Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound: A colorless, flammable liquid with a pungent odor, which is an unsaturated nitrile. It is an important monomer used in the production of plastics and synthetic rubber.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory synthesized a batch of vinyl cyanide for the polymerization experiment.
  • Exposure to vinyl cyanide requires proper ventilation due to its toxicity.

Advanced Usage

• In industrial chemistry: Vinyl cyanide is the systematic IUPAC name for the compound more commonly known as acrylonitrile. It is a key starting material in the manufacture of acrylic fibers, resins, and elastomers.
  • The plant's primary output is vinyl cyanide, which is then polymerized to create acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

Variants and Related Words

• Acrylonitrile (n): The common industrial name for vinyl cyanide.
  • Acrylonitrile is a major commodity chemical.

Synonyms

• Acrylonitrile
• Propenenitrile (systematic name)
• Cyanoethylene

Notes on Meaning

• This term is highly technical and specific to the fields of organic chemistry and industrial manufacturing. In common language, the compound is almost exclusively referred to by its common name, acrylonitrile. The name "vinyl cyanide" describes its structure, containing a vinyl group (CH₂=CH–) attached to a nitrile group (–C≡N).

Noun

1. a colorless liquid unsaturated nitrile made from propene