1-Amino-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile stands out among the family of pyrrole derivatives. This chemical features a five-membered aromatic ring with a nitrile (-C≡N) group positioned at the 2-carbon, and an amino group (–NH2) taking the 1-position on the ring. Anyone working in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals has probably encountered this compound in some stage of product development or research pipelines. Its structure sets up a perfect storm of reactivity and stability: the presence of an amino group adds nucleophilicity, which helps with subsequent synthetic modifications, while the nitrile pulls energy in another direction, helping maintain the ring’s integrity.
1-Amino-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile often appears in the lab as an off-white to pale yellow solid. Depending on batch purity or moisture levels, it can present as crystalline powder or sometimes as small flakes. The molecular formula is C5H5N3, which leads to a molar mass of about 107.11 g/mol. It packs tight, with a density landing in the range of 1.24 g/cm³—a useful fact when you’re weighing out raw materials for reaction scaling. Compared to some other aromatic amines, this molecule brings moderate solubility in water, often greater in polar aprotic solvents like DMSO or DMF, which matters a lot if the next synthetic step calls for homogeneity in solution. The melting point hovers around 170-174°C, giving clues for purification and handling. If you’ve ever tried to recrystallize it, you know it often forms tight needle-like crystals, making filtration easy but raising hell if you’re after large, single crystals for X-ray studies.
Looking closely at the structure, there’s a clear interplay: the five-membered ring supports two reactive sites—an electron-donating amino group and a strongly electron-withdrawing nitrile. This dual personality impacts both stability in storage and responsiveness to common organic transformations. The conjugation between the ring and the nitrile sometimes complicates spectral analysis, as peaks for the cyano and amino overlap in IR and NMR, but these same features invite broad possibilities for derivative formation. The molecular formula C5H5N3 places it squarely in the catalog of handy intermediates for constructing fused heterocycles, a sweet spot for chemists with an eye toward medicinal chemistry or agrochemical development.
In practice, 1-Amino-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile reaches your bench as a solid—crystalline, sometimes as distinctive flakes or small pearls. Handling the raw material in the lab, you’ll notice a faint odor common to many aromatic nitrogen compounds. Its relatively high density for a small molecule helps during manual transfers, avoiding losses due to static. While it won’t dissolve instantly in water, you get much better dissolution in solvents like acetone and acetonitrile. The powder form lets you mix it efficiently into reaction vessels or stock solutions; suppliers sometimes offer it in pellets or pearls to minimize dust, which not only helps with weighing accuracy but also reduces user exposure. Density falls around 1.24 g/cm³, crucial information when scaling up and estimating bulk quantities per liter.
For regulatory paperwork or international shipments, the Harmonized System (HS) Code often falls under 2933.39.90 for nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, catching customs agents’ interests during import or export. As someone involved in sourcing or compliance, you learn fast that tracking procurement of raw materials like this one requires close coordination with safety officers, especially where chemical control lists grow longer every year. Proper storage—sealed containers, room temperature, away from strong acids and oxidizers—protects both product integrity and workplace safety.
On the hazard scale, this compound doesn’t rank as particularly dangerous, but it carries some of the same cautions needed for amines and nitriles. Direct contact with skin or inhalation of dust warrants gloves and proper ventilation, just like most heteroaromatics. Some analogs can carry toxicity or sensitization risks, and while data for this molecule specifically remains limited, basic chemical wisdom says to avoid chronic exposure or open handling in poorly ventilated areas. Waste disposal matters as well—solvent rinses and solution residues end up flagged as hazardous organic waste under most municipal and university guidelines. Practically, teams working with this compound emphasize engineering controls (like fume hoods) and mindful material tracing from purchase through disposal.
In organic labs, 1-amino-1H-pyrrole-2-carbonitrile works as a building block in complex synthesis, a fact I’ve seen firsthand in projects targeting new anti-fungal scaffolds or functionalized pigments. Sourcing consistently high-purity material cuts down on failed reactions—so close relationships with suppliers, coupled with in-house QC (melting point checks, analytical HPLC) quickly pay off. When it comes to storage, using desiccants in sample containers helps keep degradation in check, especially if you’re pulling from a large stock over time. Bulk purchases sometimes come vacuum-sealed, which might seem excessive but stops oxidative damage from ambient air. Teams facing safety audits often address chemical risks by switching to preweighed, sealed aliquots, limiting direct handling and potential dust release.
From a synthesis perspective, the bifunctional nature—amino and nitrile co-existing on a small, electron-rich ring—opens avenues to both nucleophilic and electrophilic modification. Such versatility translates into real business and academic value. Whether intermediates for pharmaceutical actives or starting points for advanced dye chemistry, consistent performance and predictable reactivity build market trust. Handling challenges get solved by a mix of automation and protective barriers, with real gains in worker confidence and process reproducibility. Innovations in packaging—individual sample vials, blister packs for large-scale industry—reflect steady progress toward safer, cleaner, and more reliable use.
