Succinonitrile, also butanedinitrile, is a nitrile, with the formula of C2H4(CN)2. It is an odorless, colorless to light brown crystal or colourless waxy solid which melts at 58 °C.[4][5]
Succinonitrile is produced by the addition of hydrogen cyanide to acrylonitrile (hydrocyanation):[6]
- CH2=CHCN + HCN → NCCH2CH2CN
Hydrogenation of succinonitrile yields putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane).
Applications
Succinonitrile may find applications as the “solvent” (while still in its waxy state) in lithium batteries.[citation needed]
Safety
Like most nitriles, succinonitrile is toxic and can release cyanide ions in the body. NIOSH recommends a TWA exposure limit of 6 ppm (20 mg/m³).[4]
See also
- Malononitrile – A di-nitrile with 3 carbon atoms
- Glutaronitrile – A di-nitrile with 5 carbon atoms
- Adiponitrile – A di-nitrile with 6 carbon atoms
References
- ^ International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (2014). Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry: IUPAC Recommendations and Preferred Names 2013. The Royal Society of Chemistry. p. 902. doi:10.1039/9781849733069. ISBN 978-0-85404-182-4.
- ^ a b c d NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. “#0573”. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
- ^ Rubinstein, E. R.; Tirmizi, S. H.; Glicksman, M. E. (1990-11-01). “Long-term purity assessment in succinonitrile”. Journal of Crystal Growth. 106 (1): 89–96. Bibcode:1990JCrGr.106…89R. doi:10.1016/0022-0248(90)90290-2. ISSN 0022-0248.
- ^ a b “SUCCINONITRILE | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA”. cameochemicals.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
- ^ PubChem. “Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) : 7190”. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2025-12-22.
- ^ “Nitriles”. Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (7th ed.). Retrieved 2007-09-10.
External links