Propyl isocyanate

Propyl isocyanate
Skeletal formula of propyl isocyanate
Skeletal formula of propyl isocyanate
Names
IUPAC name
1-isocyanatopropane
Other names
  • 1-propyl isocyanate
  • n-propyl isocyanate
  • PIC
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.003.458 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 203-803-6
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C4H7NO/c1-2-3-5-4-6/h2-3H2,1H3
    Key: OQURWGJAWSLGQG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
  • CCCN=C=O
Properties
C4H7NO
Molar mass 85.106 g·mol−1
Appearance colourless liquid with a pungent odor
Density 0.908 g/cm3
Melting point −30 °C (−22 °F; 243 K)
Boiling point 83–84 °C (181–183 °F; 356–357 K)
decomposes in water
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS02: FlammableGHS05: CorrosiveGHS07: Exclamation markGHS08: Health hazard
Danger
H225, H302, H312, H315, H317, H318, H332, H334, H335
P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, P501
Flash point 0 °C (32 °F; 273 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Propyl isocyanate is an organic chemical compound of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen with the linear formula CH3CH2CH2NCO.

Synthesis

Propyl isocyanate is usually produced by a condensation reaction or by Fischer–Speier esterification with sulfuric acid as a catalyst.

Physical properties

Propyl isocyanate is sparingly soluble in water, reacts with water, but very soluble in alcohol, diethyl ether, chloroform, and most organic solvents.

The compound forms a highly flammable, colorless liquid with a sharp odor. Very toxic by ingestion, may cause burns and death.

Chemical properties

Propyl isocyanate reacts with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases and possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. Reacts vigorously with water, producing a toxic vapor.

Uses

The compound is used in production of other chemicals and insecticides.

References

  1. ↑ PubChem. "Propyl isocyanate". pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
  2. ↑ "Propyl isocyanate". Sigma Aldrich. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  3. ↑ "CAS RN: 110-78-1, Product Number: I0139 Propyl Isocyanate". TCI Chemicals. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  4. ↑ Kagakkai, Nihon (1990). Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan. Chemical Society of Japan. p. 3488. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  5. ↑ "n-Propyl isocyanate - Hazardous Agents | Haz-Map". haz-map.com. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  6. ↑ "Propyl isocyanate | 110-78-1". Chemicalbook.com. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  7. ↑ "n-Propyl isocyanate, 99% 5 g | Buy Online | Thermo Scientific Acros | Fisher Scientific". Fisher Scientific. Retrieved 19 January 2026.
  8. ↑ Pohanish, Richard P. (2012). Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens. William Andrew. p. 2248. ISBN 978-1-4377-7869-4. Retrieved 19 January 2026.