4'-Methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl
[CAS# 114772-53-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Aromatic hydrocarbon
• Name: 4'-Methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl
• Synonyms: 4'-Methylbiphenyl-2-carbonitrile; 2-Cyano-4'-methylbiphenyl
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₁N
• Molecular Weight: 193.25
• CAS Registry Number: 114772-53-1
• EC Number: 422-310-9
• SMILES: CC1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=CC=C2C#N

Properties

• Density: 1.1±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*, 1.17 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 49-53 °C (Expl.)
• Index of Refraction: 1.604, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 356.8±21.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 170.4±14.6 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H312-H315-H319-H332-H361-H372-H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P203-P260-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P273-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P317-P318-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312

Discovery and Applications

4'-Methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl is an organic compound that belongs to the class of biphenyl derivatives. It consists of two benzene rings connected by a single bond, with a methyl group at the para position of the first ring (4'-methyl) and a nitrile group (-CN) at the ortho position of the second ring (2-cyano). This compound is a member of the family of substituted biphenyls, which are known for their wide variety of applications in materials science, organic electronics, and as intermediates in organic synthesis.

The discovery of 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl is linked to the broader interest in the synthesis and study of substituted biphenyl compounds, which have been researched for their potential to exhibit distinct chemical and physical properties due to the influence of different substituents on the aromatic rings. Specifically, the introduction of a methyl group and a nitrile group onto the biphenyl structure can modify the electronic properties and reactivity, making this compound useful in various applications.

One of the primary applications of 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl lies in organic electronics, particularly in the field of organic semiconductors. The nitrile group (-CN) is an electron-withdrawing group, which can influence the electron density of the biphenyl ring system, thereby altering the compound's ability to conduct electricity. This makes 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl a potential candidate for use in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic solar cells, and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). These applications exploit the compound's ability to act as an efficient charge transport material, a critical property for the performance of various organic electronic devices.

In addition to its application in organic electronics, 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl has also found use as a synthetic intermediate in the production of other complex organic molecules. The presence of both the methyl and nitrile groups makes it a versatile building block for the synthesis of a wide range of other substituted biphenyls and related aromatic compounds. These derivatives can be used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other fine chemicals.

Moreover, the compound has been explored in the context of liquid crystal technology. The nitrile group is known to contribute to the mesomorphic properties of certain compounds, and its inclusion in 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl may affect its behavior in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other display technologies. The modification of liquid crystal properties through the introduction of specific functional groups is a well-established approach to improving the performance of such devices, and 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl may play a role in this area.

Safety considerations for handling 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl are consistent with those for similar organic compounds. Standard precautions should be followed to avoid exposure, as the nitrile group can release toxic fumes under certain conditions. It should be handled in a well-ventilated environment, and appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used.

In summary, 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl is a compound with diverse applications in organic electronics, synthetic chemistry, and liquid crystal technology. Its unique combination of a methyl and a nitrile group on a biphenyl scaffold provides valuable properties for these applications, including altered electronic characteristics and the ability to function as an intermediate in the synthesis of more complex molecules.

References

2024. Solid-State Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reaction Using Mechanochemistry. Palladium-Catalyzed Mechanochemical Cross-Coupling Reactions, 2024.
DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-1991-4_3

2023. Co-catalyzed C-C Coupling Reactions with Csp2 Electrophiles. C-C Cross Couplings with 3d Base Metal Catalysts, 2023.
DOI: 10.1007/3418_2023_89

2022. Recent Advances in Metal-Nanoparticle-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions Assisted by Microwave Irradiation. Synthesis, 2022.
DOI: 10.1055/a-1505-0916