B

Benzonitrile

IUPAC: benzonitrile

C7H5N Organic Compounds CAS 100-47-0
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC7H5N
CAS Number100-47-0
Molecular Weight103.12
Melting Point9 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point375.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.01 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzonitrile appears as a clear colorless liquid with an almond-like odor. Flash point 161 °F. Denser (at 8.4 lb / gal) than water and slightly soluble in water. Used as a specialty solvent and to...
Also Known As100-47-0; Phenyl cyanide; Cyanobenzene; Benzenenitrile; Benzoic acid nitrile; Benzene, cyano-; Benzenecarbonitrile; Phenylcyanide; Fenylkyanid; 9V9APP5H5S
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Benzonitrile?

Benzonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a phenyl group. It is a nitrile and a member of benzenes.

Formula & Notation

C7H5N

IUPAC Name: benzonitrile

Other Names / Synonyms: 100-47-0; Phenyl cyanide; Cyanobenzene; Benzenenitrile; Benzoic acid nitrile; Benzene, cyano-; Benzenecarbonitrile; Phenylcyanide; Fenylkyanid; 9V9APP5H5S

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Benzonitrile appears as a clear colorless liquid with an almond-like odor. Flash point 161 °F. Denser (at 8.4 lb / gal) than water and slightly soluble in water. Used as a specialty solvent and to.... Molecular formula: C7H5N. Molecular weight: 103.12 g/mol. Boiling point: 375.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 9 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.01 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 1 to 5 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 82.8 °F ; 5 mmHg at 131.5 °F; 10 mmHg at 156.6 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point9 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point375.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.01 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight103.12
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzonitrile appears as a clear colorless liquid with an almond-like odor. Flash point 161 °F. Denser (at 8.4 lb / gal) than water and slightly soluble in water. Used as a specialty solvent and to...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Benzonitrile
Formula C7H5N
CAS Number 100-47-0
Molecular Weight 103.12
Synonyms 100-47-0; Phenyl cyanide; Cyanobenzene; Benzenenitrile; Benzoic acid nitrile; Benzene, cyano-; Benzenecarbonitrile; Phenylcyanide; Fenylkyanid; 9V9APP5H5S

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzonitrile is a nitrile that is hydrogen cyanide in which the hydrogen has been replaced by a phenyl group. It is a nitrile and a member of benzenes.

More "B" Terms

View all "B" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.