Benzenepropanenitrile

Uses3-Phenylpropionitrile was used to study the free enzyme activity of nitrilase AtNIT1.

UsesA glucosinolate enzymic hydrolosis product with potential antibacterial activities against plant pathogenic bacteria. 3-Phenylpropionitrile is occasionally used in perfume compositions, mainly as a minor ingredient in artificial flower absolutes, etc. The material can also be used in certain types of exotic or very heavy floral fragrance, e. g. Stephanotis, Pikake, Keora, Ginger Lily, Tiare, Coffee flower, etc. Its warm and piquant, vegetable pungency is utilized in flavor compositions for seasonings, etc. and in various spice blends. Normal use concentration is equivalent to about 1 to 3 ppm in the finished product.

General DescriptionThe effect of 3-Phenylpropionitrile on the growth and survival of woodlouse Porcellio scaber has been studied.

PreparationTo a stirred solution of 3-phenylpropanamide (50 mg, 0.34 mmol) in acetonitrile (0.8 mL) at room temperature were successively added formic acid (0.2 mL) and paraformaldehyde (50 mg, 1.67 mmol). The reaction mixture was then refluxed for 12 h, and the solution obtained was cooled to room temperature. Work-up A: The crude mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was subjected to flash chromatography on silica gel (230–240 mesh) eluting with hexane/ethyl acetate (7:3) to yield 3-phenylpropanonitrile (37 mg, 85%). Work-up B: The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (10 mL) and washed successively with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (5 mL) and water (5 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with ethyl acetate (2 × 10 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated. The crude 3-phenylpropanonitrile was purified as described above (Work-up A).