Chemistry never stands still, and the story of 2-Thienylacetonitrile tells a chapter about progress in heterocyclic research. Years ago, as scientists explored building blocks for new pharmaceuticals and advanced materials, thiophene chemistry presented fresh avenues. In the mid-20th century, researchers dug deep into sulfur-containing rings, and 2-Thienylacetonitrile emerged as a target thanks to its nitrile group and reactive aromatic structure. Over time, laboratories across Europe and North America started relying on this compound, recognizing its role in synthetic flexibility. Documents from the 1960s link the growth of 2-Thienylacetonitrile research to advances in chromatographic methods and early medicinal chemistry, setting the stage for later innovation in industrial and academic settings.
2-Thienylacetonitrile offers a unique combination—a thiophene ring tied to a nitrile group through a short carbon chain. The structure encourages curiosity because both halves of the molecule bring options for modification. In practice, that means chemists use it to make more complicated molecules or as an intermediate in preparing specialty chemicals. Its sulfur atom sticks out from the crowd of similar organic nitriles. Many venture into thiophene chemistry for flavors, fragrances, agrochemicals, or medicines, and 2-Thienylacetonitrile carries its weight as a starting point for all those branches.
As a yellow to pale brown liquid or sometimes a crystalline solid, 2-Thienylacetonitrile stands out by smell and appearance. It doesn’t dissolve well in water, tending instead toward organic solvents like acetone, methanol, or dichloromethane. Melting point hovers near room temperature, and boiling point usually sits above 200°C, so it survives most laboratory handling without much trouble. Its density stays just below that of water, and it flows easily in typical reaction setups. That nitrile group packs a punch—it reacts strongly with nucleophiles and stands up well under heat, giving it both strength and utility for synthesis. Stability under dry conditions fits the expectations for aromatic nitriles, but moisture or heat speed up degradation, especially if strong acids or bases enter the mix.
Labeling for 2-Thienylacetonitrile follows clear industry expectations. Chemically, its formula reads C6H5NS, with a molecular weight just over 123 g/mol. On most bottles, expect hazards marked for toxic and irritant properties, plus warnings about keeping it away from flame or prolonged exposure. Standard packaging uses dark glass or coated metal to reduce exposure to light and air. Purity often exceeds 98 percent for research use, and technical documentation provides analytical profiles showing IR, NMR, and sometimes GC-MS data so users can double-check they’re working with the real thing. Suppliers update their technical data sheets regularly to reflect new safety findings or revisions in handling recommendations.
Synthesis starts with available materials—commonly, thiophene and bromoacetonitrile or 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde with a cyanomethylating agent. Researchers mix reactants under anhydrous conditions, often using phase-transfer catalysts for smooth conversion. Control of temperature proves critical: aim too low and reactions drag, too high and by-products pile up. After the reaction, extractions with organic solvents and distillation remove impurities until only the target molecule remains. Laboratories use TLC and spectral analysis to verify composition at each stage. Industrial batches rely on batch or continuous flow, always seeking the right balance between cost, yield, and safety.
Chemists enjoy working with 2-Thienylacetonitrile because of its wide reactivity. The nitrile group takes on reduction to amines or hydrolysis to acids, making further modifications possible. Alkylation, acylation, and cross-coupling reactions work well at the methylene group—bringing variety to the molecules derived from it. In palladium- or copper-catalyzed couplings, the thiophene ring tolerates tough conditions, allowing expansions into more complex frameworks. Hydrolysis under basic or acidic conditions opens up the chain to carboxyl derivatives, feeding into food and fragrance chemicals or even agricultural research. Every synthetic chemist recognizes the flexibility offered by having both an aromatic system and a functionalized side chain in one molecule.
Walk into any chemical supplier and you’ll hear this compound called by several names. 2-Thienylacetonitrile and 2-thiopheneacetonitrile show up most often. Sometimes it pops up as α-cyanomethylthiophene or 2-thienylmethanenitrile. Synonyms make tracking literature and ordering supplies a bit of a challenge, so staff rely on CAS numbers or chemical structure images to avoid mix-ups. Regional preferences and translations sometimes add even more terms, but among researchers, a single look at the molecular formula clears up any confusion about what’s in the bottle.
Anyone handling 2-Thienylacetonitrile learns quickly that this is not a chemical for sloppy work. Toxicity rankles skin and eyes, and inhalation causes headaches or respiratory discomfort. Spills stick to surfaces without much warning. Fume hoods, gloves, and eye protection make up the minimum for safe use. Storage spaces ask for dry, tightly closed containers far from food or flame. Staff rely on emergency protocols—eye washes, spill kits, and ventilation plans—in every lab using this material. Regular training and updated hazard sheets make the difference between safe operation and accident-prone work, and disposal never gets skipped—unused samples end up with hazardous waste management, never down the drain or in the trash.
