Fuming nitric acid may be used in nitrating benzyl cyanide,
but the method here described is cheaper.
The yield of 70 g. is obtained from benzyl cyanide, which boils
over a 5'0 range prepared as described in preparation III
(p. 9). Very pure benzyl cyanide will give a slightly higher yield,
while commercial grades may give only 50 g. of _p_-nitrobenzyl
cyanide and much oil.
The reaction has been also carried out with 500 g.
of benzyl cyanide. Under these conditions a 5-l. flask was used,
and it required two and a half hours to add the benzyl cyanide.
The yield of product was 325 to 370 g.