Chemical Properties
almost white to brown crystalline solid. Succinonitrile [110-61-2], ethylene dicyanide, ethylene cyanide, dicyanoethane, butanedinitrile, NCCH2CH2CN, is a colorless, waxy solid slightly soluble in water and ethanol. Succinonitrile is obtained by addition of hydrogen cyanide to acrylonitrile. Subsequent hydrogenation of succinonitrile yields 1,4-diaminobutane, which reacts with adipic acid to form the new polyamide 46. The polymer, developed by DSM (Netherlands), is marketed under the trade name Stanyl; the latter is reported to have excellent mechanical properties at high temperature.
Uses
Succinonitrile dispersed with ionic liquids entrapped in a host polymer was used to constitute gel polymer electrolytes. It was used as dopant to investigate the ionic conductivity and X-ray absorption spectroscopic results for lithium and copper salt doped succinonitrile.
Production Methods
Succinonitrile is derived from the interaction of ethylene
dibromide and potassium cyanide in the presence of alcohol.
General Description
Colorless to light brown crystals. Colorless waxy soild melting at 57°C. Highly toxic.
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water [Hawley].
Reactivity Profile
Succinonitrile is incompatible with acids and oxidizing agents (such as peroxides and epoxides). Can react violently with strong oxidizing acids. Is hydrolyzed exothermically in both aqueous acid and base to give carboxylic acids (or salts of carboxylic acids). Can react vigorously with reducing agents.
Fire Hazard
Succinonitrile is combustible.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes. An experimental teratogen. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame. Decomposes exothermically above 195°C. Can react with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition, or on contact with acid or acid fumes, it emits highly toxic fumes of NOx and CN-. See also NITRILES.
Purification Methods
Purify the nitrile by vacuum sublimation, and/or crystallisation from acetone. [Beilstein 2 H 615, 2 IV 1923.]
Toxics Screening Level
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for succinonitrile is 0.8 μg/m3 based on an annual averaging time.
