharmaceuticals. It is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature and is toxic and irritant, requiring careful handling.

Another major subset is the methylpyridines, specifically 2-methylpyridine, 3-methylpyridine, and 4-methylpyridine (together known as picolines). These compounds retain a pyridine ring (a six-membered ring containing one nitrogen atom) with a methyl substituent, giving C6H7N overall. Methylpyridines find use as solvents, reagents, and intermediates in the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. They exhibit properties distinct from aniline, including different odors and chemical reactivity, reflecting their heteroaromatic structure.

Because several isomers share the same formula, C6H7N literature often emphasizes the specific structural arrangement to avoid ambiguity. In practice, the formula serves as a shorthand for a family of related compounds rather than a single chemical substance.