4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is a chemical compound that has various applications in everyday life. It is commonly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and dyes. In the pharmaceutical industry, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is utilized as an intermediate for the synthesis of various medications. Additionally, it is employed in the creation of fragrances due to its aromatic properties. Furthermore, this compound is employed in the production of dyes for textiles and other materials. Overall, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide plays a significant role in several industries and contributes to the everyday products we use.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide, also known as PHBA, is a cyanide derivative that finds application in various commercial and industrial processes. It is commonly used as a precursor in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fragrances due to its versatile chemical structure and reactivity.
In the commercial sector, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is utilized in the production of high-performance coatings and polymers. Its ability to undergo various chemical transformations makes it a valuable building block for creating custom compounds that exhibit specific properties desired in the industry.
Industrially, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide serves as a key intermediate in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals such as antioxidants, herbicides, and insecticides. Its role as a versatile starting material allows for the synthesis of diverse compounds with unique applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.
While 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide primarily finds use in commercial and industrial processes, it also has potential applications in the realm of drug discovery and medication development. Researchers are exploring its pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic uses in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, highlighting its versatility as a chemical compound with promising pharmaceutical applications.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild almond-like odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents.
With a molar mass of approximately 147.16 g/mol and a density of around 1.1 g/cm3, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide falls within the range of molar masses and densities of common food items such as sugar and salt.
4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide has a melting point of about 34-36°C and a boiling point of approximately 239-241°C. These values are higher than those of most common food items, such as butter and chocolate.
In terms of solubility in water, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is sparingly soluble, forming a cloudy solution. It also exhibits a moderate viscosity, which is higher than that of most common food items like vinegar and milk.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is typically produced through a multi-step synthesis process in a laboratory setting. The first step involves reacting 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol with a cyanide source, such as sodium cyanide, under controlled conditions to form the desired product.
Once synthesized, 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide can be procured from chemical suppliers who specialize in providing research-grade chemicals. These suppliers often offer the compound in various quantities, from small vials for research purposes to larger quantities for industrial applications.
When procuring 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide, proper precautions must be taken in handling and transporting the compound due to its toxic and potentially hazardous nature. The compound should be stored in a secure and controlled environment to prevent accidental exposure and contamination during transit.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide, also known as benzyl cyanide, must be taken seriously due to its toxicity. This compound is considered harmful if swallowed, causing irritation to the respiratory system and skin upon contact. It is also a potential carcinogen and may cause genetic defects with long-term exposure. Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment should be used when handling 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide to minimize risks of exposure.
The hazard statements for 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide include “Causes skin irritation”, “Causes serious eye irritation”, “May cause respiratory irritation”, “Suspected of causing cancer”, and “May cause genetic defects”. These statements are crucial in informing individuals about the potential risks associated with exposure to this compound, urging caution and proper safety measures to be taken during handling.
Precautionary statements for 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide include wearing protective gloves, clothing, eye protection, and face protection when handling this compound. It is also advised to wash thoroughly after handling and avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapors, or spray. Furthermore, any contaminated clothing or equipment should be cleaned before reuse, and proper disposal methods should be followed to prevent environmental contamination. These precautionary measures are essential in ensuring the safety of individuals working with 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide would be investigating its potential as a pharmaceutical compound due to its reported biological activities.
Furthermore, studies could be conducted to explore its potential as a precursor in the synthesis of other compounds with potential industrial or medicinal applications.
Additionally, research efforts could focus on elucidating the mechanism of action of 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide in various biological systems to better understand its potential therapeutic effects.
Exploring the toxicological profile of 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide could also be a valuable research direction in order to assess its safety for use in various applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide based upon molecular structure is 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde. This compound also has a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group attached to it, similar to 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide. However, instead of a cyanide group, 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde has an aldehyde functional group.
Another compound with a similar molecular structure to 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is 4-Methoxybenzyl cyanide. In this compound, the hydroxyl group of 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide is replaced with a methoxy group. The presence of the cyanide group in both compounds contributes to their similarity in structure.
A third related compound is 3-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide. In this compound, the hydroxyl group is located at the third position on the benzene ring instead of the fourth position as in 4-Hydroxybenzyl cyanide. However, the presence of the cyanide group in both compounds confers some structural similarity.
