CAS 34761-11-0: 2-Mercaptobenzonitrile

2-Mercaptobenzonitrile is an organosulfur compound that contains a thiocarbonyl group and two nitrile groups. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. 2-Mercaptobenzonitrile can be synthesized in four steps from phenacyl bromide and ethyl bromoacetate. The first step of the synthesis involves the chlorinating of phenacyl bromide to give chloroformate, which reacts with ethyl bromoacetate to produce 2-mercaptobenzonitrile. 2-Mercaptobenzonitrile can also be prepared from phosphorus pentachloride and chlorine, or tribromide and chlorine, as well as by alkylation of an appropriately substituted benzene with chloroformate. This compound has been used in the production of analogues such as carbamate pesticides and pharmaceuticals.