2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile: Structure, Properties, and Practical Insights

What is 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile?

2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile belongs to the family of aromatic nitrile compounds and sits among the more versatile raw materials for specialty chemical production. Its structure shows a benzene ring with chlorine atoms on the 2 and 6 positions, flanking a nitrile group (-CN) on the ring. This set-up gives it reactivity similar to other halogenated aromatics, but the double chloro substitution offers a distinct chemical profile that influences the way it behaves in mixtures and during synthesis.

Molecular Structure and Formula

This compound carries the molecular formula C₇H₃Cl₂N, letting chemists anticipate the types of reactions it will undergo. At a molecular weight of about 172.01 g/mol, the density reaches about 1.39 g/cm³ in solid state, depending on how molecules pack in a particular sample and the ambient temperature. This specific density and formula support handling calculations and formulation tasks, whether dealing with raw powder, flakes, or solution.

Specifications and Common Forms

2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile tends to arrive in pallets in the form of light-colored flakes or fine powder. Less often, manufacturers deliver this compound as pearls with uniform particle size for easier dosing during production. Solid at room temperature, 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile displays notable crystallinity, which simplifies identification and serves as a reliable sign for quality assessment. The structure remains robust during routine transport unless exposed to conditions exceeding standard recommendations.

HS Code and Handling

Connected to the international trading system, 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile falls under the HS Code 2926909090, signifying its classification among nitrile derivatives. International buyers, customs officials, and compliance teams all rely on this mark for tracking shipments, handling duties, and obeying safety protocols, especially when raw materials cross borders.

Material Safety, Hazards, and Health Considerations

Real-world use cannot avoid discussion of safety and hazards related to 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile. Even trace amounts can cause irritation on contact with skin, eyes, or lungs. The solid or crystalline form gives off dust during handling, sometimes making breathing difficult for those unprotected. Toxicological data points to harmfulness, which requires PPE—gloves, goggles, masks—to limit accidental exposure in lab or factory environments. At higher temperatures, breakdown products present additional hazards to health and the environment, reinforcing the need for closed-system processing and proper ventilation.

Applying Knowledge: Industrial Relevance and Chemical Behavior

From first use in agrochemicals to specialist polymers, 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile delivers value where resistance to harsh environments or specific reactivity becomes necessary. The presence of two chlorine atoms changes both physical property and chemical reactivity, often allowing it to work as a stepping-stone in multi-step syntheses or as an intermediate in the production of herbicides that help manage problem plants while minimizing crop harm. The availability of this compound in powder, flakes, or granular forms makes dosing, dissolution, and blending less daunting for manufacturers under pressure to meet both quality and regulatory standards.

Storage and Stability

Stable and non-volatile under normal storage conditions, the solid form resists decomposition in sealed containers kept dry and away from direct sunlight. I’ve seen storage guidelines stressing low humidity as a must, in part due to the slow hydrolysis observed if moisture finds its way into packaging—a risk factor for shelf-life and chemical integrity. This advice lines up with guidelines from regulatory authorities and chemical supply best practices.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Disposal and environmental management need careful attention, with 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile marked as hazardous waste in many regions. Wastewater from cleaning operations must not enter municipal drains, and any material left unused or degraded by age requires strictly controlled disposal according to local hazardous chemical rules. Ensuring compliance keeps operations away from legal trouble and protects nearby communities from environmental harm.

Personal Insights and Solutions for Safe Use

Having worked in synthetic laboratories where similar chemicals see daily use, I recognize how much training helps reduce accident risk. Workers interacting with 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile benefit from clear-cut, hands-on protocols—well beyond what’s printed on an MSDS. For plant managers, creating a safety culture means proper storage layout, clean-up readiness, and routine drills to build comfort with spill and exposure containment. Digital inventory tracking, as seen in modern facilities, ensures that material doesn’t get lost in storage and that outdated or deteriorated product sees prompt removal before becoming an unsafe liability.

Summary Table of Core Properties

Chemical Name: 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile
Molecular Formula: C₇H₃Cl₂N
Molecular Weight: 172.01 g/mol
HS Code: 2926909090
Physical Form: Flakes, powder, pearls, crystalline solid
Density: ~1.39 g/cm³
Appearance: White or slightly off-white
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in organic solvents
Stability: Stable in dry, cool storage
Hazards: Harmful if inhaled, ingested, or if absorbed through skin; proper PPE required

Final Thoughts on Industrial Handling

It’s easy to focus on the end uses—like crop protection or specialty coatings—but every stage, from raw material reception through disposal, demands respect for both chemistry and human safety. Up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience with the product distinguish smooth operations from dangerous shortcuts, proving that chemical know-how and respect for the material go hand-in-hand toward safer, more efficient industrial chemistry.