Cyano-, Nitrile-

2-Chloro-4-fluorobenzonitrile is a drug that has been shown to have antitumor effects by binding to the CB2 receptor. It inhibits hydrogenation reduction of the molecule, which may be due to its ability to react with both functional groups. 2-Chloro-4-fluorobenzonitrile has also been shown to inhibit progesterone receptor, which may lead to an increase in progesterone levels and a decrease in estrogen levels. The pharmacokinetic properties of this compound are not yet known.

3-Cyanoethylbenzoic acid is an anthropogenic compound that is produced by the Friedel-Crafts reaction between benzoyl chloride and acrylonitrile in the presence of a base. 3-Cyanoethylbenzoic acid is used as a solvent for chromatographic methods, such as gradient elution, ion exchange, and reversed phase. 3-Cyanoethylbenzoic acid has been used to determine the optical purity of benzoate salts and amides. This compound can be taken orally in solid oral dosage form or enterically in liquid oral dosage form. 3-Cyanoethylbenzoic acid interacts with other drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4, such as erythromycin, to produce an active metabolite (N-desmethyldesipramide).