© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: 2-Propenenitrile
Synonyms: Acrylonitrile
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Slightly pungent, similar to garlic
Molecular Formula: C3H3N
Molecular Weight: 53.06 g/mol
Hazard Classes: Flammable liquid, Acute toxicity, Skin irritation, Carcinogenicity
Main Hazards: Easily ignites, produces toxic fumes when burning, vapor causes headaches, dizziness and can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations, direct skin contact burns, liquid absorbed rapidly through skin
GHS Symbols: Flame, skull and crossbones, health hazard
Category: Category 2 Flammable, Category 1 Acute Toxic (inhalation and skin), Category 2 Carcinogen
Main Constituent: 2-Propenenitrile (Acrylonitrile) – often 99% or higher
Stabilizer: Methanol (typically less than 1%) or other proprietary inhibitors to prevent polymerization
Impurities: Trace monomers or stabilizers can be present based on storage and supplier
Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air, support breathing if breathing stops, seek immediate medical help
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water for at least 15 minutes, call for medical attention due to risk of absorption and burns
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes, protect eyes from further exposure, seek urgent care
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek immediate medical attention—a small amount can poison quickly
Flammability: Highly flammable, vapor forms explosive mixtures with air
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Do Not Use: Water jets can spread flame
Special Hazards: Decomposition releases hydrogen cyanide and oxides of nitrogen
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters
Explosion Risk: Closed containers may rupture under fire due to pressure build-up
Evacuation: Clear area, ventilate space, restrict unprotected individuals
Containment: Stop leak if possible without risk, prevent entry into drains, sewers, or confined spaces
Cleanup: Use absorbent, collect in suitable container, wash residues with large water dilutions
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, chemical suit, filter mask or respirator
Environmental Precautions: Use methods that minimize creation of dust or mist to reduce broader pollution concerns
Safe Handling: Work under well-ventilated conditions or fume hood, avoid inhaling vapor, avoid contact with skin and eyes, ground containers during transfer due to static risk
Storage Requirements: Store in cool, dry, fire-resistant facility away from oxidizers, acids, and ignition sources
Containers: Use chemical-resistant, tightly sealed containers designed for flammable and toxic liquids
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage with alkalis, strong acids, amines, and copper alloys; incompatible materials speed up decomposition, aging or unwanted reactions
Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation or chemical fume hood
Respiratory Protection: Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge or supplied-air system for high concentrations
Skin Protection: Impermeable gloves, chemical-resistant suit, boots
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles, face shield for splash risk
Occupational Limits: Occupational Exposure Limit around 2 ppm in air for 8-hour shift; short-term exposure controls are stricter
Engineering Controls: Non-sparking equipment, continuous leak and vapor monitoring for long-term risk reduction
Physical State: Liquid at room temperature
Boiling Point: 77°C (171°F)
Melting Point: -83°C (-117°F)
Flash Point: 0°C (32°F) closed cup
Evaporation Rate: Similar to ether
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, ether
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Odor Threshold: 14 ppm (detectable by most adults)
Stability: Unstable in the absence of inhibitors; stabilized grades last longer against unwanted polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flame, sparks, sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with strong bases, acids, oxidizers, copper, and chlorinated compounds
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, other hazardous gases
Polymerization Risk: Can rapidly polymerize without stabilizers or under heat; risk of explosion
Acute Exposure: Central nervous system effects like headache, confusion, convulsions, rapid pulse, collapse; can be fatal if inhaled in sufficient quantities
Chronic Exposure: Cancer risk with long-term exposure; repeated skin contact causes eczema-like symptoms, nerve damage possible
Routes of Entry: Absorbed by inhalation, skin contact, less by ingestion (still dangerous)
Sensitization: No strong evidence for allergy but strong irritant
Animal Studies: Rats, mice, and monkeys develop tumors and nerve damage after prolonged exposure to vapor or liquid
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to fish; even moderate spills wipe out local aquatic life
Biodegradability: Can break down with time, but persists in large quantities
Bioaccumulation: Low, but its rapid impact makes prompt containment critical
Water Impact: Spills cause oxygen depletion and disrupt water chemistry
Vapor Effects: Volatile organic compound status; contributes to ground-level ozone
Preferred Method: Incinerate under controlled conditions with appropriate scrubbers for acid gases and cyanide
Do Not: Discharge into drains, watercourses
Packaging: Use certified hazardous waste containers, labeled for flammables and toxins
Regulatory Disposal: Dispose by licensed chemical waste handler; improper disposal can result in legal and environmental problems
Empty Containers: Treat as hazardous due to residues, even when “empty”
Classification: Highly flammable liquid, Toxic by inhalation
Packing Group: Class I for high danger
UN Number: UN1093
Labels: Flammable, Toxic, Environmental hazard pictograms
Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright, protected from heat or impact, well ventilated, check seals before moving
Carcinogen Listing: OSHA, IARC, and NTP list it as a confirmed carcinogen
Workplace Rules: Strict exposure limits set by occupational standards in many countries
Community Right to Know: Listed in many regions as a chemical subject to public disclosure
Transport: Heavily regulated for overland and seaborne shipping due to acute and chronic toxicity
Industrial Use: Users must train workers in hazards, provide robust emergency plans, keep spills from leaving site, regularly inspect storage equipment
