Acrylonitrile is an organic compound with the formula CH2CHCN. It is a colorless volatile liquid, although commercial samples can be yellow due to impurities. Acrylonitrile is an important monomer used in the production of polymers such as polyacrylonitrile, which is a precursor for carbon fibers, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic.