any of a class of organic compounds having molecular structures in which a cyano group (−C ≡ N) is attached to a carbon atom (C). Nitriles are colourless solids or liquids with distinctive odours.

Acrylonitrile is produced in large quantities by a process called ammoxidation that depends on the oxidation of propylene in the presence of ammonia and a catalyst. Acrylonitrile constitutes an important component of several polymeric substances, including the acrylic textile fibres and synthetic rubbers and thermoplastic resins.

Some nitriles are manufactured by heating carboxylic acids (carboxylic acid) with ammonia in the presence of catalysts. This process is used to make nitriles from natural fats and oils, the products being used as softening agents in synthetic rubbers, plastics, and textiles and for making amines. Nitriles are also formed by heating amides with phosphorous pentoxide. They can be reduced to primary amines through the action of lithium aluminum hydride or hydrolyzed to carboxylic acids in the presence of either an acid or a base.