KINETIC STUDY OF P-TOLUNITRILE FORMATION REACTIONS

Kinetic Study of p-Tolunitrile Formation Reactions

Kinetic Study of p-Tolunitrile Formation Reactions

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p-Tolunitrile (4-Methylbenzonitrile): Structure, Synthesis & Applications



Overview


p-Tolunitrile (also known as 4-methylbenzonitrile) is a nitrile-functionalized aromatic compound used extensively as a chemical intermediate. Its structure includes both an electron-donating methyl group and an electron-withdrawing nitrile group, making it highly useful in synthetic organic chemistry.






Chemical Profile





















































Property Details
Chemical Name p-Tolunitrile
IUPAC Name 4-Methylbenzonitrile
Molecular Formula C₈H₇N
Molecular Weight 117.15 g/mol
CAS Number 104-85-8
Appearance White to pale yellow crystalline solid
Melting Point ~44°C
Boiling Point ~218°C
Solubility Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
Density ~1.01 g/cm³







Chemical Structure



CN | C6H4—CH3 (para-substitution)


The para-substituted arrangement provides both symmetry and electronic balance, making it favorable in substitution reactions and useful in downstream functionalization.






Synthesis Pathways


p-Tolunitrile can be synthesized via multiple pathways depending on production scale and application:



 Table: Common Synthesis Methods

































Method Reactants Catalysts/Conditions Scale
Ammoxidation of p-Xylene p-Xylene, NH₃, O₂ Vanadium-Molybdenum oxide, 400–500°C Industrial
Sandmeyer Reaction p-Toluidine, NaNO₂, CuCN Acidic medium, low temp (0–5°C) Laboratory
Dehydration of Aldoxime p-Tolualdehyde oxime POCl₃ or SOCl₂ as dehydrating agents Laboratory/Batch







Applications of p-Tolunitrile


p-Tolunitrile is a building block in the manufacture of a wide array of chemical products.



 Table: Key Application Areas







































Industry Application Notes
Pharmaceuticals Intermediate in drug synthesis Antimicrobials, CNS drugs
Agrochemicals Precursor for herbicides and insecticides Stable under field conditions
Dyes & Pigments Azo dye synthesis Enhances color stability
Polymers & Resins Monomer component or cross-linking agent Improves thermal and chemical resistance
Specialty Chemicals Functionalized derivatives for R&D use Used in fine chemical synthesis







Safety & Handling Guidelines


Although not extremely hazardous, p-Tolunitrile must be handled with standard laboratory precautions due to its toxic and irritant nature.



 Table: Safety Summary

































Hazard Class Details
Toxicity Harmful if inhaled or swallowed
Irritation May cause skin and eye irritation
Flammability Flammable solid
Handling Guidelines Use gloves, safety goggles, lab coat; ventilate
Storage Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area




Always consult the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before use.






Why p-Tolunitrile Matters


p-Tolunitrile is more than just a lab reagent — it is a cornerstone intermediate in:





  • High-throughput synthesis




  • Green chemistry transformations




  • Customized functional materials




Its balance of aromatic stability, chemical reactivity, and economic availability makes it a go-to compound in both academic and industrial settings.






Conclusion


p-Tolunitrile serves as a reliable and multifunctional intermediate in several branches of modern chemistry. Whether you’re developing a novel pharmaceutical, synthesizing an advanced polymer, or scaling up a fine chemical process, p-Tolunitrile is likely to play a role behind the scenes.

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