611-20-1, commonly known as 2-Cyanophenol, is an important aromatic organic compound widely used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. Due to its unique molecular structure—combining a phenolic hydroxyl group with a nitrile substituent—2-Cyanophenol plays a critical role in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty chemicals.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of 2-Cyanophenol (CAS 611-20-1), covering its chemical properties, applications, handling precautions, and safety considerations for industrial and laboratory use.
Chemical Name: 2-Cyanophenol
CAS Number: 611-20-1
Molecular Formula: C₇H₅NO
Molecular Weight: ~119.12 g/mol
IUPAC Name: 2-Hydroxybenzonitrile
Chemical Class: Aromatic nitrile, phenolic compound
2-Cyanophenol consists of:
A benzene ring
A hydroxyl (-OH) group at the ortho position
A cyano (-CN) group adjacent to the hydroxyl group
This ortho-substitution significantly influences its reactivity, making it suitable for further functionalization in organic synthesis.
Property |
Description |
|---|---|
Appearance |
Light yellow to off-white crystalline solid |
Odor |
Mild phenolic odor |
Solubility |
Slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents |
Melting Point |
Moderate (solid at room temperature) |
Boiling Point |
High due to aromatic structure |
Stability |
Stable under normal storage conditions |
Exhibits phenolic acidity
Reactive in substitution and coupling reactions
Acts as a versatile building block in multistep synthesis pathways
2-Cyanophenol is commonly used as:
An intermediate in drug synthesis
A precursor for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
A building block for heterocyclic compounds
Its functional groups allow easy conversion into more complex molecular structures required in medicinal chemistry.
In agrochemical production, 2-Cyanophenol is utilized for:
Synthesis of herbicide and pesticide intermediates
Development of crop protection compounds
Specialty formulations requiring aromatic nitriles
Used in custom chemical synthesis
Intermediate for dyes, pigments, and resins
Employed in research and development laboratories
2-Cyanophenol is frequently used in:
Organic chemistry research
Reaction mechanism studies
Process optimization and scale-up experiments
Industrial production of 2-Cyanophenol generally involves:
Controlled aromatic substitution reactions
Hydroxylation and nitrile group introduction
Purification via crystallization or distillation
High-purity grades are produced to meet pharmaceutical and industrial quality standards.
May cause skin and eye irritation
Harmful if inhaled or ingested in large quantities
Phenolic compounds require cautious handling
Use protective gloves, goggles, and lab coats
Ensure proper ventilation during handling
Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep containers tightly closed
Protect from excessive heat and moisture
Disposal should comply with local environmental regulations
Avoid release into water systems
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) should be reviewed before use
2-Cyanophenol is typically supplied in compliance with international chemical safety and transport standards.
Suppliers often provide:
High-purity grades (≥98%)
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
Secure packaging for safe transportation
Quality control is essential for consistent performance in downstream applications.
611-20-1 (2-Cyanophenol) is a valuable aromatic intermediate with broad applications across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemical industries. Its chemical versatility, stability, and reactivity make it a preferred choice for manufacturers and researchers alike.
