Skip to main content
propenonitrile

propenonitrile

9.9
A colorless liquid chemical with a nitrile group and a double bond used to make other chemicals
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : propenonitrilo
  • Propenonitrile is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals.

Examples

  • Because of its double bond, propenonitrile is more reactive than saturated nitriles.

  • Researchers handle propenonitrile in a fume hood due to its toxic vapors.

  • The laboratory synthesized propenonitrile for their experiments.

  • Can you explain the properties of propenonitrile?

  • Propenonitrile is commonly used in the production of various synthetic fibers and plastics.

  • In chemical synthesis, propenonitrile acts as a crucial building block for more complex molecules.

  • Scientists prefer to store propenonitrile in sealed containers to prevent exposure to its harmful vapors.

Synonyms

acrylonitrile
vspropenonitrile
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A colorless, flammable liquid used to make plastics, synthetic rubber, and fibers

is defined by derivation from propene and broad chemical synthesis use
vinyl cyanide
vspropenonitrile
  • Specialized
7.5

A colorless liquid used to make plastics and man-made fibers

is used more generally for chemical synthesis, not only plastics

Surface Forms

Morphology

propenonitrile = propene + nitrile (transparent) = propeno + nitrile

The form is a straightforward combination of the combining form 'propeno-' (from propene) and 'nitrile', following standard chemical-naming conventions to indicate a nitrile derived from propene.

Etymology

Propenonitrile breaks into two parts: propeno-, from propene, which means a 'three-carbon' molecule with a 'double bond', and -nitrile, from nitrogen, meaning it has a nitrogen-containing group. So, the name tells you it is a 'three-carbon' nitrile made from propene, which explains why it is a reactive liquid used in chemical synthesis.