4-(Methylthio)phenylacetonitrile is an aromatic nitrile that carries a lipophilic methylthio group at the para-position of the phenyl ring. The compound is odourless to faintly sulfurous, air-stable, and readily soluble in common organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane) while only sparingly soluble in cold water.
Key physical data:
Melting point: 42–43 °C
Boiling point: 120.5–127.5 °C / 1 Torr; 300 °C / 760 mmHg (predicted)
Density: 1.11 g cm⁻³ (predicted)
Refractive index: 1.576
Flash point: 135 °C
Log P: 1.93
Typical uses:
Central building block for the selective COX-2 inhibitor etoricoxib; the methylthio group is oxidised to the corresponding methylsulfone before further hetero-cyclisation .
Precursor to triazole and imidazole derivatives with anti-inflammatory or analgesic activity.
Starting material for agro-chemicals, UV-absorbers and liquid-crystalline materials that require a lipophilic phenyl-acetonitrile handle.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (GC): ≥98 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.3 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.1 %
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Hazard statement:
Harmful if swallowed (H302). Causes skin and eye irritation (R36/37/38). Avoid inhalation of dust; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. SDS available on request .
