Nitriili

Nitriili is a chemical compound with the formula RCN, where R is an organic group. It is characterized by the presence of a cyano group (-C≡N). Nitriles are a class of organic compounds that are often intermediates in the synthesis of other organic molecules. They can be produced through various methods, including the dehydration of amides, the reaction of alkyl halides with cyanide salts, and the ammoxidation of alkenes.

The cyano group in nitriles is highly polar due to the electronegativity difference between carbon and nitrogen and the triple bond. This polarity influences the reactivity and physical properties of nitriles. Nitriles can undergo hydrolysis to form carboxylic acids, reduction to form amines, and addition reactions across the triple bond. The specific reactions depend on the conditions and reagents used.

Many nitriles are liquids at room temperature and are soluble in organic solvents. Some lower molecular weight nitriles are volatile and have characteristic odors. Industrially, nitriles are important precursors for the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. For instance, acrylonitrile is a key monomer used in the manufacture of acrylic fibers and plastics like ABS. Other nitriles find applications as solvents and in the synthesis of specialty chemicals. Toxicity varies among nitriles, with some being relatively benign while others are highly toxic due to the potential release of cyanide ions.