Mandelonitrile

Mandelonitrile[1]
Skeletal formula
Ball-and-stick model
Names
IUPAC name
2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetonitrile
Other names
α-Hydroxybenzeneacetonitrile
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.007.758
KEGG
Properties
C8H7NO
Molar mass 133.15 g·mol−1
Density 1.117 g/mL
Melting point −10 °C (14 °F; 263 K) (R/S)[2]
Boiling point 170 °C (338 °F; 443 K) Decomposes[2]
Hazards
Main hazards toxic
R-phrases (outdated) R23/24/25 R36/37/38 R41
S-phrases (outdated) S22 S26 S36/37/39 S45
Flash point 113 °C (235 °F; 386 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
mandelic acid, phenylacetonitrile
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

In organic chemistry, mandelonitrile is the nitrile of mandelic acid, or the cyanohydrin derivative of benzaldehyde. Small amounts of mandelonitrile occur in the pits of some fruits.

Occurrence

Mandelonitrile is the aglycone part of the cyanogenic glycosides prunasin and amygdalin.

The naturally occurring (R)-(+) enantiomer finds use as an intermediate in the preparation of optically active α-hydroxy carboxylic acids, α-hydroxy aldehydes, α-hydroxy ketones, and 2-amino alcohols.[3]

Mandelonitrile can break down into cyanide and benzaldehyde, a reaction that can be catalyzed by the enzyme mandelonitrile lyase.

Preparation

Racemic mandelonitrile may be prepared similar to many other cyanohydrins. In a one pot reaction, benzaldehyde is reacted with sodium bisulfite to give the corresponding adduct, which further reacts with aqueous sodium cyanide to give the racemic product:[4]

References

  1. Sigma-Aldrich product page
  2. 1 2 The Merck Index (12th ed.). 1996.
  3. Kruse, C.G. In Collins, A.N. Sheldrake, G.N. Crosby, J., Eds. Chirality in Industry Chichester, UK , (1992), 279
  4. Corson, B. B.; Dodge, R. A.; Harris, S. A.; Yeaw, J. S. (1941). "Mandelic Acid". Organic Syntheses. ; Collective Volume, 1, p. 336
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