Bromobenzyl cyanide is a colorless organobromide compound. It is slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in organic solvents. Bromobenzyl cyanide is resistant to the action of water and oxidizers; it decomposes upon heating above 120° C and also when exposed to the action of a number of metals, which are thereby intensely corroded. Bromobenzyl cyanide is obtained by the action of sodium cyanide or potassium cyanide on benzyl chloride with subsequent bromination of the benzyl cyanide that has been formed. Bromobenzyl cyanide acts powerfully on the mucous membranes of the eye, causing irritation and heavy lachrymation. It was proposed as a toxic lachrymatory agent at the end of World War I and an irritant gas for law enforcement. It is chemically and biologically similar to Benzyl cyanide. Benzyl cyanide and its derivatives are used in organic synthesis for dyes, perfumes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, especially penicillin precursors. [ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Bromobenzyl-cyanide ]