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Chemical Name: 2-Methylacrylonitrile
Synonyms: Alpha-methylacrylonitrile, 2-Cyanopropene
Molecular Formula: C4H5N
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Sharp, acrid, somewhat pungent
Stabilization: Usually contains added stabilizers such as hydroquinone
Uses: Primarily as a monomer or chemical intermediate in organic synthesis, especially for polymers and chemical manufacturing
Acute Hazards: Toxic if inhaled or ingested; may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact may lead to dermatitis or respiratory sensitization
Flammability: Flammable liquid and vapor, with low flash point; vapor can form explosive mixtures with air
Reactivity Dangers: Reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases
Carcinogenicity: Animal studies have shown potential for carcinogenic effects with repeated exposure
Target Organs: Central nervous system, liver, skin, and respiratory system
Main Ingredient: 2-Methylacrylonitrile, typically greater than 95 percent by weight
Stabilizers Present: Hydroquinone, present in small concentrations, less than 1 percent
Impurities: Potential trace impurities from manufacturing, often proprietary to the production method used; may include related nitrile compounds in low levels
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, or dizziness develop
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, apply mild soap, and seek medical evaluation for any persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently but thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open and seeking prompt medical evaluation
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth with water, and seek urgent medical care; risk of aspiration pneumonia can be high with many nitriles
Notes for Professionals: Symptoms may be delayed, and treatment often requires supportive respiratory and neurological care
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread the fire
Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic gases such as hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides may evolve under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Wear full firefighting gear and positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Risks: Vapors can travel distances to ignition sources; containers may rupture if heated
Personal Protection: Evacuate area, ventilate, and use appropriate chemical PPE including gloves, goggles, and respirator
Spill Response: Stop leak if safe, contain spillage, absorb with inert material such as sand, and collect for disposal in sealed containers
Environmental Protection: Prevent entry to sewers, groundwater, and waterways through use of diking or absorbents; notify authorities if significant environmental release occurs
Handling Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas with proper air extraction; minimize contact with air and avoid build-up of static electricity
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers, away from heat, sparks, or open flame, and segregate from oxidizers
Container Materials: Compatible with stainless steel or glass; avoid corroded or porous surfaces that could catalyze decomposition
Safety Practices: Ensure grounding and bonding of transfer equipment; keep fire extinguishers readily accessible
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or local exhaust systems significantly reduce vapor concentrations; avoid recirculating exhaust air
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber work well), splash-proof goggles, and flame-resistant lab coats
Respiratory Protection: Approved organic vapor respirators for non-ventilated spaces or operations with volatilization risk
Exposure Limit: Occupational guidelines for acrylonitrile may be referenced; always consult local regulatory standards for specifics
Physical State: Liquid
Color: Clear to pale yellow
Odor: Pungent
Boiling Point: Around 112–113°C
Melting Point: Below −60°C
Flash Point: Around 4°C (closed cup, approximate)
Solubility: Limited solubility in water; miscible with most organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Relatively high at ambient temperatures, contributing to rapid evaporation
Density: Around 0.80–0.82 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stabilized product reduces risk of spontaneous polymerization, but elevated temperatures spur decomposition
Hazardous Reactions: Exothermic polymerization if contaminants or incompatible chemicals present
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis, and amines; aluminum or iron equipment may trigger unwanted reactions
Dangerous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide, oxides of nitrogen, and other toxic volatile substances under thermal decomposition
Routes of Exposure: Primarily by inhalation, with secondary risk from skin contact
Immediate Effects: Headache, nausea, respiratory irritation, and central nervous system depression or stimulation
Chronic Effects: Risks for dermatitis, potential cancer linkage in long-term industrial settings, possible nerve damage at repeated exposures
Ancedotal Evidence: Workers reporting chronic irritation or headaches frequently work in poorly ventilated conditions with limited respiratory protection
Systemic Toxicity: Similar to other acrylonitriles, risk increases with cumulative exposure; cyanide-like effects possible if metabolized in the body
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, can cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradation: Not readily biodegradable in water; may persist if released in significant quantities
Volatility and Mobility: Migrates rapidly in soil or air, posing groundwater contamination risks
Accumulation: Does not appear to bioaccumulate in living organisms but toxicity creates risks for aquatic food webs by harming invertebrates and small fish
Field Experience: Near manufacturing sites, accidental spills connected to sharp drops in water invertebrate populations and fish mortality
Waste Treatment: Handle as hazardous chemical waste for incineration or specialized disposal according to local and national law
Container Handling: Clean, triple-rinse, puncture or crush before recycling or disposal if permitted;
Precautions: Do not pour down drain, avoid contamination of soil or groundwater; consult hazardous waste service providers
Shipping Classification: Classified as a flammable liquid hazardous material by most international transportation regulations
Packing Requirements: Use certified containers with pressure-resistant seals and leak-proof closures
Labels Required: Flammable liquid, toxic substance
Accident Procedures: Emergency response information crucial with shipment; immediate containment and notification of local response teams needed in event of a spill crash or container breach
Workplace Controls: Listed under various occupational exposure limit regulations for toxic volatile organic compounds
Environmental Laws: Included on lists of substances subject to reporting and control under water and air protection acts in multiple countries
Industry Best Practices: Facilities using 2-Methylacrylonitrile follow strict chemical hygiene and waste management policies, including regular audits, exposure monitoring, and emergency response drills
Community Right-to-Know: Many jurisdictions require public disclosure of significant storage, use, and accidental releases through government and community information systems
