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Chemical identity: 1,1'-Azobis(Cyclohexanecarbonitrile)
Common names: ABCN, Vazo 88
Chemical formula: C14H20N4
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid
Odor: No significant odor detected under ambient conditions
Used mainly as: Free radical initiator, especially in polymer industry
Molecular weight: About 244.34 g/mol
Solubility: Low solubility in water, dissolves more completely in organic solvents
Main risks: This compound is considered a hazardous material because it can break down under heat or friction, releasing nitrogen gas and toxic fumes. Dust can irritate eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Repeated exposure or large quantities can pose a further health risk.
Sensitization: Not commonly reported as a skin sensitizer, but skin contact still poses a risk of irritation.
Combustibility: Not highly flammable itself, but it will support combustion and can contribute to explosive mixtures of dust in air.
Other hazards: Decomposition products can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, and respiratory trouble.
Substance: Pure compound, no significant additives or stabilizers usually present
Purity: Commercially available forms often exceed 90 percent purity
Impurities: Minor impurities possible due to synthesis route, but not indicated as specific health hazards
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Coughing, trouble breathing, or sore throat should prompt medical attention.
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected area with soap and water. Medical help if irritation persists.
Eye contact: Rinse with cold, clean water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open; seek medical attention if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, don’t induce vomiting, and get medical help immediately since decomposition products are potentially toxic.
Suitable extinguishing agents: Dry chemical, CO2, or foam. Water spray can cool surfaces but may spread molten material.
Specific hazards: Fire or excessive heat triggers decomposition, releasing toxic gases including nitriles, carbon oxides, and nitrogen oxides.
Protective equipment: Firefighters need full-face self-contained breathing gear and chemical-resistant suits in confined situations.
Additional advice: Avoid breathing smoke, evacuate unnecessary personnel, cool any undamaged containers exposed to flames.
Cleanup procedure: Shut off ignition sources; scoop or sweep up to prevent dust. Place in sealed, appropriate waste containers.
Personal precautions: Wear gloves, protective goggles, and disposable clothing; avoid skin or eye contact.
Environmental precautions: Prevent entry to sewers, waterways, or soil to reduce ecological impact.
Ventilation: Ensure plenty of airflow in the area during cleanup.
Safe handling: Minimize dust generation, use only in well-ventilated areas, and keep away from sources of ignition or heat.
Storage requirements: Store in tightly sealed, labeled containers away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Separation: Keep away from strong acids, bases, oxidizers, and incompatible materials.
Other advice: Only trained personnel should handle this compound; open drums or transfer powder with proper protection.
Respiratory protection: Use NIOSH–approved respirators for dusty settings or during cleaning spills.
Skin protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, long sleeves, lab coat or coveralls suggested.
Eye protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield if dust or splashing is likely.
Engineering controls: Work in fume hoods or use local exhaust if available.
Workplace monitoring: Regularly check air for dust and potential byproducts to keep under safety limits.
Appearance: White crystalline
Melting point: Typically 85–90°C
Decomposition temperature: Around 90°C or above
Packing density: Low to moderate, but varies with form handled
Water solubility: Poor, less than 1 g/L at room temperature
Solubility in other solvents: Acetone and similar organic solvents usually dissolve this chemical better.
Vapor pressure: Low at ambient temperature; dangerous breakdown can release gases
Thermal stability: Decomposes rapidly at temperatures around or above melting point, so heating should be avoided.
Incompatible materials: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents increase hazard potential.
Avoid: Mechanical shock, grinding, or unnecessary friction as these can ignite decomposition.
Hazardous decomposition products: Nitrogen oxides, cyanide compounds, and similar toxic fumes.
Short-term exposure symptoms: Skin and eye irritation, coughing, headache; higher doses can cause dizziness, nausea, or trouble breathing.
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, accidental ingestion
Chronic effects: Limited data, but long-term exposure risks shouldn’t be ignored due to potential cumulative effects of organic nitriles
Carcinogenicity/mutagenicity: No clear evidence links this compound to cancer or genetic mutations based on published studies, but this field lacks robust human data
Aquatic toxicity: Can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life; chronic toxicity data limited, but persistence and potential breakdown products warrant extra caution.
Mobility: Low water solubility means spills tend to remain close to source, but improper disposal risks soil contamination.
Bioaccumulation: Very little is known about the specific potential; precautionary approach remains best method.
Environmental fate: Degrades slowly under normal conditions, but UV and heat can accelerate breakdown into more toxic species.
Preferred disposal method: Incinerate at a licensed facility; do not burn in open containers or mix with general trash.
Avoid: Drain disposal or landfill, since incomplete breakdown threatens ground and surface water.
Legal requirements: Local authorities may specify hazardous waste categories for this compound, so verify before transport or disposal.
Status: Usually classified as a hazardous material for transport under international and regional guidelines due to decomposition hazard.
Transport conditions: Ship only in secure, tightly closed drums away from heat or sources of ignition.
Handling advice: Avoid rough handling, use proper labeling, keep containers upright, and check for leakage before shipment.
Governing regulations: Coverage under hazardous chemical lists and employee right-to-know laws in many jurisdictions.
Workplace rules: Occupational exposure limits might be specified; always check local guidelines, and keep safety data accessible to all workers who handle or store the substance.
Community right-to-know: Environmental reporting triggered by use or emission above certain quantities in most regulated sectors.
