INTRODUCTION
Trichloroacetonitrile is a halogenated organic compound belonging to nitrile family. Its strong electrophilic character makes it a valuable intermediate in organic synthesis. It readily undergoes hydrolysis, particularly under acidic or basic conditions, yielding trichloroacetamide and related derivatives.
MANUFACTURE
Trichloroacetonitrile is typically produced through controlled chlorination of acetonitrile. This involves free radical substitution, where hydrogen atoms on the methyl group are progressively replaced by chlorine. Alternative approach involves dehydration of trichloroacetamide.
| Synonyms | Cyanotrichloromethane; 2,2,2-Trichloroacetonitrile; NSC 66405 |
| CAS no. | 545-06-2 |
| EINECS no. | 208-885-7 |
| Molecular formula | C2Cl3N |
| Molecular weight | 144.39 |
| Structure | ![]() |
APPLICATIONS
Trichloroacetonitrile is a valuable intermediate with a range of applications. Its utility comes from presence of two strong electron withdrawing groups (CCl3 and CN), which allow diverse chemical transformations.
| Pharmaceutical Intermediates: |
| • Used in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds (e.g., imidazoles, triazines, pyrimidines, oxadiazoles, etc). |
| • Acts as a building block for API intermediates, especially where strong electron-withdrawing groups are required. |
| • Useful in cyanation reactions to introduce nitrile functionality into drug molecules. |
| Agrochemical Applications: |
| • Serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of Herbicides, Fungicides and Insecticides. |
| • Enables synthesis of chlorinated nitrile-based bioactive molecules. |
| • Used in developing crop protection agents due to its reactivity toward nucleophiles. |
| Organic Synthesis & Fine Chemicals: |
| • Functions as a reactive nitrile source in multi-step synthesis. |
| • Used in C-C and C-N bond formation reactions. |
| • Acts as a precursor for: amides, carboxylic acids (via hydrolysis), amidines and imidates. |
| Heterocyclic Chemistry: |
| Acts as a key reagent for preparation of: |
| • Nitrogen-containing heterocycles. |
| • Fused ring systems. |
| • Facilitates ring closure reactions due to its activated nitrile group. |
SPECIFICATIONS
| Test | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | – | Colourless yellow-brown liquid, free from visible impurities |
| Identification (by IR) | – | Should conform to the structure |
| Purity (by GC): | – | |
| Trichloroacetonitrile | % | NLT 98.5 |
| Single Unknown Impurity | % | NMT 0.5 |
| Moisture (by KF) | % | NMT 0.1 |
STORAGE & PRECAUTION
Keep container tightly closed. Store in well-ventilated area.
PACKING
UN Approved drums;
Packaging quantities (net weight/volume per container): 30 kg/drum, 250 kg/drum
Primary Packaging (material of construction of packaging and closure): Plastic drums
REACH Status
Not registered
ExSyn offers Trichloroacetonitrile on a commercial scale and welcomes your enquiries. Regardless of the quantity required, our commitment to exceptional quality and reliable service makes ExSyn the preferred supplier of choice. Should you require any additional information or the SDS, please feel free to contact us.
(S)-Oxetan-2-yl-methanamine is a chiral oxetane-containing primary amine. The compound features a strained four-membered oxetane ring and an aminomethyl substituent, making it a valuable building block in modern medicinal chemistry. Due to its unique physicochemical properties, including increased polarity and metabolic stability compared with conventional alkyl groups, it is widely employed as an advanced pharmaceutical intermediate in drug discovery and development programs.
Guanidine carbonate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound with an alkaline and ionic nature. Composed of guanidinium cations and carbonate anions, it offers chemical stability, buffering capacity, and good formulation compatibility. In textile applications, it is used in formulations and fabric treatments for its thickening, softening, lubricating, anti-static, and flame-retardant properties, contributing to improved fabric finish and performance.
Tin(II) sulfide (SnS) has emerged as a safe and sustainable semiconductor owing to its non-toxicity, low cost, and natural abundance. It has attracted significant interest for solar energy conversion in thin-film photovoltaic devices because of its suitable band gap, which is approximately 1.3 eV in the orthorhombic phase and 1.5-1.7 eV in the cubic phase. In addition to photovoltaic applications, SnS is used in solid-state lubricants, near-infrared detectors, Lithium-ion batteries, and various sensing devices.
Nikethamide is a synthetic organic compound derived from nicotinic acid (vitamin B₃). It consists of a pyridine ring linked to a diethyl amide functional group and belongs to the class of pyridine amide derivatives.
(2-Methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide is a stabilized phosphonium salt widely used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. Due to presence of an ester group, the compound generates a stabilized ylide that is particularly useful for synthesizing α, β-unsaturated esters, valuable intermediates in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, and fine chemicals.
p-tert-Butylphenol (PTBP), is an aromatic organic compound consists of a phenol ring substituted with a tert-butyl group at the para (4-) position, giving it improved thermal stability and hydrophobic properties compared to phenol. PTBP features significant hydrogen bonding capabilities, which enhance its solubility in organic solvents. PTBP is used primarily as an intermediate in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, phenolic resins, and epoxy resins.
Yttrium oxide (Y2O3), also known as yttria, is an air-stable, odorless white powder. It is a highly stable, chemically inert ceramic with a very high melting point. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in most strong acids. Increasing the specific surface area and porosity of Y2O3 can further improve its relevant physical and chemical properties.
Ethyl 7,7,7-trifluoro-3-hydroxy-3-methylheptanoate is a fluorinated aliphatic hydroxy ester. The presence of the trifluoromethyl group imparts enhanced metabolic stability, lipophilicity, and unique physicochemical properties compared with non-fluorinated analogues. This compound is primarily used as a synthetic intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research.
2-Chloro-1,1,1-trimethoxyethane is an organochlorine orthoester compound commonly used as a versatile synthetic intermediate in organic and pharmaceutical chemistry. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with good reactivity toward nucleophilic substitution and cyclization reactions, making it valuable in the preparation of heterocyclic and bioactive molecules.
