Trichloroacetonitrile
Agrochemicals 2025-03-02
Trichloroacetonitrile
Chemical Name: Trichloroacetonitrile
Synonyms: TCAN; Trichloromethyl cyanide
CAS Number: 545-06-2
Molecular Formula: C₂Cl₃N
Molecular Weight: 144.39 g/mol
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Odor: Pungent, lachrymatory (tear-inducing)
- Melting Point: -42 °C (-44 °F)
- Boiling Point: 85-86 °C (185-187 °F)
- Density: 1.44 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
- Refractive Index: 1.440 (at 20 °C)
- Vapor Pressure: 60 mmHg (at 20 °C)
- Solubility:
- Slightly soluble in water (hydrolyzes slowly)
- Miscible with organic solvents (ethanol, ether, acetone)
Chemical Properties
- Reactivity:
- Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
- Releases toxic gases (HCl, HCN, CO, CO₂) when heated
- Hydrolyzes in water to form chloroform and cyanide compounds
- Stability: Stable when dry but moisture-sensitive
Hazard and Safety Information (GHS)
- Hazard Symbols:
- T+ (Very toxic)
- C (Corrosive)
- Xi (Irritant)
- Hazard Statements:
- H300: Fatal if swallowed
- H310: Fatal in contact with skin
- H330: Fatal if inhaled
- H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- H335: May cause respiratory irritation
- Precautionary Measures:
- P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist
- P264: Wash skin thoroughly after handling
- P284: Use respiratory protection
- P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call poison center
Storage & Handling
- Store in airtight containers under inert gas (N₂/Ar)
- Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from light
- Use chemical-resistant gloves (Viton®/butyl rubber) and full-face respirator
- Handle only in fume hood with splash protection
Applications
- Organic synthesis (trichloromethylation reagent)
- Pharmaceutical intermediate
- Former use as a pesticide (now restricted)
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