2,2-Dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde (also known as 4,4-dimethyl-5-oxopentanenitrile, γ-cyano-α,α-dimethylbutyraldehyde, CAS: 6140-61-0) is a bifunctional C7 organic compound featuring both an aldehyde group (-CHO) and a nitrile group (-CN) within a branched carbon skeleton. With the molecular formula C₇H₁₁NO and a molecular weight of 125.17 g/mol, it appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature. Key physical properties include a density of 0.9647 g/cm³, a boiling point of 93–95°C, a melting point of approximately –45°C, and solubility in common organic solvents such as ether, chloroform, and alcohols.
The compound‘s unique structure — a sterically hindered 2,2-dimethyl group flanking an aldehyde, paired with a terminal nitrile — provides orthogonal reactivity that enables selective transformations at either functional group. The aldehyde can undergo nucleophilic addition, condensation, and oxidation reactions, while the nitrile serves as a precursor to carboxylic acids, amides, amines, and heterocycles. This bifunctional versatility makes it an indispensable building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Its production typically involves a Michael addition of isobutyraldehyde to acrylonitrile under alkaline catalysis, achieving yields of 40–60%. Market demand is closely linked to the global agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industries, driven by the increasing need for versatile, functionalized intermediates in drug discovery and crop protection. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde is concentrated in three major sectors: agrochemical synthesis (≈40-45% of global consumption), pharmaceutical intermediates (≈30-35%), and heterocyclic & specialty chemical synthesis (≈20-25%).
In the agrochemical synthesis sector, 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde serves as a key intermediate in the production of highly effective carbamate insecticides. The compound‘s nitrile functionality can be converted to carbamate groups through established synthetic routes, yielding active ingredients with potent insecticidal activity. Its branched, sterically hindered structure contributes to the metabolic stability and efficacy of the final crop protection agents. The growing global population and the resulting need to increase agricultural productivity continue to drive demand for high-performance agrochemical intermediates.
In the pharmaceutical intermediates sector, this compound is utilized as a versatile building block for the synthesis of various bioactive molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The aldehyde group provides a reactive handle for constructing diverse pharmacophores, including imines, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and heterocyclic systems. The nitrile moiety can be elaborated to amides, amidines, and tetrazoles — functional groups frequently encountered in drug discovery. The compound has been specifically employed in the preparation of 5-(3-cyanopropyl)hydantoin derivatives via established synthetic methodologies. As global pharmaceutical R&D continues to expand, the demand for specialized, multifunctional intermediates remains robust.
In heterocyclic and specialty chemical synthesis, 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde is used as a precursor for the preparation of 3,3-dialkylpiperidines and other nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The compound can be converted to 2,2-disubstituted 4-cyanobutanal derivatives, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of various heterocyclic systems. It also serves as a building block for the preparation of functionalized pyrrolidines, piperidines, and other N-heterocycles that are valuable in medicinal chemistry and materials science. The compound‘s orthogonal reactivity makes it suitable for constructing complex molecular architectures in both academic and industrial research settings.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde follows a pattern of specialized fine chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturers, with production concentrated in China, North America, and Europe. The compound is generally supplied as a colorless liquid with purity ranging from 95% to ≥98% (verified by GC or HPLC analysis). Owing to its irritant properties, it requires careful handling and is typically shipped under standard hazardous material protocols (UN 3276, Class 6.1).
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable, quality-controlled supply chain for high-purity 2,2-Dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde (CAS 6140-61-0). Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent purity (≥95-98%) with low impurity profiles, fully complying with global agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and research standards. It is available in research grade (for laboratory and R&D applications), industrial grade (for agrochemical and specialty chemical synthesis), and high-purity grade (for pharmaceutical and advanced applications). XinChem offers flexible packaging options ranging from gram quantities for research to bulk custom packaging for industrial applications, with batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) and full characterization data ensuring complete traceability and regulatory compliance.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde shows regional differentiation: “Asia-Pacific dominates production, North America and Europe lead in high-purity agrochemical and pharmaceutical applications, and Latin America and Middle East & Africa are emerging growth markets.” A comprehensive global market report for this compound (CAS 6140-61-0) was published in December 2024, tracking market trends, manufacturers, and end-user consumption patterns.
Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is the world‘s largest producer and fastest-growing region for this aldehyde-nitrile intermediate. Chinese manufacturers, including XinChem, offer competitive pricing at scales ranging from research quantities to industrial batches, serving both domestic demand for agrochemical and pharmaceutical intermediates and exports to global markets. The region‘s expanding agrochemical manufacturing base, coupled with growing investment in pharmaceutical research and development, continues to drive demand for high-purity bifunctional building blocks.
North America (United States and Canada) and Europe (Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France) together account for the largest share of high-purity pharmaceutical and agrochemical consumption (≥98%), driven by the highest concentration of crop protection R&D, pharmaceutical innovation, and academic research. Customer requirements in these regions are stringent: purity ≥98%, full traceability, compliance with REACH and TSCA regulations, and comprehensive impurity documentation.
Japan and South Korea demand ultra-high-purity grades for advanced pharmaceutical development and high-performance agrochemical applications.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
2,2-Dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde (CAS 6140-61-0) is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. The compound has an EINECS number of 228-125-8 and an InChIKey of HKJVKIURQSVEQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N. It is classified as an irritant (Xi) with risk codes R20/21/22 (Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed) and R36/37/38 (Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin). Safety precautions include S26 (In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice) and S36/37/39 (Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection).
