Lactonitrile is the organic compound with the formula CH3CH(OH)CN. It is an intermediate in the industrial production of ethyl lactate and lactic acid.[1][2][3] It is the cyanohydrin of acetaldehyde. It is a colorless liquid, although degraded samples can appear yellow.

Lactonitrile
Names
IUPAC name
2-Hydroxypropanenitrile
Other names
Acetaldehyde cyanohydrin
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.001.058 Edit this at Wikidata
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C3H5NO/c1-3(5)2-4/h3,5H,1H3
    Key: WOFDVDFSGLBFAC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • InChI=1/C3H5NO/c1-3(5)2-4/h3,5H,1H3
    Key: WOFDVDFSGLBFAC-UHFFFAOYAF
  • N#CC(C)O
Properties
C3H5NO
Molar mass 71.079 g·mol−1
Appearance Yellow
Melting point −40 °C (−40 °F; 233 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Synthesis and use

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Lactonitrile is obtained by the addition of hydrogen cyanide to acetaldehyde.[1]

Lactonitrile is used in making esters of lactic acid.[1]

Regulations

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Cyanohydrins are sources of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. The substance is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States as defined in Section 302 of the U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (42 U.S.C. 11002), and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities which produce, store, or use it in significant quantities.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Westhoff, Gerrit; Starr, John N. (2012). "Lactic Acids". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a15_097.pub3. ISBN 9783527306732.
  2. ^ "Lactonitrile". EChA. echa.europa.eu. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  3. ^ Lactonitrile at www.chemicalbook.com.
  4. ^ "40 C.F.R.: Appendix A to Part 355—The List of Extremely Hazardous Substances and Their Threshold Planning Quantities" (PDF) (July 1, 2008 ed.). Government Printing Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 25, 2012. Retrieved October 29, 2011. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)