Substance profile
Benzonitrile
Benzonitrile is a liquid with an odor of volatile oil of almond.
01 · Identification
What Benzonitrile is
Benzonitrile is a liquid with an odor of volatile oil of almond. Its molecular formula is C7H5N and its molecular weight is 103.12 g/mol. It boils at 191 °C, melts at -12.8 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
Precautionary statements: P270, P280, P301, P302, P312, P330, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Benzonitrile properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 190.7 °C (375.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 190.72 °C (375.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 190.7 °C (375.3 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -12.82 °C (8.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| -12.78 °C (9 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -12.8 °C (9 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.01 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.0093 g/cm³ | at 15 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with common organic solvents | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol; very soluble in acetone, benzene; soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| In water, 2000 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.768 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.7651 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 70 °C (158 °F) | HSDB | |
| 71.67 °C (161 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 75 °C (167 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 550 °C (1022 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.4 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 0.9 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 7.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 11.3 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 3.6 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | Detection in air: 2.90x10-5 mg/l | chemically pure | HSDB |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 417.85 °C (784.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Will attack some plastics | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Benzonitrile
Storage conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic: Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Strong acids which can liberate hydrogen cyanide. Forms explosive mixture with air.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
The cyano group can be readily hydrolyzed in the presence of mineral acids to produce stable, moderately toxic benzoic acid. When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 353].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Benzonitrile in the storage compatibility matrix →