Recommended storage conditions: store in a tightly sealed container at 2-8°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from light and moisture. The compound is soluble in chloroform and dichloromethane and appears as a colorless oil. Personal protective equipment (PPE) — including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate laboratory attire — is recommended during handling. In case of accidental contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical help. The compound should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.
In the European Union, 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde is subject to REACH regulations; importers and manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). In the United States, the compound is regulated under TSCA; for pharmaceutical API use, adherence to cGMP guidelines (21 CFR Parts 210/211) is required. In China, the compound is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and requires safety production licenses for manufacturing facilities. Transport information: UN 3276, Hazard Class 6.1 (toxic substances), Packing Group III.
Environmentally, the compound requires responsible handling and disposal in accordance with environmental regulations. Manufacturing processes generate solvent-containing waste streams requiring proper treatment.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde is tied to three core drivers: (1) sustained growth in global demand for agrochemical intermediates, particularly carbamate insecticides, driven by the need to increase agricultural productivity and food security; (2) expanding applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, where the compound‘s bifunctional aldehyde-nitrile reactivity enables the construction of diverse bioactive molecules and heterocyclic drug candidates; and (3) increasing adoption in specialty chemical manufacturing, where the compound serves as a versatile building block for functionalized materials and fine chemicals. The compound‘s unique combination of aldehyde and nitrile functionalities, coupled with its sterically hindered dimethyl groups, positions it as a valuable intermediate for next-generation agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical development.
Challenges include: raw material cost volatility for isobutyraldehyde and acrylonitrile precursors, competition from alternative synthetic routes to target agrochemical and pharmaceutical intermediates, and the need for continued investment in high-purity production and quality control. Enterprises should focus on securing high-purity (≥98%) production capabilities, maintaining rigorous impurity documentation for global regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with REACH and TSCA requirements, and building long-term supply partnerships with agrochemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and specialty chemical producers.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of functionalized organic intermediates, agrochemical building blocks, and pharmaceutical intermediates, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries. Relying on core advantages in organic synthesis, aldehyde-nitrile chemistry, quality control, and global logistics, we provide high-quality 2,2-Dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde (CAS 6140-61-0) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent specifications for agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and research grades. Fully compliant with international quality standards, it is an ideal bifunctional building block for carbamate insecticide synthesis, pharmaceutical API development, heterocyclic compound preparation, and specialty chemical manufacturing.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanobutyraldehyde achieves purity levels of ≥95-98% (verified by GC/HPLC analysis), supplied as a colorless liquid, molecular weight 125.17 g/mol, molecular formula C₇H₁₁NO, EINECS 228-125-8, CAS 6140-61-0.
Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual solvents, heavy metals, and related by-products ensures high performance for agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and research applications.
Multiple Grades Available: We offer research grade (for laboratory and R&D applications), industrial grade (for agrochemical and specialty chemical synthesis), and high-purity grade (for pharmaceutical and advanced applications).
Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing (GC, HPLC, NMR, density, refractive index) guarantees consistent quality and reproducible performance across all production lots.
2. Product Advantages
Versatile Aldehyde-Nitrile Building Block: Directly used in agrochemical synthesis (carbamate insecticides, crop protection agents), pharmaceutical intermediates (bioactive molecules, API precursors, 5-(3-cyanopropyl)hydantoin derivatives), heterocyclic synthesis (3,3-dialkylpiperidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, nitrogen-containing heterocycles), and specialty chemical manufacturing (functionalized materials, fine chemicals).
Dual Functionality: The aldehyde group enables nucleophilic addition, condensation, and oxidation reactions, while the nitrile provides access to carboxylic acids, amides, amines, and heterocycles.
Sterically Hindered Framework: The 2,2-dimethyl substitution imparts unique reactivity profiles and enhanced metabolic stability to target molecules.
Flexible Packaging: 5g, 10g, 25g, 50g, 100g, 500g (R&D); 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg HDPE drums/fiber drums (industrial); full custom packaging available.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity in the multi-ton range, with dedicated temperature-controlled warehousing (2-8°C, cool, dry, light-protected, sealed containers) and just-in-time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
- Agrochemical Synthesis: Carbamate insecticides, crop protection agents, and agrochemical intermediates.
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Bioactive molecules, API precursors, 5-(3-cyanopropyl)hydantoin derivatives, and drug discovery building blocks.
- Heterocyclic Synthesis: 3,3-Dialkylpiperidines, pyrrolidines, piperidines, and other nitrogen-containing heterocycles.
- Specialty Chemicals: Functionalized materials, fine chemicals, and industrial intermediates.
- Organic Synthesis: Versatile building block for constructing complex molecular architectures via aldehyde and nitrile transformations.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides synthetic application guidance, impurity profiling, custom packaging, and regulatory documentation (Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, REACH compliance, TSCA certification). We offer just-in-time delivery and custom synthesis of aldehyde-nitrile derivatives upon request.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in the agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity specifications, grade requirements, packaging sizes, and regulatory documentation needs.
- Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive industrial pricing.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Aug-02-2026