4-Cyanophenol stands out as a solid organic compound recognized by its unique combination of a phenolic group paired with a nitrile functionality. With the molecular formula C7H5NO and the CAS Number 767-00-0, this compound serves as a versatile raw material across the chemical sector. At standard conditions, 4-Cyanophenol appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder or flakes. Each particle glistens under the light with a characteristic crystalline sheen, which points to its purity and well-preserved nature. Its specific density comes in at approximately 1.18 g/cm3, and the melting point ranges between 110°C and 114°C, a range that tells a lot about its stability and easy transport under moderate temperatures.
Walking through a chemical storage facility, you might find 4-Cyanophenol neatly packed in sealed containers as powder, crystalline flakes, or slightly larger pearl-like granules. Some manufacturers offer it in a solution for specialized applications, though most users prefer handling the solid form due to increased shelf stability and lower risks associated with spills. Structurally, the compound features a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (–OH) at the para position to a nitrile group (–CN), a configuration which delivers notable chemical reactivity. This para configuration means the groups pull at the electronic structure of the molecule, leading to unique reaction pathways that often target the nitrile or phenolic sites for further transformation in organic synthesis.
Those working in the lab or sourcing materials pay close attention to the molecular properties of 4-Cyanophenol. The molecular weight comes in at 119.12 g/mol, a figure vital for calculating reagent amounts in synthetic processes. Its slight solubility in water—about 4.5 g/L at room temperature—lets it participate in selective aqueous reactions, but it really shines in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and ether, where it demonstrates much higher solubility rates. This helps streamline purification stages and enhances its use as a building block in fine chemical synthesis. The solid, non-volatile nature of 4-Cyanophenol improves safety during storage and transport, lowering inhalation risks and the chance of accidental vapor release compared to more volatile oft-used chemical intermediates.
In the import and export of specialty chemicals, customs offices classify 4-Cyanophenol under the HS Code 2908.99. This code covers phenols and their derivatives, which tells anyone involved in logistics or compliance exactly where it fits in the broader chemical trading world. Shipping under this classification comes with strict documentation requirements and labeling checked carefully by authorities in most industrialized countries, especially due to its status as a hazardous substance in many jurisdictions. Shipment paperwork usually details not just form and quantity, but full molecular information, so all parties remain informed about what’s moving through the supply chain.
Working around 4-Cyanophenol calls for respect and a solid understanding of chemical hazards. Inhalation or skin contact can lead to irritation, and like many nitrile-containing compounds, ingestion may present toxic risk. The powdery form can generate dust, which increases exposure chances for personnel who do not wear proper protective equipment. Gloves, goggles, and fume hoods stay mandatory, at least in any lab or industrial setting I’ve ever worked in that handles the compound. The material safety data sheets highlight a need for emergency eyes washes and spill kits nearby. There’s never space to cut corners: with chemicals that have even a mild irritant profile, good housekeeping in the lab or warehouse minimizes risks and keeps operations safe and smooth.
On the production line or in a small synthesis lab, 4-Cyanophenol finds its way into dyes, pigments, pharmaceutical intermediate streams, and certain resin formulations—any place where the phenolic or nitrile group brings value. Manufacturers lean on its ability to accommodate a variety of substitutions at the nitrile site, which opens the door for downstream routes towards more complex aromatic compounds, amides, or acids after simple chemical manipulations. Having a solid source of high-purity material means more consistent reaction yields and easier product quality control, and in an era where production economics depend on reproducibility, that’s critical. For those making active pharmaceutical ingredients or specialty polymers, reliable access to 4-Cyanophenol enables the smooth rollout of new product lines or steady supply of existing goods.
Each drum or bag of 4-Cyanophenol gets stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers or acids. Humidity and temperature swings encourage caking and lower product flowability, and glass or sturdy plastic containers prevent product loss from spills or breakage. Waste streams or process residues containing 4-Cyanophenol always receive controlled disposal: many labs treat spent material by incineration or high-temperature conversion to ensure breakdown of organic residues, keeping water and soil contamination risks low. Looking toward sustainable practice, more producers move to contain all effluent, recirculate washwater, and recycle solvents to minimize impact from handling this class of raw materials.
No one in the chemical industry treats a raw material like 4-Cyanophenol as a throwaway or commodity; its role, both as a specialty intermediate and as a chemical with certain hazards, means diligence and care at every step. Handling everything from powder to pearls or flakes, quality checks before use in critical syntheses, and tight controls on how it enters and leaves the production environment combine to meet strict regulatory standards and customer expectations. Strong supply chain management and on-the-floor familiarity with its properties help keep people safe and products consistent, matching both regulatory expectations and genuine care for human and environmental health.
