Name:
Acetonitrile
Synonym:
Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methyl cyanide; Methanecarbonitrile
CAS:
75-05-8
Section 1 - Chemical Product
MSDS Name:Acetonitrile
Synonym:Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methyl cyanide; Methanecarbonitrile
Synonym:Cyanomethane; Ethanenitrile; Ethyl nitrile; Methyl cyanide; Methanecarbonitrile
Section 2 - COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
| CAS# | Chemical Name | emsds | EINECS# |
| 75-05-8 | Acetonitrile | 100 | 200-835-2 |
| Hazard Symbols: XN F Risk Phrases: 11 20/21/22 36 |
Section 3 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Highly flammable. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Irritating to eyes.
Potential Health Effects
Eye:
Causes eye irritation. Lachrymator (substance which increases the flow of tears). May produce superficial reversible injury.
Skin:
Causes mild skin irritation. If absorbed, causes symptoms similar to those of inhalation. May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration.
Ingestion:
May cause tissue anoxia, characterized by weakness, headache, dizziness, confusion, cyanosis (bluish skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), weak and irregular heart beat, collapse, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death. Metabolism may release cyanide, which may result in headache, dizziness, weakness, collapse, unconsciousness and possible death.
Inhalation:
May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause lung damage. May be harmful if inhaled.
Chronic:
May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Exposure to small amounts of cyanide compounds over long periods of time is reported to cause loss of appetite, headache, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and symptoms of irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
Animal studies indicate that the product may affect the liver and kidneys.
Highly flammable. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Irritating to eyes.
Potential Health Effects
Eye:
Causes eye irritation. Lachrymator (substance which increases the flow of tears). May produce superficial reversible injury.
Skin:
Causes mild skin irritation. If absorbed, causes symptoms similar to those of inhalation. May be harmful if absorbed through the skin. May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration.
Ingestion:
May cause tissue anoxia, characterized by weakness, headache, dizziness, confusion, cyanosis (bluish skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), weak and irregular heart beat, collapse, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma and death. Metabolism may release cyanide, which may result in headache, dizziness, weakness, collapse, unconsciousness and possible death.
Inhalation:
May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause lung damage. May be harmful if inhaled.
Chronic:
May be metabolized to cyanide which in turn acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase impairing cellular respiration. Exposure to small amounts of cyanide compounds over long periods of time is reported to cause loss of appetite, headache, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and symptoms of irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes.
Animal studies indicate that the product may affect the liver and kidneys.
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
Eyes: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical aid.
Skin:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Get medical aid immediately. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician:
Exposure should be treated as a cyanide poisoning. Effects may be delayed. For methemoglobinemia, administer oxygen alone or with Methylene Blue depending on the methemoglobin concentration in the blood. May be partially metabolized to cyanide in the body.
Antidote: Always have a cyanide antidote kit on hand when working with cyanide compounds. Get medical advice to use. Methylene blue, alone or in combination with oxygen is indicated as a treatment in nitrite induced methemoglobinemia.
Skin:
In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Get medical aid immediately. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation:
If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.
Notes to Physician:
Exposure should be treated as a cyanide poisoning. Effects may be delayed. For methemoglobinemia, administer oxygen alone or with Methylene Blue depending on the methemoglobin concentration in the blood. May be partially metabolized to cyanide in the body.
Antidote: Always have a cyanide antidote kit on hand when working with cyanide compounds. Get medical advice to use. Methylene blue, alone or in combination with oxygen is indicated as a treatment in nitrite induced methemoglobinemia.
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
General Information:
As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Flammable liquid and vapor. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
Extinguishing Media:
Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Flammable liquid and vapor. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.
Extinguishing Media:
Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks:
Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then place in suitable container. Remove all sources of ignition.
Provide ventilation. Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Approach spill from upwind.
Spills/Leaks:
Absorb spill with inert material (e.g. vermiculite, sand or earth), then place in suitable container. Remove all sources of ignition.
Provide ventilation. Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Approach spill from upwind.
Section 7 - HANDLING and STORAGE
Handling:
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapor or mist.
Storage:
Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Flammables-area. Store protected from moisture.
Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Ground and bond containers when transferring material. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Empty containers retain product residue, (liquid and/or vapor), and can be dangerous. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames. Use only with adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing vapor or mist.
Storage:
Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Flammables-area. Store protected from moisture.
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
Engineering Controls:
Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible exposure limits.
Exposure Limits CAS# 75-05-8: United Kingdom, WEL - TWA: 40 ppm TWA; 68 mg/m3 TWA United Kingdom, WEL - STEL: 60 ppm STEL; 102 mg/m3 STEL United States OSHA: 40 ppm TWA; 70 mg/m3 TWA Belgium - TWA: 40 ppm VLE; 68 mg/m3 VLE Belgium - STEL: 60 ppm VLE; 102 mg/m3 VLE France - VME: 40 ppm VME; 70 mg/m3 VME Germany: 20 ppm TWA; 34 mg/m3 TWA Germany: Skin absorber Malaysia: 40 ppm TWA; 67 mg/m3 TWA Netherlands: 40 ppm MAC; 70 mg/m3 MAC Russia: 10 mg/m3 TWA Spain: 40 ppm VLA-ED; 68 mg/m3 VLA-ED Spain: 60 ppm VLA-EC; 102 mg/m3 VLA-EC Personal Protective Equipment Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators:
A respiratory protection program that meets OSHAs 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant respirator use.
Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower. Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below the permissible exposure limits.
