2-Chloropropionitrile (2-CPN) is a colorless flammable liquid
with a characteristic acrid odor.
Major uses of this chemical are in pharmaceutics and polymer
synthesis.
2-Chloropropionitrile was used as initiator during the single-pot atom-transfer radical polymerization under microwave irradiation for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile. It was used in the synthesis of:
- nitrile functionalized methimazole-based ionic liquids
- (+)- and (-)-anatoxin
Most of the toxicity of propionitrile results from release of
cyanide. Cause of death is due to lack of oxygen to the body’s
cells, especially to the brain and heart cells.
According to Henry’s law constant of 1.43×10-5 atmm3
mol-1, vapor pressure of 2.770mmHg and water solubility
of 45 g ml-1 at 25°C are expected to indicate that
volatilization from moist soil and water surfaces is expected
to be an important fate process and also it can be volatilized
from dry soil surfaces and exist as a vapor in the
atmosphere.
When heated to decomposition, it emits very toxic fumes of
chlorine-containing compounds: nitrogen oxides, hydrogen
cyanide, and hydrogen chloride.
