Nitrile
A compound containing a carbon–nitrogen triple bond.
Formula / equation
R–C≡N
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The linear cyano group is strongly polar and is a versatile synthetic handle: it can be hydrolysed to a carboxylic acid or reduced to a primary amine, and its formation from a haloalkane adds one carbon to the chain — a rare and valuable capability.
Examples in the real world
Ethanenitrile as a chromatography solvent; acrylonitrile polymerised into acrylic fibres.