Benzonitrile appears as a clear colorless liquid with an almond-like odor. Flash point 161°F. Denser (at 8.4 lb / gal) than water and slightly soluble in water.

How do you make benzonitrile?

Production. It is prepared by ammoxidation of toluene, that is its reaction with ammonia and oxygen (or air) at 400 to 450 °C (752 to 842 °F). In the laboratory it can be prepared by the dehydration of benzamide or by the Rosenmund–von Braun reaction using cuprous cyanide or NaCN/DMSO and bromobenzene.

What is the common name of benzonitrile?

The common name for benzonitrile is Cyanobenzene or phenyl cyanide.