Nitrilase that hydrolyzes preferentially phenylacetonitrile, but also (R,S)-mandelonitrile, and 2-phenylpropionitrile. a nitrile + 2 H2O = a carboxylate + NH4(+) 4-chlorophenylacetonitrile + 2 H2O = 4-chlorophenylacetate + NH4(+) Optimum pH is 7.0-9.5. Optimum temperature is 38 degrees Celsius. Belongs to the carbon-nitrogen hydrolase superfamily. Nitrilase family.