> Downsides as i see them are
> 1 - aquisition of CH3CN
Shouldn't be that much of a problem. Acetonitril isn't uncommon in the lab.
> 2 - working with CH3CN. I see the HCN is a product of
> partial combustion of CH3CN. Actually everything about
> this solvent strikes me as loathsome, maybe its just the
> cyanide thing bugging me, is that a valid concern?
No. Almost every nitrogen containing substance will form HCN when partially burned. Many of today's plastics and fabrics contain acryl nitril, and if that shit burns then you get REALLY high amounts of HCN. That's one of the reasons most people don't burn to death in fires, they suffocate from CO and HCN.
> 3 - nessecity of good ventilation (is a fume hood a must have)
No. It's certainly not worse than a pseudonitrosite stink! Work outside if you're a pussy. Or close your reaction vessel, with a hose leading outside.
> 4 - obivously some dedicated equipment is inolved as well
Naah. A power supply (old computer power supply, or battery charger will do for a few tests) and a platinum anode (ok, not cheap, buy small and react longer instead. It isn't that difficult to aquire, and a one-time investment.
> the upsides as i see them
> 1 - great yeilds
Yes.
> 2 - simple work-up
Yes.
> 3 - easy to recover solvent, with a column. It doesn't
> form an aezotope with H2O does it?
Oh yes it does. It forms azeotropes with almost all solvents. But I know a way of how to easily separate it from water without drying agents.
> 4 - no reflux equipment mess round with
Oh yes you need that! And you need a bit more of equipment.
> 5 - doesn't take 24 hours!!!!
It will. For decent reaction sizes you will need quite some time, unless you invest in good cooling and a big platinum anode.