Exposure Limits CAS# 75-05-8: United Kingdom, WEL - TWA: 40 ppm TWA; 68 mg/m3 TWA United Kingdom, WEL - STEL: 60 ppm STEL; 102 mg/m3 STEL United States OSHA: 40 ppm TWA; 70 mg/m3 TWA Belgium - TWA: 40 ppm VLE; 68 mg/m3 VLE Belgium - STEL: 60 ppm VLE; 102 mg/m3 VLE France - VME: 40 ppm VME; 70 mg/m3 VME Germany: 20 ppm TWA; 34 mg/m3 TWA Germany: Skin absorber Malaysia: 40 ppm TWA; 67 mg/m3 TWA Netherlands: 40 ppm MAC; 70 mg/m3 MAC Russia: 10 mg/m3 TWA Spain: 40 ppm VLA-ED; 68 mg/m3 VLA-ED Spain: 60 ppm VLA-EC; 102 mg/m3 VLA-EC Personal Protective Equipment Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles.
Skin:
Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators:
A respiratory protection program that meets OSHAs 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant respirator use.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Physical State: Liquid
Color: clear, colorless
Odor: sweetish odor - ethereal odor
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 88.8 mm Hg @ 25 deg C
Viscosity: 0.36 cP 20 deg C
Boiling Point: 81.6 deg C @ 760 mm Hg
Freezing/Melting Point: -45 deg C
Autoignition Temperature: 524 deg C ( 975.20 deg F)
Flash Point: 2 deg C ( 35.60 deg F)
Explosion Limits, lower: 3.0 vol %
Explosion Limits, upper: 16.00 vol %
Decomposition Temperature: > 500 deg C
Solubility in water: Soluble.
Specific Gravity/Density: .7810g/cm3
Molecular Formula: C2H3N
Molecular Weight: 41.04
Section 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Chemical Stability:
Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid:
Ignition sources, excess heat, exposure to moist air or water.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid:
Ignition sources, excess heat, exposure to moist air or water.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
RTECS#:
CAS# 75-05-8: AL7700000 LD50/LC50:
CAS# 75-05-8: Draize test, rabbit, eye: 100 uL/24H Moderate; Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 2693 ppm/1H; Inhalation, rabbit: LC50 = 2828 ppm/4H; Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 7551 ppm/8H; Oral, mouse: LD50 = 269 mg/kg; Oral, rabbit: LD50 = 50 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD50 = 2460 mg/kg; Skin, rabbit: LD50 = >2 gm/kg.
In a well-conducted study in mice, the oral LD50 of acetonitrile was calculated to be 617 mg/kg.
Carcinogenicity:
Acetonitrile - Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, or NTP.
Other:
See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.
CAS# 75-05-8: AL7700000 LD50/LC50:
CAS# 75-05-8: Draize test, rabbit, eye: 100 uL/24H Moderate; Inhalation, mouse: LC50 = 2693 ppm/1H; Inhalation, rabbit: LC50 = 2828 ppm/4H; Inhalation, rat: LC50 = 7551 ppm/8H; Oral, mouse: LD50 = 269 mg/kg; Oral, rabbit: LD50 = 50 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD50 = 2460 mg/kg; Skin, rabbit: LD50 = >2 gm/kg.
In a well-conducted study in mice, the oral LD50 of acetonitrile was calculated to be 617 mg/kg.
Carcinogenicity:
Acetonitrile - Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, or NTP.
Other:
See actual entry in RTECS for complete information.
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ecotoxicity:
Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1150 ppm; 24 Hr; TLm (hard water)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1000 mg/L; 96 Hr; TLm (soft water)Fish: Bluegill/Sunfish: 1850 mg/L; 96 Hr; TLm (soft water)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1640 mg/L; 96 Hr; LC50 (flow-bioassay)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1640 mg/L; 96 Hr; EC50 (flow-bioassay) Other Readily biodegradable.
Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1150 ppm; 24 Hr; TLm (hard water)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1000 mg/L; 96 Hr; TLm (soft water)Fish: Bluegill/Sunfish: 1850 mg/L; 96 Hr; TLm (soft water)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1640 mg/L; 96 Hr; LC50 (flow-bioassay)Fish: Fathead Minnow: 1640 mg/L; 96 Hr; EC50 (flow-bioassay) Other Readily biodegradable.
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Dispose of in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.
Section 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION
IATA
Shipping Name: ACETONITRILE
Hazard Class: 3
UN Number: 1648
Packing Group: II
IMO
Shipping Name: ACETONITRILE
Hazard Class: 3.2
UN Number: 1648
Packing Group: II
RID/ADR
Shipping Name: ACETONITRILE
Hazard Class: 3
UN Number: 1648
Packing group: II
USA RQ: CAS# 75-05-8: 5000 lb final RQ; 2270 kg final RQ
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
European/International Regulations
European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives
Hazard Symbols: XN F
Risk Phrases:
R 11 Highly flammable.
R 20/21/22 Harmful by inhalation, in contact with
skin and if swallowed.
R 36 Irritating to eyes.
Safety Phrases:
S 16 Keep away from sources of ignition - No
smoking.
S 36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and
gloves.
WGK (Water Danger/Protection)
CAS# 75-05-8: 2
Canada
CAS# 75-05-8 is listed on Canadas DSL List.
CAS# 75-05-8 is listed on Canadas Ingredient Disclosure List.
US FEDERAL
TSCA
CAS# 75-05-8 is listed on the TSCA inventory.
