2-Cyanoacetamide丨CAS 107-91-5

2-Cyanoacetamide丨CAS 107-91-5 is a white to off-white crystalline solid, soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It is a versatile intermediate used extensively in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical synthesis.

1. Pharmaceutical Industry
a. Intermediate in Drug Synthesis
2-Cyanoacetamide is widely employed as a key building block in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals. It participates in several reaction types such as Knoevenagel condensations, cyclizations, and Michael additions, which are fundamental in creating heterocyclic compounds (e.g., pyrazoles, pyridines, pyrimidines).
● Used in the synthesis of antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antibacterial agents.
● Forms part of the molecular framework of CNS-active agents, including anticonvulsants and analgesics.
b. Heterocyclic Chemistry
2-Cyanoacetamide is an important precursor for heterocyclic compounds such as:
● Pyridines
● Pyrimidines
● Triazoles
● Isoxazoles
These rings are prevalent in drugs and bioactive molecules due to their pharmacological properties.
2. Agrochemical Synthesis
a. Pesticides and Herbicides
Due to its high reactivity, 2-cyanoacetamide is used in the synthesis of herbicidal and pesticidal agents. It allows for efficient construction of active compounds that interfere with biological pathways in pests and weeds.
● Its derivatives exhibit selective toxicity, making them suitable for agricultural chemicals with targeted effects.
3. Dye and Pigment Industry
2-Cyanoacetamide丨CAS 107-91-5 is used as a coupling agent or intermediate in the synthesis of azo dyes, where it reacts with diazonium salts. These dyes are extensively used in textiles, inks, and coatings due to their vivid color and chemical stability.
4. Analytical Chemistry
It is occasionally used as a reagent in analytical chemistry for the detection or quantification of certain compounds. For example:
● As a component in colorimetric assays or detection methods where chromogenic reactions are required.
5. Material Science and Polymer Chemistry
2-Cyanoacetamide derivatives can be used as monomers or modifiers in polymer synthesis, contributing to materials with improved properties such as:
● Adhesion
● Thermal resistance
● Chemical resistance
These applications are relevant in coatings, adhesives, and engineering plastics.

1. Versatility as a Synthetic Intermediate
The unique combination of electron-withdrawing cyano and amide groups in 2-cyanoacetamide makes it highly reactive and versatile:
● It readily undergoes nucleophilic substitution, condensation, and cyclization reactions.
● Allows for rapid synthesis of complex molecules, streamlining the development of active compounds.
2. Cost-Effective and Commercially Available
2-Cyanoacetamide is inexpensive and readily available at commercial scale, making it a practical choice for industrial-scale chemical synthesis.
3. Facilitates Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules
Due to its ability to generate diverse heterocycles, 2-cyanoacetamide accelerates the synthesis of compounds with biological activity, reducing the need for complex starting materials and offering high functional group compatibility.
4. Environmentally Tolerant
The reactions involving 2-cyanoacetamide often proceed under mild conditions, with low energy input, and can be compatible with green solvents. This aligns with sustainable chemistry practices.
5. High Functional Group Compatibility
Its stability and low volatility make it compatible with a wide range of reagents and catalysts, allowing chemists to design multi-step synthetic sequences without undesired side reactions.

2-Cyanoacetamide丨CAS 107-91-5 is a small but powerful synthetic intermediate with a broad range of applications across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and polymer materials. Its multifunctional structure supports diverse reaction pathways, enabling the rapid synthesis of bioactive heterocycles and other high-value compounds. With its accessibility, reactivity, and compatibility with green chemistry principles, 2-cyanoacetamide remains a cornerstone reagent in both academic research and industrial chemical synthesis.