Pivalonitrile is a nitrile with the semi-structural formula (CH3)3CCN, abbreviated t-BuCN. This aliphatic organic compound is a clear, colourless liquid that is used as a solvent and as a labile ligand in coordination chemistry. Pivalonitrile is isomeric with tert-butyl isocyanide. Pivalonitrile is a nitrile with the semi-structural formula (CH3)3CCN, abbreviated t-BuCN. This aliphatic organic compound is a clear, colourless liquid that is used as a solvent and as a labile ligand in coordination chemistry. Pivalonitrile is isomeric with tert-butyl isocyanide.