Pharmaceutical development lights up the value of 2-Thienylacetonitrile, as chemists grab it for synthesizing intermediates in antihistamines, antidepressants, and antifungals. Agrochemical companies reach for it when crafting novel pesticides or fungicides. Perfume and flavor industries use thiophene derivatives for their unique aromas, and this nitrile’s backbone provides helpful options for synthesizing new odorants. In the realm of advanced materials, researchers pursue polymers and dyes that include the thiophene ring, searching for better conductivity or brighter colors. It plays a background role in academic method development, where every new step in cross-coupling or functional group manipulation may need a robust, versatile test case.
Universities and companies keep churning out new reports about modified thiophene nitriles and their applications. Much of the research aims for more efficient synthesis routes, swapping in greener solvents or catalysts to cut down on waste or reduce hazard. Some teams dig into bioactivity, screening libraries that include 2-Thienylacetonitrile derivatives for enzyme inhibition or antimicrobial effects. The hunt for new photonic and electronic devices also keeps this compound in the spotlight, as organic chemists tweak the ring system to adjust light absorption or charge transport. As sustainability pressures grow, researchers turn to renewably sourced starting materials, all the while looking for new reactions that take advantage of the sulfur and nitrile parts in a single molecule.
Toxicity studies underline the need for respect when working with 2-Thienylacetonitrile. Acute exposure leads to irritation of mucous membranes, headache, and in high doses, central nervous system effects. Chronic studies in animal models suggest possible impacts on liver and kidney function with repeated exposure. As with most nitriles, metabolic pathways convert the compound to other active forms in the body, raising concern about long-term effects. Regulatory agencies flag the chemical for careful use, recommending exposure limits in lab and industrial environments. Organizations update safety data sheets as new toxicity findings emerge, pushing users toward better ventilation, personal protection, and responsible disposal methods.
Looking forward, the market for 2-Thienylacetonitrile will likely expand as new applications keep coming in specialty pharma, green chemistry, and electronic materials. Its dual capacity—aromatic reactivity from the thiophene and functionalization offered by the nitrile—sets it up for more breakthroughs. Researchers will keep chasing higher yields and cleaner methods, probably making use of catalysts and green solvents not in today’s toolbox. As regulatory landscapes tighten, producers will face stronger demands for greener manufacture, closed-loop systems, and improved worker safety. The drive for new advanced materials—especially for energy storage, sensors, and sustainable agrochemicals—will put 2-Thienylacetonitrile front and center for anyone chasing tough problems at the edge of what chemistry can solve.
2-Thienylacetonitrile sounds like another mouthful from the long list of chemicals out there, but this little molecule plays a bigger role than most people realize. In the world of chemical synthesis, this compound shows up in research labs and industrial spaces for good reason. It often becomes the backbone of more complex molecules, making it valuable for those developing new medicines or specialized materials.
Many pharmaceuticals start with building blocks that look a bit like 2-Thienylacetonitrile. Chemists like this compound because it blends a nitrile group with a thiophene ring, two features that make reactions more predictable. I’ve seen first-hand in pharmacy circles that research teams use it for synthesizing drugs that target neurological conditions and fungal infections. Modifying acetonitrile derivatives helps medicinal chemists manage things like how well a drug dissolves or how it interacts with the human body.
Fact is, the need for new antibiotics and antifungals keeps growing, thanks to drug resistance. 2-Thienylacetonitrile offers a shortcut for hooking new chemical groups onto tried-and-true drug cores. Some published studies highlight thienyl-containing compounds blocking the growth of harmful bacteria, so there's hope for more breakthroughs coming from this line of research. I’ve watched firms scramble to patent new molecules built off these simple starting materials, chasing both public health solutions and commercial success.
Beyond medicine, 2-Thienylacetonitrile pops up in the production of specialty chemicals. Material scientists value the thiophene backbone for creating conductive polymers, used in electronic displays or solar cells. This field needs molecules that not only conduct electricity but also stay stable when put to work in real-world gadgets. That's where thiophene derivatives, including 2-Thienylacetonitrile, help companies fine-tune the properties of experimental plastics.
Handling 2-Thienylacetonitrile isn't like working with table salt. This chemical carries risks for people and surroundings. Safety data sheets warn about its toxicity and possible harm if inhaled or spilled on skin. I've sat in safety trainings where the dangers of nitriles were drilled in—one mistake and you're looking at nausea, headaches, or worse.
On top of worker health, disposal weighs heavy on the mind. Dumping nitriles into the water supply could pose risks to aquatic life, and strict laws block careless habits. It’s tough for smaller labs to shoulder the costs for specialized waste disposal, but cutting corners means far bigger trouble if regulators step in or contamination happens.
Complex chemistry doesn’t mean we throw caution to the wind. Companies and academic labs both feel the squeeze to find greener reaction methods. That might look like switching solvents, recycling unused reagents, or inventing reactions that skip dangerous byproducts. Training new chemists to work cleanly gets real results—I've seen big drops in hazardous waste at the university labs that stuck with these changes.
The curious thing about 2-Thienylacetonitrile: it’s both a stepping stone and a responsibility. Used right, it leads to lifesaving drugs and cleaner electronics. Used carelessly, it adds to pollution and workplace hazards. Proper training and greener chemistry can tip the scale toward more benefits, fewer problems. That's a future that matters for every community tied to chemicals and their uses.
Many professionals working in organic chemistry come across 2-Thienylacetonitrile sooner or later. Its formula—C6H5NS—might look simple, but there’s more beneath the surface. This compound links a thienyl ring to an acetonitrile group. For anyone working with heterocyclic chemistry or designing new pharmaceuticals, this detail shapes the conversation.
Working in a university lab, years ago, I learned that knowing the molecular formula isn’t just about passing a quiz. C6H5NS tells you the atom count, but it also flags safety details, regulatory requirements, and even how the compound behaves in a synthesis. The thienyl ring has a sulfur atom, which makes its reactivity different compared to a simple benzene derivative. That makes 2-Thienylacetonitrile a building block for more complex molecules, especially in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
In production settings, chemists use 2-Thienylacetonitrile to make fungicides, advanced materials, and dyes. One of my first industry mentors showed me a file cabinet full of spec sheets. Compounds like this one appeared again and again because they can be tailored into so many derivatives. It’s also common in medicinal chemistry projects, especially for those looking to make molecules with anti-fungal or anti-microbial properties. Several research papers point to thienyl-containing drugs as promising leads for conditions where other treatments fall short.
Even one mistake in a formula can wreck a batch, set back a project, or even trigger a hazardous reaction. Reading safety data sheets for C6H5NS, you’ll find that the nitrile group brings toxicity risks. Handling instructions rely on the molecular formula—a slip-up at this level affects not just products but the health of the people who use or make them. In my early days, I saw someone mislabel a vial, and it set back our team by days, even weeks.
Supply chains for specialty chemicals often stretch across borders, from synthesis to delivery. Tracking a compound like 2-Thienylacetonitrile means double-checking documentation, purity certificates, and chain of custody. There’s no shortcut: diligence pays off. In my circles, folks now use digital inventory systems with barcode scanning, limiting chances for formula confusion. Open communication between the lab, QA, and sourcing teams helps avoid mix-ups. Peer review doesn’t stop with academic articles—it needs to be part of every shipment and label.
Chemistry keeps moving, but precision sticks around. As new technologies make chemical analysis faster, there’s still no substitute for knowing what that formula stands for. More universities now teach detailed chemical literacy, and more companies insist on full transparency about compound identities and properties. Whether building a better medicine or keeping a manufacturing line safe, it comes down to understanding what’s in the bottle.
2-Thienylacetonitrile sounds like the sort of chemical most folks wouldn’t encounter outside a laboratory or chemical plant. A closer look reveals that it’s more than just a tongue-twister from the world of organic synthesis. This compound, used in pharmaceutical research and agrochemical development, brings real health and safety challenges that demand attention from anyone handling it—whether in an academic setting or on an industrial scale.
If 2-Thienylacetonitrile finds its way out of the bottle, the ways it can enter the body multiply quickly. People can breathe in dust or vapors, spill it on their skin, or get it in their eyes. Safety Data Sheets from reputable chemical suppliers flag this compound with hazard warnings—irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory system ranks among the top concerns. The cyanide group in its structure rings alarm bells, given the known toxicity of many nitrile chemicals. Prolonged exposure sometimes leads to headaches, dizziness, and even more severe symptoms tied to cyanide toxicity. Nobody wants to learn that lesson the hard way.
Workplace safety authorities like OSHA and agencies in the European Union do not treat chemicals containing nitrile groups lightly. There’s a reason: incidents involving these molecules have been linked to acute poisoning, especially if proper controls fall by the wayside. In my own laboratory days, the rulebook left no wiggle room—any chemical with a nitrile group and a volatile character meant gloves, goggles, good ventilation, and, most of all, respect.
Accidental exposure stories circulate every year. Skin rashes, sore throats, and burning eyes make up the mild end. Hospital visits after heavier exposure serve as grim reminders that the danger isn’t theoretical. These experiences shape attitudes over time; old-school chemists talk about the “smell test” and the days before widespread safety standards, but the rising mountain of data on chemical toxicity finally shut down that era.
Part of growing up around chemicals comes from hearing real stories about what happens when safety slips. A friend once called in sick for three days after skin exposure to a similar nitrile compound. Thinking he could clean up using only soap and water, he skipped the chemical-resistant gloves. That mistake cost him days of discomfort and a hard lesson about treating every unknown with respect. The smaller the lab, the more likely these lessons get learned by experience rather than from a safety officer. Nobody wants to be that cautionary tale.
Education takes a front seat in reducing the dangers of working with hazardous chemicals like 2-Thienylacetonitrile. Peer-reviewed research, combined with industry and academic safety guidelines, help clarify best practices. Anyone who works with this compound must use gloves, splash-proof goggles, and operate with proper ventilation or inside a fume hood. Keeping a copy of the latest Safety Data Sheet on hand isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Disposal needs careful planning too; pour it down the drain, and water supplies could suffer long-term damage. Hazardous waste programs exist for a reason.
Chemical safety won’t ever be a glamorous topic, but lives can and do change on the smallest slip-up. 2-Thienylacetonitrile poses a genuine risk, and the facts carry more weight than marketing gloss or shortcuts. This isn’t just another obscure chemical; it’s a clear call for vigilance, respect, and up-to-date knowledge on chemical safety. Learning from friends, mentors, and documented cases beats relying on luck any day.
2-Thienylacetonitrile isn’t something you want leaking or sitting ignored on a shelf. It’s an organic compound often used in chemical synthesis, and the hazards are real. Inhaling the vapors brings discomfort fast, and even small spills stink up a whole room. Chemists everywhere have experienced a lesson or two by letting these kinds of reagents warm up near sunlight or next to a radiator. 2-Thienylacetonitrile can degrade, form harmful byproducts, and if handled sloppily, you get dangerous exposure.
Some people new to working in a lab have a way of underestimating how quickly an unstable compound can cause trouble. Even seasoned professionals avoid taking shortcuts since surprises in chemical storage can mean ruined research, health emergencies, or lost money. The Material Safety Data Sheet for 2-Thienylacetonitrile spells out these dangers: skin and respiratory irritant, flammable liquid, and vapor risks.
The best setup starts with a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Chemicals like this don’t like heat or moisture. Room temperature storage in a tightly stoppered glass container is the standard. Any source of ignition, like a spark from plugging in a device nearby, raises the risk, so keep storerooms clean of electrical clutter. Flammable storage cabinets built to chemical safety codes work best. If you’re storing more than a few grams, put a sign and keep an up-to-date inventory. This approach isn’t just bureaucratic—years in research have taught me that knowing exactly what’s on the shelf stops people from accidentally mixing incompatible chemicals.
I remember a story from a colleague in analytical chemistry—once, the lab’s main ventilation broke on a warm day, and a bottle of 2-Thienylacetonitrile started venting fumes. The quick work of moving chemicals to a backup cool room prevented bigger hazards. Having backup plans and quick access to chemical spill kits can make or break lab safety in a pinch.
Glass bottles with chemically resistant stoppers protect against leaching and air exposure. Plastic containers, especially if old, turn brittle and introduce the risk of leaks. In my own lab, we always check for cracks or loose caps—one time, skipping this left us with a sticky shelf and ruined samples. Don’t trust makeshift or reused containers; manufacturers recommend original packaging unless the transfer is absolutely necessary.
The right labels aren’t a formality. Include the compound name, hazards, date received, owner, and a contact number. Faded ink, handwritten notes, missing hazard symbols—these sorts of shortcuts lead to confusion, lost time, or costly disposal due to uncertainty about a chemical’s identity.
Avoid letting 2-Thienylacetonitrile sit near strong oxidizers, acids, or open flame. Cross-contamination in a crowded cabinet has ruined plenty of research projects. If you share space, set clear boundaries: separation by secondary containers or trays can prevent accidental mixing. I’ve seen more than one spill contained thanks to shatterproof trays catching leaks before they spread across the shelf.
Disposal should follow local hazardous waste protocols, never pouring down a drain or tossing in the trash. Report spills and use absorbent materials with gloves and goggles. Assume any unknown residue around the bottle is just as dangerous as the pure compound.
In my experience, a safety-minded storage routine beats any improvisation. Following established storage rules matters for safety, research quality, and even regulatory compliance. Safe handling helps protect everyone in the laboratory—peace of mind for both new students and veterans.
Chemistry likes details. Even small molecules can make a big difference in research, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. 2-Thienylacetonitrile grabs the attention of chemists and technical experts for one simple reason—reliable numbers tell the story and dictate the outcome. Today, the question revolves around molecular weight, a basic figure that forms the backbone of safe laboratory handling and accurate formulation.
2-Thienylacetonitrile has the formula C6H5NS. The calculation is direct yet calls for attention. Carbon weighs in at 12.01 g/mol, hydrogen comes to 1.01 g/mol, nitrogen steps up with 14.01 g/mol, and sulfur makes a mark at 32.07 g/mol. Stack those values up for six carbons, five hydrogens, a single nitrogen, and a sulfur, the sum lands at 135.18 g/mol. Every laboratory method, from solution prep to chromatography, counts on that figure.
Mistakes cost time and money in a lab. We’ve all seen the fallout when someone miscalculates reagent weights or reads from the wrong data sheet. The chain of events that follows—wrong concentrations, unreliable results, failed reactions—points straight back to the importance of accurate data. Not long ago, a colleague used an estimate for a similar compound and ended up with inconsistent yields. Checking each calculation would have flagged that error early. It’s a lesson that sticks.
Beyond personal stories, scientific literature underlines this point. Any drug synthesis or analytical testing needs to start with accurate molecular weights. Even a one-gram difference on a large scale can flip production volumes or derange a dosing calculation. Experienced chemists know the feeling when a careful review of weights and measurements catches a silent error before it becomes a headline in the lab.
The answer often hides in plain sight: verify numbers every time. Sources can conflict, so cross-referencing resources like Sigma-Aldrich datasheets, PubChem records, or trusted chemical handbooks doesn’t waste time. Textbook values matter, but nothing beats seeing the calculation laid out on paper before pouring a substance into a flask.
In education, teachers can help students build habits by having them calculate molecular weights regularly, rather than just copying numbers from tables. Professional labs should bake routine checks into their standard operating procedures, avoiding shortcuts. Digital tools offer fast answers, yet manual calculation reinforces understanding and can reveal typo-driven blunders.
It’s not just about getting the math right. Careful attention builds trust in results and confidence in every batch or experiment. For chemists and researchers, discipline around such basics leads to safer workflows and fewer surprises in reports or production.
2-Thienylacetonitrile may look like a line in a spreadsheet, but its molecular weight anchors the chemistry that follows. The drive for reliability always starts with facts, not estimates. Skills sharpened through repetition become the guardrails for a safe lab. Precise information pays back in consistency—everyone in science, from students to seasoned professionals, benefits from focusing on these details.
Molecular weight of 2-Thienylacetonitrile: 135.18 g/mol.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-(Thiophen-2-yl)acetonitrile |
| Other names |
2-Thienylacetonitrile 2-Thiophenylacetonitrile 2-Thienyl cyanomethane 2-Cyanomethylthiophene |
| Pronunciation | /tuː ˈθaɪ.ɪ.nɪl ˌæs.ɪ.təˈnaɪ.trɪl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | [2944-17-6] |
| 3D model (JSmol) | ``` 3Dmol('CC(=N)C1=CC=CS1') ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1204849 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:19237 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL205093 |
| ChemSpider | 157392 |
| DrugBank | DB08313 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.017.864 |
| EC Number | 20970-75-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 155836 |
| KEGG | C08398 |
| MeSH | D014022 |
| PubChem CID | 12238 |
| RTECS number | YO8200000 |
| UNII | 4EHZ3430RU |
| UN number | UN3439 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID0033957 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H5NS |
| Molar mass | 137.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic. |
| Density | 1.13 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | 1.72 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.118 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 25.00 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 1.94 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -49.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.5580 |
| Viscosity | 0.984 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Dipole moment | 4.06 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 325.2 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | 104.9 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2673 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-Thienylacetonitrile: NFPA 704 = 2-2-1 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 113°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 300°C |
| Explosive limits | Upper: 5.8%; Lower: 1.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 300 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 210 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | RN 3183-13-3 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | Recommended: ≤5 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | IDLH: 25 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Thiophene 2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde 2-Thiophenemethanol 2-Thiophenecarboxylic acid Benzyl cyanide |
