International Chemical Safety Cards

ACETONITRILE

ICSC: 0088

ACETONITRILE
Methyl cyanide
Cyanomethane
Ethanenitrile
C₂H₃N/CH₃CN
Molecular mass: 41.0
CAS # 75-05-8
RTECS # AL7700000
ICSC # 0088
UN # 1648
EC # 608-001-00-3

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidants.	Alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide. Fire fighters should wear complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Above 12.8°C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with oxidants.	Above 12.8°C use a closed system, ventilation, and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Fire fighters should wear complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE!
INHALATION	Abdominal pain. Convulsions. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Weakness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness (further see Inhalation).	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION	(further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from acids, oxidants. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
F symbol
T symbol
R: 23/24/25
S: 16/27/44
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0088

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

ACETONITRILE

ICSC: 0088

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
On combustion, forms toxic fumes of hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides. The substance decomposes on contact with acids, water and steam producing toxic fumes and flammable vapour. Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks some forms of plastic, rubber and coating.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 40 ppm; 67 mg/m³ (as TWA) (ACGIH 1993-1994).
TLV: 60 ppm; 101 mg/m³ (STEL) (ACGIH 1993-1994).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration (inhibition) , resulting in impaired functions. Exposure at high levels may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 81°C
Melting point: -45°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 9.60
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.4

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.04
Flash point: 12.8°C (c.c.)
Auto-ignition temperature: 524°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.0-16
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.3

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.