Lactonitrile Explained

Lactonitrile is the organic compound with the formula CH₃CH(OH)CN. It is an intermediate in the industrial production of ethyl lactate and lactic acid.^{[1] [2]} It is the cyanohydrin of acetaldehyde. It is a colorless liquid, although degraded samples can appear yellow.

Synthesis and use

Lactonitrile is obtained by the addition of hydrogen cyanide to acetaldehyde.

Lactonitrile is used in making esters of lactic acid.

Regulations

Cyanohydrins are sources of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide.The substance is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States as defined in Section 302 of the U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (42 U.S.C. 11002), and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities which produce, store, or use it in significant quantities.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Lactonitrile. EChA. echa.europa.eu. 13 June 2017.
2. http://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB2446862.htm Lactonitrile
3. . 40 C.F.R.: Appendix A to Part 355—The List of Extremely Hazardous Substances and Their Threshold Planning Quantities . July 1, 2008 . October 29, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120225051612/http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/julqtr/pdf/40cfr355AppA.pdf . February 25, 2012 . dead .