Acrylonitrile

C₃H₃N

IUPAC: Prop-2-enenitrile

CAS: 107-13-1

Overview

Acrylonitrile is a versatile monomer used to produce acrylic fibers, ABS plastics, and nitrile rubber. It is produced by the ammoxidation of propylene (SOHIO process). About 6 million tonnes are produced annually for textile and plastic applications.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 3 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×3
5.7%
C
Carbon ×3
67.9%
N
Nitrogen ×1
26.4%

Uses

  • • Acrylic fiber production
  • • ABS and SAN plastics
  • • Nitrile rubber (gloves)
  • • Carbon fiber precursor

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Acrylic sweaters, nitrile gloves, and carbon fiber all start from acrylonitrile

Safety

  • ⚠ Probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
  • ⚠ Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption
  • ⚠ Highly flammable

Structure

SMILES

C=CC#N

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
53.06 g/mol
Density
0.8060 g/cm³
Melting Point
-83.6 °C
Boiling Point
77.3 °C
Solubility
73 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
53.0265
XLogP
0.2
TPSA
23.8 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
4
Complexity
54.0

Also Known As

Vinyl cyanide AN

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acrylonitrile?
Acrylonitrile (C₃H₃N) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Prop-2-enenitrile.
What is the molecular weight of Acrylonitrile?
Acrylonitrile has a molar mass of 53.064 g/mol.
What state is Acrylonitrile at room temperature?
Acrylonitrile is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Acrylonitrile organic or inorganic?
Acrylonitrile is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Acrylonitrile?
Acrylonitrile (C₃H₃N) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N).