Nitriles and Nitrous Derivatives

Acyclic nitriles correspond to the general formula R-C=N, and aromatic nitriles to the formula Ar-C=N. These neutral substances are liquids at room temperature. 

Acyclic nitriles are intermediates in the synthesis of dye stuffs and certain synthetic fibres (acrylonitrile). 

Acyclic nitriles do not attack aluminium, even at high temperatures. They are prepared in aluminium vessels. The most common ones are 

Most aromatic nitriles also do not attack aluminium, for example  

Aluminium resists nitric acid very well and does not trigger a spark on impact. It is widely used for the manufacture of reaction vessels used for the production of these explosive products, some of which are particularly unstable, such as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. 

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