4-(Methylthio)benzonitrile is an aromatic nitrile bearing a methylthio group at the para-position of the benzonitrile ring. The compound is air-stable and readily soluble in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, acetone and methanol, but only sparingly soluble in water.
The material serves as a versatile building block for agro-chemicals, liquid-crystal dopants and thioether-functionalised pharmaceuticals. The nitrile moiety is readily transformed to carboxylic acids, amides, tetrazoles or amidines, while the methylthio group can be oxidised to sulfoxide/sulfone or employed in further C–S coupling reactions. The compound is also employed as a probe molecule in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies on silver substrates.
Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from light; no special refrigeration required.
Hazard statement: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin; use gloves and goggles. SDS available on request.
