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Adiponitrile is the organic compound with the formula (CH2)4(CN)2. This dinitrile, a viscous, colourless liquid, is an important precursor to the polymer nylon-6,6. In 2005, about one billion kilograms were produced.

Other names

Adipic acid dinitrile
Adipic acid nitrile
Adipyldinitrile
1,4-Dicyanobutane
Hexanedioic acid dinitrile
Nitrile adipico
Tetramethylene cyanide
Tetramethylene dicyanide

Production

Early routes

Acrylonitrile is an organic compound with the formula CH2CHCN. It is a colorless volatile liquid, although commercial samples can be yellow due to impurities. In terms of its molecular structure, it consists of a vinyl group linked to a nitrile. It is an important monomer for the manufacture of useful plastics such as polyacrylonitrile. It is reactive and toxic at low doses.

Other names

Acrylonitrile
2-Propenenitrile
Cyanoethene,
Vinyl cyanide (VCN)
Cyanoethylene
Propenenitrile

Acetonitrile is the chemical compound with the formula CH3CN. This colourless liquid is the simplest organic nitrile (hydrogen cyanide is a simpler nitrile, but the cyanide anion is not classed as organic). It is produced mainly as a byproduct of acrylonitrile manufacture. It is used as a polar aprotic solvent in organic synthesis and in the purification of butadiene.