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Glycolonitrile

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H5NO
CAS number
107-16-4
IUPAC name
2-hydroxypropanenitrile
State
State

Glycolonitrile is typically found as a liquid at room temperature due to its relatively low melting point. It is often used in its liquid form in various chemical reactions and industrial applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
-32.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
241.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
101.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
374.15
General information
Molecular weight
55.05g/mol
Molar mass
55.0530g/mol
Density
1.0940g/cm3
Appearence

Glycolonitrile, also known as hydroxyacetonitrile, typically appears as a colorless liquid. However, it can also form crystalline solid under certain conditions. It is highly soluble in water, alcohols, and ethers.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile, with the chemical formula C3H7NO, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are essential for its applications in various chemical processes. Primarily, its solubility can be described as follows:

  • Polar Nature: Due to the presence of the hydroxyl (–OH) and nitrile (–CN) functional groups, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile displays a polar character which enhances its solubility in polar solvents.
  • Water Solubility: 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile is soluble in water, making it a valuable compound in aqueous reactions. Its ability to engage in hydrogen bonding with water molecules contributes to this solubility.
  • Organic Solvents: It is also soluble in various organic solvents, such as alcohols and ethers, thus offering versatility in organic synthesis.

As a rule of thumb, the presence of polar functional groups typically results in increased solubility in polar solvents and decreased solubility in non-polar solvents. This is indeed true for 2-hydroxypropanenitrile, making it easier to work with in laboratory settings where solvent choice is crucial.

In summary, understanding the solubility of 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is critical for its practical applications, particularly in synthetic chemistry and industrial processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Hydroxypropanenitrile

2-Hydroxypropanenitrile, also known as beta-hydroxypropanenitrile, is a fascinating compound with notable chemical characteristics and applications. Here are some intriguing insights into this compound:

  • Versatile Building Block: This compound serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, showcasing its importance in medicinal chemistry.
  • Functional Group Rich: With both a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a nitrile group (-C≡N), it exhibits unique reactivity that can be harnessed in organic reactions, making it a valuable resource for chemists.
  • Biochemical Relevance: Due to its structure, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile may play a role in metabolic pathways, thereby broadening its significance in biochemical studies.
  • Safety Considerations: Like many nitriles, it should be handled with care. Understanding its potential hazards is crucial for laboratory safety, and proper protective measures are essential.
  • Synthetic Applications: The compound can undergo various transformations, such as reduction or substitution, enabling chemists to create a range of derivatives tailored for specific functionalities.

In conclusion, 2-hydroxypropanenitrile is more than just a chemical structure; it embodies the intersection of organic chemistry, medicinal applications, and safety awareness. As chemists continue to explore its potential, this compound will surely play an increasingly pivotal role in scientific innovation.

Synonyms
Lactonitrile
2-HYDROXYPROPANENITRILE
2-Hydroxypropionitrile
78-97-7
Propanenitrile, 2-hydroxy-
Acetocyanohydrin
DL-Lactonitrile
Propionitrile, 2-hydroxy-
Laktonitril
Acetaldehyde, cyanohydrin
Acetaldehyde cyanohydrin
Laktonitril [Czech]
2-Hydroxypropannitril
Ethylidene cyanohydrin
42492-95-5
NSC 7764
(1)-2-Hydroxypropiononitrile
2-Hydroxypropannitril [Czech]
CCRIS 6048
HSDB 5225
.alpha.-Hydroxypropionitrile
EINECS 201-163-2
EINECS 255-852-8
UNII-SJ38QDA188
BRN 0605366
DTXSID6025432
AI3-24276
NSC-7764
DTXCID005432
SJ38QDA188
EC 201-163-2
3-03-00-00451 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
2-HYDROXYPROPANENITRILE [HSDB]
2-HYDROXYPROPIONITRILE, (+/-)-
2-HYDROXYPROPANENITRILE, (+/-)-
(S)-lactonitrile
alpha-Hydroxypropionitrile
acetocyanhydrin
acetocyanhydrine
D-Lactonitrile
(RS)-lactonitrile
2Hydroxypropannitril
2hydroxypropionitrile
MFCD00004507
2hydroxypropanenitrile
(+/-)-lactonitrile
2-hydroxy-propionitrile
alphaHydroxypropionitrile
Propionitrile, 2hydroxy
2-hydroxy-propanenitrile
Propanenitrile, 2hydroxy
ETHYLIDENECYANOHYDRIN
WLN: QY1&CN
CHEMBL3559764
NSC7764
PROPANENITRILE, 2-HYROXY-
ALBB-027949
Tox21_303777
(+-)-2-HYDROXYPROPIONITRILE
DL-Lactonitrile, >=97.0% (T)
(+-)-2-HYDROXYPROPANENITRILE
AKOS009159265
(.+-.)-2-HYDROXYPROPIONITRILE
2-HYDROXYPROPANOIC ACID, NITRILE
CAS-78-97-7
(.+-.)-2-HYDROXYPROPANENITRILE
NCGC00357069-01
FH135171
LS-09700
NS00006942
PROPANOIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-, NITRILE
EN300-115340
Q6469032
201-163-2
255-852-8