Aminopropionitrile
# Aminopropionitrile

Aminopropionitrile, also known as β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), is an organic compound with both amine and nitrile functional groups. It is a colourless liquid. The compound occurs naturally and is of interest in the biomedical community.

## Biochemical and medical occurrence

BAPN is the toxic constituent of peas from Lathyrus plants, e.g., lathyrus odoratus. Lathyrism, a disease known for centuries, encompasses 2 distinct entities: a disorder of the nervous system (neurolathyrism) leading to limb paralysis, and a disorder of connective tissue, causing either bone deformity (osteolathyrism) or aortic aneurisms (angiolathyrim). BAPN causes osteolathyrism and angiolathyrism when ingested in large quantities." It can cause osteolathyrism, neurolathyrism, and/or angiolathyrism.

It is an antirheumatic agent in veterinary medicine.

It has attracted interest as an anticancer agent.

## Production

Aminopropionitrile is prepared by the reaction of ammonia with acrylonitrile.

