Acrylonitrile

Acrylonitrile is a colorless, volatile organic compound with a carbon–carbon double bond and a nitrile group. It is used mainly as a monomer for acrylic fibers, plastics, and synthetic rubber.

Polymerization: A chemical process that joins small molecules into larger molecules or networks. Acrylonitrile’s double bond lets it join polymer chains.
Polyacrylonitrile: A polymer made from acrylonitrile, used in acrylic fibers and as a precursor to carbon fiber. It is the main polymer product associated with acrylonitrile.
Acrylonitrile poisoning: Acute illness caused by exposure to acrylonitrile, which can be absorbed by inhalation or through skin. High exposure can cause systemic toxicity, including effects associated with cyanide formation.
Nitrile: An organic functional group containing a carbon atom triple-bonded to nitrogen. Acrylonitrile’s nitrile group helps define its chemical behavior and product properties.
Acetonitrile: A small, polar nitrile used chiefly as a solvent and chemical intermediate. Unlike acrylonitrile, it lacks a carbon–carbon double bond for chain-growth polymerization.
Ammoxidation: A catalytic process that converts hydrocarbons into nitriles using ammonia and oxygen. The principal industrial route makes acrylonitrile from propylene, ammonia, and air.
Acrylic fiber: A synthetic textile fiber made primarily from acrylonitrile-based polymers. Acrylonitrile gives these fibers their characteristic wool-like warmth and durability.
Occupational exposure limit: A regulatory or advisory concentration intended to limit workers’ exposure to a hazardous substance. Workplace limits help control inhalation exposure during manufacture and handling.
Alkene: A hydrocarbon containing at least one carbon–carbon double bond. Acrylonitrile’s alkene bond is the site of addition polymerization.
Methacrylonitrile: An unsaturated nitrile structurally related to acrylonitrile, with an additional methyl group. The extra methyl group changes its polymerization behavior and resulting polymer properties.

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Free-radical additionRelated: Its activated double bond undergoes radical addition in polymer-forming reactions.