Phenylacetonitrile

Phenylacetonitrile (CAS 140-29-4), also known as benzyl cyanide, benzyl nitrile, and alpha-tolunitrile, is an aromatic nitrile compound used primarily as a chemical building block in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. It does not carry an E-code or standardised abbreviation in food or cosmetic contexts.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, phenylacetonitrile serves as a key precursor in the synthesis of amino acids, analgesics, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients, where its reactive nitrile group undergoes hydrolysis, reduction, or condensation to form target molecules. It also functions as a solvent and reaction medium in select organic synthesis processes due to its stability under controlled conditions.

Phenylacetonitrile is supplied in liquid form at technical and pharmaceutical-intermediate grades, with handling and documentation aligned to REACH registration requirements applicable in the European market. Procurement quantities typically range from drum to IBC scale, and suppliers should provide a full safety data sheet given the compound's regulatory classification.