Nicotinonitrile or 3-cyanopyridine is an organic compound with the formula NCC5H4N. The molecule consists of a pyridine ring with a nitrile group attached to the 3-position.

Synthesis of 3-cyanopyridine

Procedure:

In a dry 1-l. round-bottomed flask are placed 100 g. (0.82 mole) of powered nicotinamide and 100 g. (0.70 mole) of phosphorus pentoxide. The flask is stoppered and shaken to mix the two powders. It is then connected by means of a 10-mm. i.d. tube to an 80-cm. air condenser arranged for distillation. A 125-ml. Claisen flask immersed in an ice-salt bath is used as the receiver (Note 1). The pressure is reduced to 15–20 mm., and the mixture is heated with a large free flame of a high-temperature burner (such as a Fisher or Meker type).

The flame is moved about freely to melt the material as rapidly as possible, and then the mixture is heated vigorously until nothing more comes over or until foam reaches the top of the flask (15–20 minutes). The apparatus is allowed to cool (Note 2), and the product is rinsed out of the tube and condenser with ether (Note 3). The ether solution is added to the distillate, the ether is distilled on a steam bath, and the product is distilled at atmospheric pressure using an air condenser. The yield of nicotinonitrile, boiling at 205–208° and melting at 50–51°, is 71–72 g. (83–84%).

Notes:

1. To prevent possible clogging of the condenser by the solid nicotinonitrile, the end of the condenser should not be constricted and should not extend far into the receiver.

2. The residue left in the flask may be removed by carefully adding water, allowing the mixture to stand overnight, and then washing repeatedly with water.

3. A small amount of material insoluble in ether but soluble in water remains in the condenser. The nicotinonitrile can be washed from the condenser more easily with acetone. If acetone is used, it should be removed by distillation under reduced pressure before the product is distilled.