2-Cyanopyrrole stands out as a versatile organic compound, often sought after as a crucial intermediate in pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing. Its chemical formula, C5H4N2, speaks to a structure built on a pyrrole ring with a cyano group attached at the second position. Many chemists recognize its consistent presence in drug discovery work, mainly due to its reactive cyano group and the ready availability of its pyrrole core. This pairing opens the door for creative molecular transformations, pushing research further into areas like cancer-fighting agents and crop protection chemicals.
This chemical doesn’t come with unnecessary frills; the solid form typically appears as off-white to light brown powder, though sometimes it’s found as flakes or a crystalline material, depending on the manufacturing route and storage conditions. Density sits in the general range of about 1.17 to 1.22 g/cm3, making it comparable to many small-molecule intermediates. In laboratory practice, it dissolves in polar organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide, but not so well in water, which reflects the balance of hydrophobic and polar regions on the molecule. Its solid-state stability encourages both shipping and shelf storage, which helps anyone managing supply or handling on the bench.
Looking closely at its chemical properties, the molecule carries a pyrrole ring, a five-membered structure with one nitrogen atom, and it packs a nitrile (-C≡N) group at the second carbon. This arrangement not only stresses chemical reactivity but also hints at a set of hazards you’d expect from a nitrile-pyrrole hybrid. 2-Cyanopyrrole’s melting point falls in the range of 60-64°C, a detail labs use when checking for product purity. Its reliability as a synthetic building block rests on high assay percentages, with suppliers regularly offering material at 98% or greater purity. Its CAS number, 15527-89-8, and the standard international HS Code for trade (up to eight digits) provide the anchors for routine documentation and import/export paperwork. Many suppliers will flag this molecule under "raw materials" for pharmaceuticals and agrichemical syntheses.
Anyone handling 2-Cyanopyrrole needs to treat it seriously as a chemical reagent. The nitrile function on the molecule means exposure should be kept low; gloves, eye protection, and effective ventilation matter every day, not just during an inspection. It isn’t immediately explosive, but sustained contact with skin or inhalation could prompt irritation or longer-term health risks—warnings tied to all pyrrole derivatives and especially ones that might release more volatile breakdown products. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for 2-Cyanopyrrole always spell out these concerns, highlighting its classification as hazardous, both to the user and in shipping routines. Taking time to follow these guidelines can prevent accidents before they start and supports an environment of respect around chemical work.
Although its most common form is a fine crystalline powder, suppliers sometimes ship 2-Cyanopyrrole as pearls or flakes. The choice usually comes down to ease of measurement and dispensing in production. In some settings, bulk processing favors flakes for quicker dissolution, but researchers often find powder most convenient for small-scale reactions. Liquid forms rarely turn up outside of preparation in solution, since the molecule’s modest melting point doesn’t align well with stable liquid shipping. A 1-liter bottle of solution prepared in acetonitrile or DMF may arrive for short-term lab use, but most users opt for sealed bottles of solid material for better tracking and storage. Appearance may shift between off-white, gray, or even tan color, depending on batch history, but purity remains the key concern.
I’ve seen 2-Cyanopyrrole anchor reactions in both benchtop experiments and production-scale syntheses. Biotech startups look for it when building the backbone of new drug candidates, especially those aiming for nitrogen-rich scaffolds. Agrochemical manufacturers employ it as an intermediate in the construction—or functionalization—of pesticide or herbicide actives. Its use as a raw material underlines its value wherever cost-effective, chemically versatile links are needed. Most research-grade orders reference its molecular formula (C5H4N2) to avoid confusion, and this attention to detail translates to smoother procurement and inventory management. Developers often collaborate directly with suppliers specializing in hazardous but high-purity intermediates, keeping operations efficient without sacrificing quality or safety.
Increasing demand for 2-Cyanopyrrole means more labs and production facilities add it to their daily operations, so safe handling and reliable supply chains matter more than ever. Keeping chemicals well-labeled, shelves uncluttered, and ventilation systems inspected keeps serious accidents at bay. Adding incident reporting and regular supervisor check-ins sets a standard and helps everyone—new or seasoned—treat hazardous compounds with attention and respect. Suppliers can support this safer culture by investing in better packaging, clear safety documentation, and fast-acting customer support when questions or problems come up. The pressure is on not just to meet compliance, but to set a tone where everyone values health and safety as automatically as they value a new research milestone.
