Chemical Name: 1-Naphthonitrile
Common Synonyms: alpha-Cyanonaphthalene
CAS Number: 86-53-3
Physical Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline solid
Odor: Faint, bitter almond-like
Main Use: Used as an intermediate in dyes, organic synthesis, and sometimes in research settings.
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity—Oral, Skin, Inhalation; Specific organ toxicity—single exposure
Pictogram: Skull and crossbones; Exclamation mark
Main Hazards: Can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or in contact with skin.
Critical Risks: Prolonged exposure can damage organs; cyanide-related toxicity at high doses
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Chemical Identity: 1-Naphthonitrile
Chemical Formula: C11H7N
Purity: Typically over 98% for most research or industrial samples
Impurities: Trace amounts of naphthalene derivatives may exist
Inhalation Exposure: Move the exposed person to fresh air immediately. Provide artificial respiration if breathing stops. Seek medical attention without delay.
Skin Exposure: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with large quantities of soap and water. Get medical support if any irritation or symptoms occur.
Eye Exposure: Rinse eyes with water gently for 15 minutes, lifting eyelids. Ensure no particles remain. Always seek specialist attention.
Oral Exposure: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting. Obtain urgent medical attention, especially if the person shows signs of unconsciousness.
Flammability: Generally not considered highly flammable but may burn at high temperatures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Combustion Products: May release toxic fumes—hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Protective Actions: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Cool containers to prevent explosions from pressure buildup. Avoid inhalation of any smoke or gases released during fires involving this substance.
Personal Protection: Use gloves, goggles, and a suitable protective lab coat or coverall. Respiratory protection may be needed in low-ventilation settings.
Spill Cleanup: Avoid raising dust. Sweep up carefully and transfer material to a tightly closed container for disposal. Ventilate area thoroughly.
Environmental Caution: Prevent run-off into soil or waterways. Report significant releases to environmental authorities.
Safe Handling: Wear personal protective equipment at all times—this includes chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and, if needed, a dust mask. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Prevent inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact by keeping procedures within a chemical hood or well-ventilated area.
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed, properly labeled container. Keep away from heat, flame, direct sunlight, and incompatible chemicals like strong acids or oxidizers. Maintain in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space to prevent degradation.
Engineering Controls: Work in a well-ventilated area with local exhaust. Chemical hoods remain a proven solution.
Respiratory Protection: Appropriate NIOSH-approved respirators may be necessary for powder handling or accidental spills.
Skin Protection: Select heavy-duty gloves resistant to chemical penetration. Use lab coats, aprons, and protective footwear.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shields provide robust protection against accidental splashes or dust contact.
Workplace Monitoring: Air sampling for particulates and organonitrile compounds reinforces safety, especially in closed or small laboratories.
State: Solid
Color: White or pale yellow
Melting Point: Around 58°C
Boiling Point: Near 300°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature.
Solubility: Poor in water, better in organic solvents like ethanol or benzene
Odor Threshold: Low but potentially noticeable due to the bitter almond scent
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids; decomposes with heat or in fire
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides upon combustion or extreme heating
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption
Immediate Effects: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract; headache, nausea, dizziness on acute exposure
Chronic Exposure Risks: Repeated low-dose contact may harm liver, central nervous system, or blood
Acute Toxicity: Animal data point to moderate toxicity with possible cyanide-type symptoms if enough is absorbed
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; can persist and may bioaccumulate
Degradation: Biodegrades slowly; potential to linger in soil and water environments
Wildlife Effects: Contaminated run-off entering waterways might affect fish and invertebrate populations
Recommended Disposal Method: Chemical waste incineration offers the most reliable route provided all local regulations and incinerator guidelines are followed.
Precaution: Do not release to sewer or environment directly. Collect in clearly labeled hazardous waste containers for managed disposal.
Contaminated Packaging: Clean or properly discard following all hazardous waste management practices.
UN Classification: Regarded as hazardous for transport by road, air, and sea because of cyanide potential and toxicity
Required Labels: Toxic substance warnings on all transport containers
Packaging: Leak-proof, tightly sealed, and clearly labeled drums or bottles for shipment
Precaution During Transit: Protect from mechanical damage, avoid stacking or impact, and secure upright within well-ventilated compartments
Chemical Inventory Status: 1-Naphthonitrile appears on key regulatory lists including those managed by EPA (TSCA) and EU (REACH)
Labeling Directives: GHS hazard statements and pictograms are mandatory; employer safety training forms part of compliance
Worker Protections: OSHA and similar regulatory agencies require detailed local safety measures, emergency planning, and exposure tracking for workplaces where 1-Naphthonitrile is handled
Environmental Restrictions: Disposal and emissions come under strict local and international laws due to aquatic toxicity and carcinogenic potential of nitrile compounds