What is Diphenylacetonitrile used for?

FAQ 2025-04-08

1. Pharmaceuticals

  • Intermediate in Drug Synthesis: Essential for producing medications such as phenylpiperidinemeperidine, and antitussive drugs.
  • Example: Acts as a precursor in the synthesis of analgesics and antiemetics.

2. Pesticides

  • Herbicide: Effective against grass weeds in turf management, particularly as a pre-emergence herbicide targeting young grass seedlings.
  • Mechanism: Inhibits plant growth by disrupting cellular processes.

3. Organic Synthesis

  • Key Intermediate: Widely used in the production of dyesperfumes, and agrochemicals.
  • Reactivity: The nitrile group (-CN) and benzene rings enable diverse chemical transformations.

4. Material Science

  • Polymers and Resins: Contributes to the development of advanced materials with tailored properties.
  • Example: Enhances thermal stability or mechanical strength in composite formulations.

5. Life Sciences Research

  • Biochemical Reagent: Employed in studies involving enzyme inhibitionprotein-ligand interactions, and drug discovery.
  • Applications: Used as a probe or scaffold in medicinal chemistry campaigns.

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Appearance: White crystalline solid.
  • Melting Point: 71–73°C.
  • Boiling Point: 181°C (12 mmHg).
  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like DMSO, ethanol, and acetone.

Safety & Handling

  • Toxicity: Classified as GHS Category 5 (oral toxicity) and Category 2 (skin/eye irritation).
  • Precautions: Requires proper ventilation, protective gloves, and eye gear. Avoid inhalation or prolonged skin contact.

Market Availability

  • Purity: Typically offered at 98%+ purity for research and industrial use.
  • Packaging: Available in various quantities (e.g., 10 g, 25 kg) from chemical suppliers.